Today, I’m sharing what Alfresco dining is and my 20 Best Dining Alfresco Table Ideas. We love to dine outdoors when weather permits, and I’ve created many tables that are exposed to the elements. I can’t wait to share them all with you today.
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What is Alfresco Dining?
What is Alfresco Dining? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Alfresco Dining is dining that takes place or is located in the open air.
Therefore, any event that is outdoors or in open air is considered alfresco dining.
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Outdoor Dining Blog Hop
Today, I’m joining a talented group of bloggers to share outdoor dining ideas. This blog hop is hosted by Pasha at Pasha is Home. If you are joining me from Jen at Midwest Life & Style, welcome. I know you loved Jen’s Picnic Breakfast Ideas. Be sure to see the other table inspirations at the end of today’s post.
20 Best Alfresco Dining Table Ideas
Here are a few creative tables I’ve shared over the past 4 1/2 years of blogging. Let’s begin with my favorite place to entertain with friends and family, the outdoor kitchen.
Alfresco Dining: Outdoor Kitchen
Our outdoor kitchen is actually a repurposed cinderblock cabin. We almost tore the dilapidated structure down but saved it at the last minute and created this wonderful outdoor space that we love to entertain in. Whether we dine inside the open air kitchen or on the patio in front, we always come away with happy memories.
Easy 4th of July Outdoor Table
Although this table is decorated for the 4th of July, it can easily be adjusted for any summer Dining Alfresco experience.
The table is set in our outdoor kitchen, which is an open-air structure. You can see more about the kitchen below.
DIY Outdoor Kitchen Before & After
When I shared the before and afters of the outdoor kitchen, we were dining in front of the kitchen, on the patio. Learn how the dilapidated cabin was transformed into a vintage-inspired outdoor kitchen for entertaining.
How To Host a Low-Country Boil
The alfresco dining table is very casual when hosting a low country boil. It includes these DIY Craft Paper tablecloths and lots of sticky fingers.
Budget-Friendly Fall Centerpiece
This casual fall table called for a budget-friendly centerpiece. See tips for creating a stunning centerpiece without breaking the bank.
5 Kentucky Derby Tablescape Ideas For A Winning Party
My supper club friends and I are sharing our best Derby party ideas so that you will learn how to set up 5 unique Kentucky Derby Tablescapes today. With these clever ideas, your party is sure to be a winner.
Budget-Friendly Mother’s Day Luncheon Table Setting
Check out these creative Mother’s Day Luncheon Ideas. Decorate your table with these fun, budget-friendly DIY ideas and have the best Mother’s Day gathering ever.
Everything Peachy Summer Alfresco Dinner Party Table Ideas
There’s no better way to celebrate summer than with a peachy-themed dinner party. The sweet, juicy fruit is the perfect symbol of the season and can be used to create an everything-peachy summer tablescape.
Next, let’s move to the pier gazebo located on the middle pond.
Alfresco Dining On Pier Gazebo
Another lovely spot for small gatherings is on our pier. We rebuilt the pier and added a gazebo, which was one of our first renovation projects at The Ponds. Check out these fun dining ideas.
9 Alfresco Dining Ideas & Tips
What is Alfresco dining’s biggest challenge? Unexpected showers and high winds can ruin an outdoor event. When dining in the open air, it’s important to be safety conscious. See all nine tips to have a successful outdoor party.
How To Set An Outdoor Dinner Table
How to Set an Outdoor Dinner Table using some of my latest thrifted and vintage finds and a DIY project from last spring.
Memories of Mom Tablescape
This alfresco dining table was set for Mother’s Day with vintage dishes just like my mom used to own.
Strolling back to my childhood was fun as I recreated this nostalgic tablescape.
With the addition of the pool next to the pond, there are now more spaces to entertain.
Poolside Dining Alfresco Style
My daughter once asked how many places you can sit. LOL. She was referring to the many seating areas we have created around the ponds. The pool area was our last addition; recently, we added a dining table and chairs.
5 Luau Party Table Decor Ideas
One of my favorite tables is this one with a Supper Club Luau Party theme. It was so fun to put together.
Summer Picnic Dining
In addition, this summer picnic table was also set by the pool for a casual outdoor experience.
Refreshing Poolside Dinner Party
There’s nothing like dining by the water; these refreshing poolside dining table ideas will keep you cool all summer. I’m sharing easy, budget-friendly poolside table ideas for your next dinner party. Entertaining doesn’t have to be expensive with these poolside decor ideas.
