We eat outside a lot in the warmer months. It’s such a pleasant way to end the day and enjoy the short summers we have here in the PNW. I also like to entertain in the summer as our backyard is way more comfortable for larger groups than inside our house (you should have seen the year we hosted Thanksgiving🙈).
We used to do this a lot growing up as well. I remember my parents opening the French doors that led from the kitchen to the back deck and bringing the table outside on balmy evenings. Now with my own family, this is a tradition or routine that we’ve continued.
While we have an outdoor dining set that doesn’t require carrying a table back and forth, there are some specific items that I have on hand just for outdoor dining and parties.
Plastic or Melamine reusable plates are the best for outdoor gatherings. You don’t have to worry about them breaking if someone drops a dish but you also can reuse them if you entertain frequently. They can also withstand the weight of food, unlike some disposable paper plates.
You don’t need a special set of silverware for outdoor dining but I just love the look of these. They add a natural element while you’re out in the elements.
I’m a firm believer in cloth napkins even for more casual get-togethers. They just instantly elevate your tablescape.
The trick I use is to have three different sets of cloth napkins that can mix and match to various different holidays.
Don’t forget to add greenery to your table even if you’re dining outdoors.
I prefer low and wide arrangements that you can see over while dining.
Citronella candles are a must-have to keep bugs away during our outdoor meal.
You can buy bigger citronella candles but I like these citronella tea lights that really add ambiance to any evening meal.
Just like reusable plates, you can get nice-looking reusable plastic drinkware if using glass outdoors isn’t a safe option for you or your family.
This dining set looks like an amazing option if you’re working with a smaller space. It’s also fairly affordable for a 5-piece set
I love that the chairs come with weather-resistant cushions. One less thing you need to worry about.
This is the larger version of that dining set.
