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Ideal Patio Sets for Al Fresco Dining | Cielo
Published: 09/11/2024
- Categories: Garden furniture -
Nothing says “summer has arrived” quite like dining al fresco in your own backyard. Whether you have a small urban terrace or sprawling countryside garden, creating an outdoor dining space at home is an excellent way to make the most of the warmer months.
It all starts with choosing patio furniture that offers the ideal match for your space, your style of entertaining, and your imagination.
If you need a helping hand to choose the best outdoor furniture and bring your vision to life, you’re at the right place. Keep reading for essential tips and inspiration to design your dream al fresco home dining setup and make this outdoor season one to remember.
Embrace the joys of al fresco dining at home
Al fresco dining is an Italian phrase meaning “in the open air.” And it isn’t too hard to imagine you’re in a romantic European setting when dining outdoors—it brings a sense of freedom, invigoration, and connection with nature that you just can’t replicate indoors.
Dining al fresco style at home also means you can tailor your experience to your exact preferences at a fraction of the cost of dining out. Experiment with your own décor and menu, create the perfect ambience with just the right lighting and music, and forget all the worry of making reservations, waiting on slow service, or fussing over incorrect orders (unless you have kids at the table, of course)!
Best of all, dining at home allows you to enjoy quality time with friends and loved ones in a relaxing setting, any day of the week. With the perfect patio furniture, you can create a gorgeous outdoor oasis for effortless entertaining all season long.
Choosing the best patio furniture for home entertaining
Whether it's a Sunday brunch, a relaxed barbecue, or a festive celebration, your choice of outdoor furniture will play a crucial role in setting the scene.
But with so many options, where do you begin? Well, the most obvious place to start is thinking about the space you have available and what sort of entertaining you plan to do.
Here’s an overview of popular patio set styles to start narrowing down your perfect match:
Outdoor Dining Sets
Outdoor dining sets are the classic choice for al fresco meals. A square or rectangular dining set is usually the best choice for covered patios with limited space, or for any space where you’d like to have things a little more formal now and then.
For more casual garden, deck or patio setups, a round dining table feels more intimate and encourages conversation. Plus, you can always squeeze in one more guest.
Outdoor Lounge Sets
For those who prefer relaxed, casual gatherings, outdoor lounge furniture comes in stylish sets, or you can build your own ensemble of sofas, armchairs, coffee table and side tables to inspire your guests to linger.
Modular sets and sectionals with interchangeable pieces can be configured around your space and work well for odd-shaped patios.
Cocktail Patio Sets
Are you a fan of evening soirees? Cocktail patio sets lend a sense of spontaneity and fun for informal entertaining with drinks and nibbles.
Tall tables paired with counter Stool allow guests to mingle with ease, while intimate two-seater cocktail sets are perfect for breakfasts and sundowners on the deck or in the garden.
Poolside Patio Furniture
If you want to do some entertaining by the pool, choose poolside patio furniture that offers a blend of comfort and practicality to transition between conversation, enjoying a quick bite or drink, and soaking up the sun.
Line up a few pool loungers, and finish off the perfect relaxation haven with a patio daybed or a few hanging chairs.
5 Factors to consider when buying outdoor furniture
While your outdoor setting will be the first major factor for your choice of garden or patio furniture, here are a few other considerations to ensure your outdoor furniture will be a good fit all round:
- Space & seating needs – what size party can your outdoor space accommodate, and how many people are you planning to host regularly?
- For more informal get-togethers, you can get away with a cosier furniture setup that takes up less space, while still giving you the option to add an extra chair or two.
- For larger and more formal parties, an 8-10 seater dining table will serve you well. Extendable dining tables are a great option to give you more versatility.
- Be sure to measure the size of your patio area and allow enough margin for movement and mingling before purchasing a patio dining set.
- Comfort features – the level of comfort you’ll need depends on the type of entertaining you’ll be doing and how long those evening wine parties stretch on.
- Ensure you’ve got sufficient seat cushions to keep your guests comfortable for longer meals.
- Most patio lounge furniture will come with ample cushioning, but it doesn’t hurt to throw in an ottoman or a few poufs if you don’t want the coffee table to become a footrest.
- Poolside loungers should feature adjustable backrests and waterproof fabrics, while mesh or textilene construction helps to keep things cool.
- A cantilever umbrella makes a practical and often necessary addition to most open outdoor setups if you aren’t already set with a screen or gazebo for afternoon shade.
- Location & weather considerations – it’s also important to think about whether your furniture will be regularly exposed to wet or moist conditions, strong wind or harsh sun.
This will inform your choice of furniture material, and whether you’ll require convenient storage options.
- Durability – are you buying furniture for a short but busy social calendar, or will this be a long-term investment for your home?
In most cases, it makes sense to invest a little more in outdoor furniture options that are weather-hardy and offer naturally superior durability (more on this below).
