Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Outdoor Dining Room Inspiration

As the first day of summer approaches, I'm continuing my daydreams of warm summer days and outside living.  Here are a few of my favorite outdoor dining rooms, starting with our "under the mulberry tree in Asti" dining room from 4 years ago.
We have enjoyed many an alfresco meal here with family and friends.

One of my favorite outdoor dining rooms belongs to Penelope Bianchi in Montecito.
I love the aged, rustic table, vintage turquoise chairs and of course the gravel.
I'm wondering where the chickens are?

And here is Penelope's dining room ready for an evening meal.
Isn't it romantic?

Another oh-so-romantic dining room set under a curtained, sheltered area.
No need for Sunbrella fabrics here.  The sweet floral and lace fabrics will be just fine!

A lovely alfresco lunch is served under this romantic pergola.
I love the lantern and fireplace, ready to take this meal into the evening with light and warmth.

I love this burlap draped table and the mis-matched chairs pulled from inside for this Mediterranean style lunch.  
Outdoor dining rooms can be assembled as the need arises.

Just like this dining room set up under a tree with lightweight slipcovered wicker chairs, gathered around a linen draped table for a special garden party luncheon.
It can all be broken down and put away easily once the party is over.

How nice though to have a permanent outdoor dining room that is always party ready.
A room like this can be enjoyed almost all year in parts of the country, and with heat lamps in colder climates.
I love those wicker chairs!

More wicker chair love....

...and yet more!
Love those wine stave chandeliers, the pergola and tabletop setting.
Perfection!

Back, full circle to our "under the mulberry tree in Asti" dining room.
The wicker chairs were sourced from Marshalls and provide a lightweight alternative to heavy teak.
The candlelight has been replaced by an outdoor, galvanized electric pendant, so now we can see our food at night!
I can't wait to dine here with family and friends this summer!

I was asked how we deal with mosquitos, which unfortunately plague us at night in the wine country.
I hate to admit it, but we spray repellent on us.
I light citronella candles too, but it is a battle to keep the bugs away.
We fight the mosquitos at night and the wasps during the day.
I guess it's the price of enjoying an alfresco meal!

For more outside dining rooms and alfresco table settings, visit my Pinterest boards, Outdoor Dining and Seating and Alfresco Tablescapes.

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17 comments:

Thehouseofhampton said...

Those shots of your out door dining room get me every time! That view.......it really is a very special property.
Sharon
@novaraway

Leslie Harris said...

These are some amazing settings to linger over. But yours might be my favorite. And I can't believe you found all those wicker chairs at Marshalls. What a buy!
thanks for the gorgeous post.
Leslie aka gwen moss

Leslie said...

Beautiful! I love the wicker and the lanterns .. the rustic feel is perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Hope all is well and that you are enjoying the beginning of your summer.

xxleslie

Penny Carlson said...

All are so lovely. We are in the process of building our pergola. Love your outdoor pendant light. Can you tell me where you got it? Thanks!
Penny

cindy hattersley design said...

Some gorgeous inspiration here! I have always loved your own patio...post a picture with the new chandelier!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I really like your outdoor space, so inviting and all the others are fabulous inspiration also. Hugs, Marty

sugarcreek said...

Absolutely gorgeous. I wish our Chicago summers were longer and not so damp so we could have wicker & cushions left out on the patio.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Gorgeous...so inspirational. Have you seen that ad for a mosquito repellent that you clip on to your clothes?

Mimi said...

So much beautiful inspiration! But, I have to say, yours might just be the loveliest of all.

Mimi@ A House Romance

Christine @ Rustic-Refined said...

Gorgeous....just gorgeous. I cannot decide which one I like more....so I wont. Love all of them, each one has it own wonderful details that evoke great entertaining ideas.

Thanks for sharing it :-)

Sarah said...

I'd be delighted to dine in any one of these gorgeous alfresco dining rooms. I would love to have a permanent outdoor space that is covered and includes a fireplace, but we don't. We do have a lovely terrace with table and chairs and the night sky above. I'm not complaining. ;-)
FYI ~ we've been very pleased with our mosquito misting system. It is installed like irrigation system and works on a timer and remote. Have you looked into one? ~ Sarah

Babs said...

Love your current outdoor space in Asti. Great chairs! Gorgeous view!

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

So many wonderful settings...all of them are gorgeous...I had the privilege of visiting Penelope at her home...its even more gorgeous in person...

vignette design said...

I'm so jealous Julie! My friend also recently visited her garden and home with her garden group and said it is beyond amazing. I hope to visit someday myself. ~Delores

Unknown said...

Great post! FYI, you might try a fan to oscillate (or ceiling if you can), mosquitos and bugs in general, do not like the "wind". It has worked for us as we live on a river and have no problems with them. Cheers!

Unknown said...

You have such lovely inspirations, and I'm sure you're having hard time in choosing the best you like. Anyway, the 5th picture is my favorite. It has that homey appeal, and I could imagine how my family and I spent every weekend together, sharing good laughs on that place. Plus, I love the vintage approach of the lantern, and I think it will look good more if every corner of the deck has a lantern like that. Thanks for sharing! – Allison Shallenberger @ OutDoorLights.com

Anonymous said...

I love all of the outside dining sets. They are all so creative and comfortable. Thank you for posting.

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