Setting the Scene for Unforgettable Memories
There is something truly relaxing about eating outside, especially after a fun-filled day in the sun. Appetites are high, the mood is chill and everyone is happy to sit back and spend time together over a delicious meal.
Good food is the key ingredient to a perfect outdoor dining experience, but it’s the comfortable surroundings that will leave you lingering at the table long after the plates are cleared. No matter where you are, it is possible to create that leisurely feeling with a few smart furniture choices, some carefully planned landscaping and a bit of whimsy. Before you know it, every meal will leave you feeling like you’ve spent the day lounging by the lake.
Creating the Space
When it comes to selecting the right furniture, look for functional pieces that fit easily in the area you are working with. A table that is too large can feel crowded and difficult to navigate, while a dining set that is too small can leave the area feeling sparse and unfinished. Just as you would indoors, allow at least 30 inches of clearance for pulling chairs away from the table, along with additional room to move comfortably around the dining area.
The next priority is comfort. Deep cushions, soft fabrics and natural materials invite you to settle in and stay awhile. You’ll also want to consider the practical side, so invest in furniture that is durable and weather resistant. For vintage pieces, or those that are not meant to be outdoors, cover with a weatherproof paint or protective coating so you can enjoy them for a long time. Adding in a few flexible seating options, such as padded benches, can accommodate extra guests and provide valuable storage space.
For that classic cottage charm, incorporate a blend of wood and wicker alongside vintage painted or metal pieces. Extra points for a mix of fabrics and patterns that look intentional but effortless. Once you have the basics established, it’s time for the fun part. Add a whimsical tablecloth, candles, even a vase of garden blooms, layering colours and textures that celebrate the beauty of the season. And don’t forget an outdoor rug, ideally one large enough to fit under the table and the chairs when they are pulled out. These finishing touches are what bring everything together, transforming a functional outdoor space into a perfect summer retreat.
Dining in Nature
If you’re enjoying your meals lakeside, surrounded by the beauty of cottage country, you may already have all the ambience you need. But, for those hoping to create a backyard oasis, a little extra landscaping can go a long way. This is where beautiful gardens, water features and shade structures can make all the difference.
Softly lit pathways and gardens add a warm glow to evening dinner parties, while string lights and solar fixtures can keep the gathering going well after dessert. During the day, colourful blooms and garden sculptures create an inviting backdrop for outdoor meals. Be sure to include flexible shade options that can adapt as the sun moves. This can be as simple as placing your dining area beneath the canopy of a mature tree or adding a large patio umbrella. For a larger investment, a pergola can provide welcome shade and incorporate curtains for added privacy and sun protection.
Ultimately, the goal is to make the area feel like a natural extension of its surroundings. Better yet, nature can work in your favour. Consider incorporating plants like citronella, marigolds, lavender, mint and basil, all of which are said to help ward off mosquitoes and other insects. Plant them around your dining area to add colour and fragrance while helping to keep pests away.
Cook it Outside
It’s almost a rule that for a true cottage experience at least some of the food should be made outdoors. From traditional grilled favourites to the incredible variety of vegetable recipes available today, food cooked outside simply tastes like summer.
From a basic backyard grill to a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, cooking outside means you can still be part of the fun while the meal is being prepared. Make things even more exciting with some fun lawn games to play while everything is cooking. If you love to entertain and want to go a step further, add an outdoor bar, or even a pizza oven. Just remember to stock up on essentials such as propane, charcoal, ice and serving supplies.
Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy!
Whether at the cottage, or in your own backyard, dining outdoors is all about comfort and connection. With a little planning and a few thoughtful details, you can create the perfect setting for a memorable time with the people you love. Picture the smiles on your friends’ and family’s faces as they sit around your table, enjoying great food while talking and laughing the night away.
Shop the Cottage Look at Aberfoyle
Nothing says cottage more than mismatched dishes, colourful linens and surfaces adorned with unique pieces, from vintage vases filled with wildflowers to keepsakes and lake-themed decor. Born out of a time when these seasonal retreats were furnished with hand-me-downs and surplus household items, the look has evolved into a style all its own, inspiring interiors everywhere.
To create this cottage inspired aesthetic, start your search at thrift stores, antique shops and vintage markets. With over 100 vendors, a leisurely stroll around Aberfoyle Antique Market offers endless inspiration. As Canada’s largest outdoor antique destination, it is a goldmine of treasures, offering everything from vintage dishware and rustic furniture to antique textiles and one-of-a-kind pieces, making it easy to curate a look that feels effortless and charmingly nostalgic.
