This summer my backyard is getting a complete makeover! I can’t wait to share the design plan here on my blog this Saturday. An outdoor dining area is part of the plan so I’ve started looking for ideas for that section of the yard. I think you might find some inspiration from these photos for your own al fresco dining space.
A simple farmhouse table with colorful chairs like these would be perfect for my humble farmhouse.
I do plan to have a pergola over our outdoor dining space. It lends a bit of shade for physical comfort.
A plain picnic table gets a pretty shade of violet. I like the rust log pergola and candle chandelier.
Photo by Clinton & Associates, PC Landscape Architects
If you don’t like dining outside with the bugs, set up a table and chairs in a screened porch.
When I dine outside with pretty scenery, it’s easy to imagine that I’m in France or Italy, dining alfresco at a countryside winery. That’s the type of ambiance I want to create with our outdoor dining area. This space is a little more formal than I’d like, but it has that European vibe.
Photo by Laura Hull Photography
An outdoor dining area doesn’t have to be extravagant. A cozy table for two is all you need.
Let’s face it. A waterfront view for dining al fresco is probably the ideal summer situation. Which is part of the reason why our backyard makeover includes a pond! If you can’t move to the water … bring the water to your home.
Photo by HillTop Interiors Inc.
When I was a kid, we had director-style chairs on our patio. They’re comfortable and practical for dining outside.
Rattan furniture is a beautiful option for an outdoor dining set. I love the porch as much as the dining set itself. Ceiling fans encourage cooling breezes while enjoying a favorite summer meal.
I can’t wait to get started on our backyard makeover. I hope it will be done by mid-summer but we do need to wait to get the pond installed based on the contractor’s schedule. I know it will be worth the wait.
Come back on Saturday to see the design concept!
More Outdoor Inspirational Ideas:
Casual Patios for Relaxed Outdoor Living
Outdoor Living with Water Gardens
Country Garden Tour in Upstate New York
Garden Planning Ideas for Your Home
Hi! I'm Jennifer and I'm happy to have you here! I live where the suburbs meet the country, which affords me the best of both worlds. Come along on my journey where I share decorating, cooking, gardening and more as it relates to both city and rural life. 
Such cute outdoor spaces. It would be fun to sit outside with a glass of iced tea at any of these places.
Can’t wait to see what you do with your backyard. I would love to have my plain-jane porch and yard updated, but I’ll have to live vicariously through you. I’m sure it will be amazing.
FABULOUS! I think I pinned practically every one. Thanks for posting. Great inspo!
I wish that I had the room for a big farm table. What is nicer than sharing a meal with a huge table of friends and family 🙂
I just saw the backyard design on today’s post!
Beautiful. I know you and your family will enjoy the addition.
We have a certified Wildlife Backyard Habitat and a screened in porch.
You will soooooooooooo enjoy your new space.
Do let me know HOW to get the lighting over the purple table/chairs.
I WANT IT!
Plan some solar lighting for night time pleasure. It will add to your pleasure
and lots of WHITE plants.