Al Fresco Dining
Al fresco comes from the Italian language and loosely translated means “fresh air”. Dining al fresco simply means dining outside. This type of dining usually involves a more refined table setting to create a casual but elevated experience.
The atmosphere you create is just as important as the food you serve. The atmosphere should have a degree of lightness and airiness to reflect the al fresco essence. Creating this atmosphere is easy to do with the use of mixing simple decor, linens, and living elements. Having fresh flowers or even potted herbs to add to the table is a must. Your table should reflect the outdoor experience. Using flowers, herbs, candles, and pretty dinnerware can elevate your dining experience and you can enjoy the intimate ambiance while you eat, drink, and socialize with friends and family.
Your menu for your dining experience shouldn’t be daunting. Keep it simple by using fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season. Hosting an evening party in the summer is perfect for using seasonal menus as there are so many options to choose from! There are so many meals that are in season, easy to make, and simple enough to eat outdoors.
Serving dinner close to sunset is beautiful for adding to your intimate and cozy atmosphere. The sunset creates beautiful lighting that can carry on into an evening party with the use of some fun backyard lights. Having evening party lights is perfect for when the sun goes down and you want to carry on a little bit longer, and having a few light blankets is a great idea in case of a cool breeze during the evening.
Along with a simple menu, a great idea is to offer a few different drink options for your guests. Sparkling Pellegrino is a great bubbly option to begin the night with. You can also offer your guest a signature cocktail. We love the blended Aperol spritz from our summer drink guide! A simple yet classy option would be to serve chilled white wine. Use your beverages to accent your seasonal menu.
Dining al fresco is a wonderful way to enjoy nature's beauty while socializing with your closest friends and family. You can all enjoy the company while dining at sunset and then gazing at the stars. Al fresco dining brings a true breath of fresh air to the classic dinner party.
Our Al Fresco Inspiration
Gather the items you will need to create a beautiful table setting. Your table setting can look simple or fully decorated. Look for items you already have around the home to start filling your table with. These can be candles, vases, boards, or decorative bowls. We wanted to capture an evening that had an elegant yet simple European essence for our al fresco dining. Elevate your table by using fresh flowers or potted herbs. We chose to use potted herbs to add a living element to our table. The potted herbs give our table an Italian countryside feeling that we believe reflects a true al fresco table.
Next, begin to set your outdoor table with a tablecloth or runner. Linen is a great option to create a light and airy feel. Then fill your table with your living element(s). Play around with what feels good and what sets the tone of the table. Continue to add pieces of decor such as candles, seasonal fruits and vegetables, wine glasses, charters, plates, napkins, and cutlery. Remember for an al fresco table you want it to have a level of elegance while still reflecting the casual backyard nature of the evening.
Create a menu that reflects the season you are dining in. August seasonal fruits and vegetables are beautiful for using in recipes to enrich the dining experience. They are also great to use as simple yet tasteful pieces of decor. We used yellow pears and artichokes as an extra element to our table. You could also use grapes or even fresh-baked bread. Your drink menu should compliment the food you wish to serve. Sparkling water, chilled white wine, or a signature cocktail are all great ideas of how you can add a special touch to the evening.
Al fresco decorating doesn’t end at the table setting. Consider adding hanging lights to your backyard to introduce intimate lighting to your evening. Having a few blankets ready in a basket is a great idea to keep your guests comfortable in case the evening gets a little chilly.
Create a playlist or check out some of our faves below on Spotify that we think go perfectly with an evening outside!
Some things to consider: Check the weather before you host your event. The last thing you want is to have it rain on your beautiful evening. Consider finding natural bug repellents such as citronella candles. These candles are great, as they keep pesky bugs away, while also adding warm lighting and simple decor.
Finally, have fun with it! Al fresco dining is a great way to reflect your own unique style and share it with the ones you love most! It’s relaxed but elegant nature creates endless opportunities for the evening!
Al Fresco Playlist:
These pre-made playlists on Spotify are great to play in the background to add to your atmosphere.
Evening Acoustic: stay cozy as the sounds of the evening unfold.
Pop Chillout: the best music for just chilling.
Just Good Music: ease into these recent hits and new songs from your favorite artists.
Evening Jazz: slow jazz for evening listening pleasure.
Contemporary Blend: for those with a taste for both the new and the classic.
Country Coffeehouse: grab a cup and lean back to some low-key country.
Al Fresco Shopping Guide:
Palermo Serving Bowl, small $22, Nest and Nook Housewares- Shop
Aqua drinking glass $12, Monika Hibbs Home - Shop
Drinking Glass w/ Woven Seagrass Sleeve $20, Monika Hibbs Home - Shop
Seagrass Pitcher $62, Monika Hibbs Home- Shop
Hudson and Oak Large Plates $22.50, Far and Wide - Shop
Frayed Edge Napkin, Fog Blue, Set of 6 $52, Nest and Nook Housewares - Shop
Linen Table Runner, Chambray $28, Nest and Nook Housewares - Shop
Coralie Footed Tray $96.50-118, Far and Wide - Shop
Woven Palm Placemat $15, Monika Hibbs Home - Shop
Mini Urn Large $12, Nest and Nook Housewares - Shop
Heirloom Terrain Tray $28, Castles and Cottages - Shop
Acacia Wood Board $68, Nest and Nook Housewares - Shop
Bamboo Wrapped Salad Servers $48, Monika Hibbs Home - Shop
Photography Images by Tanya Kuzyk Photography (@tanyakuzykphotography)
-J