National Eat Outside Day is always held on the last day of August. And if you haven’t gotten out to celebrate this holiday, you should! This holiday is the perfect opportunity for people to take their breakfast, lunch, or dinner outside to enjoy the last few days of the warm summer weather before fall starts creeping in.
But, if you aren’t too keen on the idea of dining in a restaurant patio, you can bring the restaurant experience home with your own bistro-inspired patio, complete with food just how you like it. And lucky for you, we know some great tips for how to get the best outdoor dining experience at home.
Pick a Location
The first step in creating your outdoor bistro is the location: Do you want to relax and dine in a tucked-away corner of your yard, or do you want to be closer to the patio doors? Some elements of your design plan will be determined by the area in which you choose. Your selection will also affect what finishing elements you need to include, like umbrellas, and can help you choose the right furniture that can fit within the space. With your location narrowed down, now you’re ready to start planning!
Choose the Right Style of Furniture
Speaking of furniture, while the location will indicate some of the furniture you need, you’ll also want to consider the other elements. Instead of having one large table like in typical patio spaces, try something unexpected by arranging a few smaller tables in your backyard to create that bistro vibe.
Go for a wooden or rattan bistro set if you want a more stylish modern vibe. While a vintage bistro set adds more antique charm to your patio or other designated place. Ultimately try to find a bistro furniture set that either goes well with your existing style or one that stands out from everything else so you can have a truly unique space.
Intimate Lighting
The key to any bistro is the type of lighting you use. If you plan to dine al fresco during the longer evening hours, use soft, discreet lighting. The best bistros have a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, especially in the evening when warm, subdued light fills the room. So consider opalescent lighting or vintage-inspired lighting. You can even use string lights around the yard to give your whole yard much-needed light.
Create Ambiance
What sets restaurant dining apart from most weekday meals, aside from not having to do the dishes, is the mood they create. Luckily, this is easy to do at home! Light up a few candles, put out a vase of flowers, or intricately place potted plants. And add other design elements that will help make the space inviting and comforting for you.
The Extras
As we said earlier, the area of the patio you choose to use will determine the extras you need. So, if the space calls for it, add a nice umbrella for some shade. Or, if you want to do more than just eat outside, think of adding an outdoor kitchen or pizza oven for when you want to wow your guests. Also, items like beverage carts or serving carts are also great additions for added functionality and style. You can even add a cute chalkboard for your ‘menu” to make your bistro feel more like an outdoor café.
No matter where your design inspiration takes you, as long as you love it and have room to eat, your at-home bistro is ready for National Eat Outside Day! Now, It’s time to give your yard a perfect look! And Downs TV & Appliance has all the outdoor dining sets you need to create your dream outdoor space! Need help? We’re here for all your home furnishing needs, so just give us a call!