The Art of Al Fresco Dining: A Guide to Hosting Elegant Outdoor Meals
We often say that our teak dining furniture sets are ‘perfect for al fresco dining’, but what is Al Fresco exactly, and how do you do it well? We’ve put together a little guide to how to host the perfect outdoor dining experience for you and your loved ones.
‘Al Fresco’ comes from an 18th century Italian phrase that directly translates to ‘in the fresh (air)’. Whilst this phrase can be applied to any activity taking place outside, its most common usage is in relation to outdoor dining.
Utilising your unique space
First things first, you have to take a look around your outdoor space and plan what teak dining furniture would suit it best. For example, if your home has a more modern aesthetic or your garden has been landscaped, a trendy teak & rattan set might be the better option for your luxury garden gatherings. In contrast, our classic teak dining furniture adds a timeless aesthetic to any garden or patio.
Outdoor dining experiences in the warmer months can lead to hours long enjoyment - necessitating a comfortable set up for you and your guests. Armchairs and reclining chairs are ideal for long periods of relaxation, especially with matching cushions. Whilst most people consider al fresco dining as a dinner experience, it can be a gathering enjoyed at any time of day. For the hours when the sun is high, a parasol added to your table can make all the difference in regards to the comfort of you and your loved ones.
Catering for different party sizes
A successful outdoor dining experience doesn’t depend on numbers, however, having the option to host both smaller gatherings and larger parties with the same teak dining furniture saves both space and money. You can also choose between having individual chairs for everyone, or, for a more informal atmosphere, long benches provide a sense of camaraderie without compromising on space and comfort.
Utilising an extended table not only allows you to swiftly alter your space to fit more guests, but also provides ample room to place your delicious dishes on. Impress your guests with an easily adjustable setting whilst making life easier for yourself.
Accessorise your setting
Once you have the main, and most crucial, features of your al fresco setting down, you can consider adding some unique pieces to truly make it your own. Al fresco dining, whilst giving the air of a luxury garden gathering, invokes a close-knit familiar feeling. Make the space as inviting as possible with some decorations, or spruce up the table with a lazy Susan to give the setting some modern flare.
And don’t let the changing seasons ruin your outdoor dining experience. See where you can utilise some mood lighting, and enjoy some hot drinks around an in-style fire pit with good company in the colder months. All of our furniture is highly durable, so don’t worry, changes in the weather are not going to ruin your al fresco vision.
Al fresco dining is easy to adapt to your outdoor setting and personality. The important things to note are whether your furniture suits your setting, whether it’s convenient and allows you to reclaim your space as you see fit. Once you have your perfect al fresco setting together, you and your guests can enjoy gatherings under the stars for many years to come.