Better durability usually equates to less hassle when it comes to maintenance and seasonal storage.
- Style – It’s best to choose a style that’s loosely an extension of your indoor décor, and also fits your overall outdoor aesthetic, whether your home leans towards modern, traditional, rustic or coastal.
Garden furniture sets in neutral colours are easy to accessorize and change up for the season.
A quick guide to patio furniture materials
Your choice of patio furniture material will primarily be a matter of what appeals to you most in terms of style. But you’ll also want to be aware of the pros and cons of different materials where durability, maintenance requirements, and budget are concerned.
Breezy and casual – natural or synthetic rattan (wicker)
Natural rattan has a breezy, beachy look that’s ideal for cottages, coastal homes, and traditional garden landscapes, pairing well with bright cushions and floral accents. Its open weave construction promotes airflow during warm weather, and most sets include thick cushions for relaxing in comfort.
- Natural rattan is beautiful but needs to be protected from the elements.
- HDPE rattan offers an all-weather alternative that has the look of natural wicker but won’t crack, fade or form mildew.
Strong and Modern - Metal Patio Sets
With clean lines and bold shapes, metal sets have a modern, minimalist look that’s popular for contemporary homes. Perforated tabletops and mesh chair backs keep metal furniture cool, but you’ll still want cushions for softer seating and protection.
- Powder-coated steel offers a robust, low-maintenance option that’s resistant to rust and can withstand the elements. Ensure that any metal poolside furniture is galvanised or powder-coated to prevent corrosion from chlorine.
- Powder-coated aluminium is a highly durable lightweight alternative that’s more affordable, but can be more prone to dents. Care should also be taken in exposed windy areas.
- Wrought iron has romantic vintage appeal but can rust if untreated.
Timeless Beauty - Wood Patio Furniture
Wooden patio furniture is a timeless choice for patio furniture. It looks charming in any setting, and with proper care it can last for decades.
- Hardwoods like teak, eucalyptus, and acacia wood are a great choice for their natural strength, weather-resistance, and natural beauty.
- Teak offers the best durability with the least maintenance, and will weather to a lovely silvery grey patina.
- Avoid softwoods like pine that will deteriorate quickly outdoors.
What outdoor furniture is best exposed to weather?
Wondering exactly how to set up the perfect al Fresco dining space?
Once you’ve chosen your patio furniture, follow these steps to create an outdoor dining oasis you and your guests won’t want to leave:
- Choose a convenient spot
Pick a flat area of your patio or lawn, ideally with optimal shelter from the sun and wind. Face seating toward views you want to highlight.
If your outdoor dining area is exposed to the neighbours or the street, consider adding a screen, trellis, or even a living wall for privacy. - Add creature comforts
If you haven’t got natural shade, set up a gazebo, pergola, or awning to create a shaded area, or have a cantilever umbrella or two on standby for a versatile shade option.
For cooler months, a patio heater or a fire pit is a lovely addition to make things more intimate and keep your guests warm.
Adding an outdoor rug will help create a focal space, add underfoot comfort, and protect your guests and furniture from dust and dirt. - Style the Tabletop
Buying a set of dinnerware especially for outdoors allows you to get a little more creative than you might indoors and will make al fresco mealtimes extra special. It’s worth investing in durable dinnerware, unbreakable drinkware and UV protected placemats suited for outdoor use.
The outdoor environment gives you a lot more freedom to play with colours and patterns. Mix and match different textures, such as wood, metal, and glass, and bring in pops of colour with flowers, table runners, napkins and candles.
Potted blooms and herbs add sensory appeal. - Add ambient lighting
String lights overhead or on a table rail to add oodles of charm to your outdoor setting. Or place lanterns on side tables to create a magical atmosphere after sunset.
Citronella candles are also a smart choice to help keep bugs at bay. - Set the mood
Finally, don't forget about the music. Set up outdoor speakers for larger parties or simply add a portable bluetooth speaker for background music to complement your outdoor dining experience.
How to create an outdoor dining area: 5 steps for al fresco finesse
The best weather-resistant outdoor furniture materials include teak and eucalyptus woods, weather-resistant synthetic rattan (HDPE is best), and powder-coated steel or aluminium.
Make sure that furniture frames, fabrics, and hardware are corrosion and mould-resistant.
Look for cushions with stain protection and removable covers that can be easily stored and cleaned. Weatherproof fabrics like acrylic or olefin, combined with polyester fill will withstand fading, moisture and mildew.
Make the most of al fresco dining at home
Ready to style your perfect al fresco dining experience?
Whether you prefer the classic charm of wooden furniture, the modern elegance of metal, or the boho vibe of homely rattan, Cielo’s selection of quality patio furniture offers the ideal fusion of style, comfort, and durability to suit your budget and personal tastes.
Create your outdoor oasis today - browse our wide range of patio dining sets, patio lounge sets, cocktail sets and patio accessories online now.