How to Design a Cosy Outdoor Dining Haven

The summer months are fast approaching and with them comes the chance to invite loved ones to our homes for a delicious feast and spend quality time together in the sunshine. But don’t worry if your garden isn’t quite up to scratch for entertaining just yet.

In this blog, we’ll take you through our top tips to create a cosy dining destination in your garden, from using lighting to add an inviting ambiance to choosing the right garden furniture for your own summer haven.

What’s The Big Deal About Outdoor Dining?

It’s safe to say summer brings out the best of the UK, and as temperatures soar, so does our mood. Suddenly, beer gardens are bursting at the seams, outdoor spaces become our sanctuaries, and life is generally that little bit better.

It’s the chance to enjoy the fresh air in our lungs, the sounds of nature in our ears and the warmth of summer sunshine on our skin.

And as enjoyable as it is to gather with family and friends for some quality time together, outdoor dining in the sunshine can also:

• Reduce stress as we connect better with nature, as well as our loved ones
• Increase levels of Vitamin D in our bodies to aid calcium absorption and keep our muscles, bones and brains healthy
• Give our bodies a boost of mood-enhancing serotonin
• Allow us to create a relaxed dining environment free from enclosed spaces and noisy restaurant-goers
• Help food taste better as some people believe al fresco dining enhances our enjoyment

What Are the Key Principles of Creating a Cosy Outdoor Dining Space?

Many of us will have different ideas of what our dream outdoor dining space might look like. Also, some people have an abundance of outdoor space to work with, while others have to be more creative to make the most of a smaller plot.

However, there are a few key principles that should be kept in mind while creating your cosy summer dining destination, whatever your garden goals may be.

These are:

1. Comfort

To create a space where you and your loved ones actually enjoy spending time in, comfort plays a huge role. It’s no good creating a magazine cover-worthy garden if it’s all style and no substance.

In practical terms, this means choosing garden furniture such as chairs and benches wisely, making sure there is access to shade from the sun and creating a sensory experience that is pleasing but not overwhelming.

2. Style

While the first point is important, that’s not to say you can’t have style and substance.

Creating your dream garden gives you the chance to express your creativity and your taste. Choosing colours, patterns and textures that work well together can give your outdoor space the ‘wow’ factor to impress visitors and create a space that you will want to spend every moment available in.

3. Functionality

When planning your garden transformation, it’s also important to consider its needs, not just your wants. Think garden furniture that serve a purpose and designated areas for aspects such as growing greenery, attracting wildlife or ensuring ease-of-access for users.

How Can I Create My Own Cosy Outdoor Dining Space?

Now we know the basics, it’s time to get down to the details.

Creating your dream outdoor dining space is very much down to personal choices that suit your taste, your space and your budget, but there are a few guidelines to help guide you down the right path:

1. Location, Location, Location

Choosing the right spot is everything. Remember that you need to choose an area of your garden that will be comfortable for guests, while close proximity to the kitchen will also be beneficial, if possible.

Make sure it has access to shade from the sun when needed, whether this means choosing a spot with natural shade from trees or fences or adding your own elements such as parasols or a retractable roof.

2. Choose the Right Furniture

When it comes to garden furniture sets, finding the right one for you will depend on your tastes, your requirements and your budget.

With the unpredictability of the UK climate in mind, weather-resistant materials such as teak or treated wood can be a wise choice to combine style, comfort and longevity.

For garden chairs and garden benches, you can consider adding seat pads or cushions for added comfort and for the chance to showcase your nous for design.

3. Use Lighting to Achieve your Desired Effect

Outdoor lighting plays a vital part in ensuring your space is lit for safety and aesthetic purposes, but also to make sure your guests can actually see while they’re eating.

Features such as lanterns, string lights and LED bulbs can be used in other areas to create the mood you want.

Solar-powered lighting can be especially useful to promote energy efficiency.

4. Use Greenery and Plants Well

Planting seasonal and colourful flowers such as marigolds or petunia adds an instant injection of colour to any garden and helps achieve a beautiful aesthetic, too.

Introducing aromatic plants such as lavender not only brings vibrant colour but is a wonderful way to indulge your senses.

5. Ensure Access to Warmth and Shelter

It’s important to make sure your guests are comfortable whatever the weather. While temperatures may soar during the day throughout summer, the evenings can be a little cooler – and it may still rain (it is the UK after all).

Consider how to ensure warmth with features such as outdoor heaters or even a fire pit, while parasols, covers or a retractable awning can keep raindrops at bay.

Discover how Luxus Europe Can Help You Achieve Your Garden Goals

Here at Luxus Europe, our beautifully crafted teak outdoor furniture combines exceptional comfort, impressive functionality and incredible value for money. It can help you combine indoor and outdoor living effortlessly to create your own cosy space just in time for summer.

Browse our collection today and speak to our team for personalised advice on the perfect teak furniture for your space.