Alfresco Dining Ideas

Would you like to tuck into a sumptuous feast while watching the sun set? Rather than restrict meal times to indoors, why not take the party outside by creating an alfresco dining setting in a beautiful garden space?

Creating Your Alfresco Dining Area

Setting up an outdoor dining space can be as simple and inexpensive as placing a table and chairs in a shady spot, opening an umbrella and dishing up! But why stop there, when you can add an array of accessories and outdoor paving to turn your outdoor space into the ultimate alfresco dining area.

Add a Patio

To recover your old home to its original charm, a patio is the perfect stage for your new alfresco area. Pave it in a contemporary hue and materials – such as natural stone flooring - add a stylish roof and frame it with colourful pot plants or ornaments. For a breezier alternative, a shade sail can act as a roof and provide a modern twist.

Get a Gazebo

Another way to transform your outdoor space is with a gazebo. Not only is a gazebo ideal for entertaining and enjoying a meal, it also provides a tranquil spot for reading, rest and relaxation. Technically, a gazebo is roofed and has open sides. This makes it ideal for taking in the view and an easy project for the DIY-er. There is a gazebo style to suit any abode – from Victorian to oriental, rustic and Monterey. If you wish, you can even enclose it with a screen or windows.
>>> Matching your roof to your home

A Pleasant Pergola

A pergola is another perennially popular structure which can be used for outdoor entertaining. Most pergolas are made from timber, steel or aluminium and are attached to the side of the house. A nifty idea is to attach the pergola to the outside of the kitchen, for ease of access when preparing and serving meals.

Other Considerations

As you can see, the sky is the limit when it comes to creating an alfresco dining space. Just bear in mind that you may need to obtain council approval before building. Once you have it, you can look forward to eating outdoors against the setting sun.