Alfresco Tea Parties
Another fun way to entertain is with outdoor tea parties. Check out these two fun events.
Vintage Tea Party – Tea For Two
I had so much fun planning the decorating for mine and Rudy’s Tea for Two Tea Party.
The party took place on our open-air gazebo, a perfect outdoor dining spot.
Now, let’s take a look at some other areas we like to entertain.
Garden Dinner Parties
Another fun way to dine alfresco is to plan a Garden Party. We recently used a neighbor’s farmhouse to create a rustic farm garden party.
Country Garden Dinner Party on The Farm
Check out these ideas to help you create a cozy Country Garden Dinner Party Table Setting with creative ideas for outdoor party decorations.
Garden Party in Greenhouse
Although technically, this garden party took place inside the greenhouse, the doors were all thrown open wide, and the fresh air space was perfect.
It was such a fun and festive party.
Spring Fling Dinner Party
I’m sharing some decorating and entertaining ideas to help you get started planning ideas for Spring Fling events.
And last but not least, l’ll share a few of my favorite table settings from the screen porch.
Porch Dining
When we built our farmhouse, a screen porch was a priority. I wanted the porch to be an area for entertaining and relaxing. Therefore, we included a dining area and have used the porch for girlfriend brunches, cocktail parties, and more.
Hawaiian Cocktail Party on Porch
Want to throw a Hawaiian-themed party to create a mini tropical vacation for all your friends? Imagine being on a tropical island, sipping a delicious cocktail, enjoying fresh fruit and appetizers with all your friends.
How To Plan A Girlfriend Brunch
Making time for girlfriends is important to our overall mental health. Learn tips for planning time with your girlfriends.
Rustic Fall Table Setting for Outdoor Dining
A rustic tablescape is easy to create with fall and autumn colors. Check out these rustic dried material ideas.
I hope you enjoyed today’s dining alfresco table ideas.
Resources
Up next is How to Set Up A Potato Bar for a Summer Dinner Party by Pasha is Home.
Be sure to click each link below for more inspiration for outdoor dining.
All Things Outdoor Dining
Al Fresco Dining // My Sweet Savannah
How to Fashionably Bring Your Dining Room Outside This Summer // Dabbling and Decorating
How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting // Cottage in the Mitten
A Casual and Easy Outdoor Summer Table Setting with Hydrangeas // Open Doors Open Hearts
Summer Honey-Themed Outdoor Dining // Tater Tots and Jello
Cozy And Casual Backyard Picnic Breakfast In The Backyard // Midwest Life and Style
Top 10 Best Dining Alfresco Table Ideas // The Pond’s Farmhouse
How to Set Up a Potato Bar for a Summer Dinner Party // Pasha is Home
Summer Dining on the Porch // White Arrows Home
Easy Ways to Elevate Your Picnic // A Life Unfolding
How to Set a Beautiful Table for High Tea // Peacock Ridge Farm
How to Create a Cottage Style Summer Table // Truemans Treasures
Pin It To Remember It
Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? To save, hover over the images and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button in the upper left-hand corner.
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Friday 22nd of July 2022
You have the best table ideas, Rachel. I always love it when you share your tables on the dock on the pond.
Rachel
Friday 22nd of July 2022
Thank you Kim, the only problem now is it’s too hot to sit outside unless your in the pool!!
Ivory
Thursday 21st of July 2022
Yum, everything looks so amazing. I love the different looks/styles you have in this post. Thanks for sharing
Rachel
Thursday 21st of July 2022
I appreciate you stopping by, thank you!
Aliya
Tuesday 19th of July 2022
Rachel! Going through all these wonderful ideas has me longing for Fall!! I'm usually good at living in the moment, but now I'm dreaming of gorgeous fall tables!!!
Rachel
Wednesday 20th of July 2022
Aliya, Yes fall is great for alfresco dining.
Pasha is Home
Tuesday 19th of July 2022
Rachel - these are all such great suggestions for alfresco tables! Funny - I didn't actually know what alfresco meant (so thank you ;0)!
Rachel
Wednesday 20th of July 2022
Pasha, I'm so glad you found this post helpful
Libbie Burling
Tuesday 19th of July 2022
Rachel,
I love all this beautiful inspiration! Pinned for later. xx
Rachel
Wednesday 20th of July 2022
Libbie, Thanks so much.