10 Unique Backyard Dining Ideas for the Summer - Babmar

Elevate the summer lifestyle with these easy backyard dining ideas. The right outdoor dining set and outdoor seating make any kind of outdoor space an inviting setting for enjoying an alfresco dinner with family or guests.

Choose a Unique Location

Any outdoor space can be transformed into a great dining area. A spacious deck overlooking lush shrubbery, garden design, or other focal points is easy to outfit with one of Babmar’s elegant dining tables. But even a tiny urban terrace set with a small outdoor table and surrounded by potted plants is charming.  Add an outdoor rug to elevate it.

Highlight special landscape items, like some dramatic gardens, by setting up an adjacent dining area. Hang battery-powered lanterns or weave string lights through nearby foliage to create a magical summer ambiance. A fire pit is inviting, as are benches scattered here and there.

Comfortable outdoor furniture pieces transform any outdoor space into an unforgettable dining area that guests will want to use almost year-round.

Choose the Right Outdoor Dining Set

Pieces for your backyard dining area should be movable, but they also must hold up against the elements. Aluminum is the most popular material for dining sets; it’s lightweight yet sturdy and nearly maintenance-free. 

Cushions for dining chairs should have fabric that resists fading from the sun’s punishing UV rays, be water-repellant, and resist mold and spills. They should be easy to clean and dry quickly.

Set Up Easy Lighting Solutions

One of the big trends for lighting an outdoor dining area is to hang strings of fairy lights throughout the space. Weave them through nearby flowers, planters, or shrubs; or wrap them through the ribs of a patio umbrella or overhead pergola. Wind them around a balcony.

On a summer night, they offer a gorgeous magical vibe, especially set in beautiful gardens. There are a wide range of battery-powered lanterns that can be set on a dining table, hung from tree branches, or umbrella. Of course, the warm glow of candles at dinner is a perennial favorite. Mix it up by using a variety of candleholders set upon a cloth runner that’s placed down the center of the table.

Add Some Shade

Dining outside in the summer has its own relaxing ambiance. But it also has bright summer sun. Set up a backyard table and chairs under a big leafy tree. A shade sail is another permanent structure with a flexible fabric stretched between anchor points; it’s designed to withstand any strong winds or sudden gusts. 

Awnings are another option; many that roll up or out at the touch of a button. One trend is installing lightweight curtains around a seating area; open and close them to adjust to the changing light. You can also add shade with sturdy yet lightweight umbrellas. You can easily tilt or move them around as the sun moves.

Consider Adding a Theme or Matching Decor

Even though you don't need a “reason” to entertain in the summer months, there are plenty of opportunities. 

In June, there’s Flag Day and the Summer Solstice, while July offers up the 4th as well as National Fried Chicken Day. In August, National Eat Outside Day is a perfect reason to gather at the table. These “days” often change from year to year so check a “special days” calendar online.

Don’t forget themes built around the beach, picnic, summer sports like badminton, tennis or a big event like the Olympics. Create a themed event around summer cocktails like the margarita (the most-ordered cocktail in America); maybe create a taco bar and pipe in some mariachi music.  A summer craft beer or wine-tasting party is another popular option.

Find colorful decorations at any party or dollar stores or comb thrift shops and garage sales for things that can be repurposed. A little imagination can turn any casual one-off event into a regular celebration that will be popular every year.

Add Simple and Pretty Place Settings

Place settings for an outdoor dining area should begin with a color scheme. Any dining table will instantly look better with a tablecloth as the backdrop. For alfresco events, a durable cotton or polyester blend cloth works best. 

While it’s easy to use plastic tablecloths and paper napkins for dinner, using actual fabric elevates the occasion (plus, it’s more eco-friendly).

Layer coordinating placemats atop the tablecloth and add textured napkins or a table runner. Use plates, glasses, and serving bowls in a shatterproof material like melamine. 

Create a fresh, natural centerpiece on the table; a wicker basket filled with fruit (or even vegetables!), a vase of fresh flowers, or a small grouping of succulent plants make a simple summer statement. A pillar candle or tea lights add a magical glow to dinner.

Classic Cookout with a Twist

Lunch and dinner staples of the outdoor kitchen include burgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, and ribs. And don't forget those classic side dishes: corn on the cob, potato or macaroni salad, and cold watermelon slices. The beauty of these cookout or picnic basics is in the many tasty ways a fresh, creative twist can be added by a skilled chef.

Try grilling foil packets of vegetables with or without meats. Shrimp and steak on a skewer or grilled chicken and pineapple kebabs are another fun way to mix it up. Toss watermelon cubes with a little fresh basil and feta cheese for a colorful, refreshing salad. Make homemade ice cream with grown-up flavors like olive oil or tarragon.

Don’t Forget About the Drinks

Beverages are a must for dining alfresco. Make pitchers of cool water with fresh lemon slices available. Pack a few tubs with ice and place bottles of soda and sparkling water in one, and bottles of wine and beer in the other.

Among the more popular backyard dining ideas, create a special “batch cocktail,” reflecting a theme or occasion (don’t forget the “mocktail” booze-free version). Batch cocktails require special mixing instructions so that they don’t get watered down; find recipes and instructions online.

Serve them in a pitcher or create a DIY station with the ingredients handy (it’s also a fun activity for your guests!).

Play Some Games

Before or after a great meal, there’s plenty of time for fun! Keep kids and adults entertained with classic games like cornhole, badminton, bocce, or horseshoes.  Don’t forget croquet or ring toss.

You can even find large versions of games like Jenga, Connect Four, and even dice that are made for outdoors. And let’s face it: everyone loves a good game of charades! That’s a proven favorite that’s suitable for kids and grown-ups.

Turn Up the Tunes

What’s a party in summer without great music?  These days, it’s easy to curate a perfect playlist on something like Spotify. Make multiple playlists to pace the gathering; higher energy at the start, a more mellow feeling as the gathering winds down. The first step is to decide what kind of vibe you want but ensure that you inject some variety: not everyone may want four straight hours of techno-music. Mix it up.

Pay attention to the length of the playlist and time it to the length of your party. The average length of a song is about four minutes, so do the math: an hour-long playlist needs 15 songs.

Don’t overlook the speakers; find the right ones so your soundtrack doesn’t go to waste.

Conclusion

A backyard offers so many options for entertaining.  Start by setting up eating areas with a comfortable dining set. Maybe add a modern outdoor sofa, extra seating with soft cushions, and a coffee table to create a luxe lounge area. Take advantage of interesting landscaping or a great view and arrange seating to highlight it. Create shady spots for a daytime picnic and interesting lighting for the evening. Set a simple table, blending textures and layers with a natural centerpiece. Mix up the menu with twists on cookout staples, and create a signature beverage. Have some games on hand, and a great playlist to keep the ambiance on point. Transform a backyard into another "room" that you and your guests will love.