Gracious Outdoor Dining and Entertaining

When the sun is shining, entertaining outdoors is a breeze. A pitcher of lemonade, a bit of shade, and a nicely set table is all it takes to make dining alfresco a treat to be savored.

French doors from this California home’s living room lead to the terrace and backyard, where several seating areas are tucked among shrubs and grasses. The natural setting around the home is dotted with fig, lemon, apple, orange, and nectarine trees.

Log Cabin Porch

A cozy log cabin in the Appalachian foothills affords scenic views from the screened front porch. French doors open up the formal dining room to the breezy porch, a favorite spot for casual dinners on cool summer nights. Wicker furniture and bare wooden beams enhance this rustic retreat.

Backyard Fireplace

A freestanding fireplace in the backyard adds drama against a wall of shrubbery. A diamond-patterned patio with grass in between the pavers complements the mantel’s elegance. A glazed garden stool stands in as a side table.

Secluded Gazebo

Iron lattice forms a gazebo planted with wisteria and jasmine to create a romantic outdoor dining area protected from the sun and wind. The pebbled terrace adds interest to the floor, while the chairs and lattice lend texture to the space. An iron chandelier lights the table from above.

Spacious Outdoor Kitchen

Colorful canvas chairs and an effortlessly draped table built for a crowd create the perfect setting for a casual dinner or fireside chat. Appliances and counter space designed to withstand the elements make food preparation easy.

Sunny & Sustainable Patio

Elegant and eco-friendly, this patio set is made from recyclable aluminum and weather-resistant fabrics, which are easy to clean and do not emit toxins. Hanging from a pergola overhead, a decorative lantern with bells forms a charming wind chime.

Durable Black & White Deck

Even in decidedly damp Portland, Oregon, entertaining in the open air can be stylish and thoroughly enjoyable. On this second-story deck, elegant black-and-white stripes stand out against a natural backdrop of pine, birch, coastal redwood, and Italian cypress trees. The classic grid pattern on the chairs flows well with the striped Sunbrella fabric and the floor’s diamond design.

Moroccan-Inspired Entertaining

Dining outdoors can be as easy as tossing together a few pillows and a decorative table. Tucked between tall hedges, durable outdoor fabrics in electric hues capture the imagination. The table settings are just as colorful as the seating, so guests can fully embrace the Moroccan style.

Sunny Enclosed Porch

Honey-colored wooden paneling warms this Honolulu haven. Abundant windows invite the Hawaiian sunshine and trade winds indoors, where indigenous materials fuse together an amalgam of Eastern and Western design elements. A lauhala mat of plaited pandanus leaves skims over cool concrete flooring.

Waterfront Blue & White Porch

An island home in Chesapeake Bay is an ideal location for a classic dinner party, particularly one hosted in a blue-and-white screened porch overlooking the Magothy River. A navy glass lantern anchors the circular space, and white wicker furniture adds to the preppy vibe.

Vibrant Lanterns

Reflected in the overmantel mirror, rose red and cherry pink Chinese lanterns decorate this inviting alfresco dining room.

Charming Southern Patio

This Atlanta patio reads casual Southern comfort underneath boughs of white blooms. Natural wooden furniture speaks to the surrounding garden, while classic stone tiling lends modern elegance.

Contemporary & Colorful Courtyard

Sunlight filters through a pergola covering a lush courtyard, complete with outdoor barbecue, water fountain, and dining area. The outdoor haven helps to maximize the space of this Los Angeles home. Colorful seat cushions and pillows complement the red brick and vibrant greenery.

Sophisticated Patio Dining

Natural stone and cream fabrics are enriched by glossy black details on this sophisticated patio. Delicate lines on the table and chairs are reflected in the home’s windows and balcony railing.

Inviting Southwestern Terrace

Traditional Southwest décor meets contemporary design and bold colors to create this wonderful outdoor dining area in Santa Fe. Terra cotta and apricot tones warm the patio’s palette, while a stone fireplace heats up the sitting area. Vibrant dining chairs and seat cushions introduce hues from the lush landscape surrounding the patio.

Colorful & Classy Terrace

Girly Venetian chandeliers hang above a long dining table decked out in mouth-watering pinks and peaches. The Seattle-area rooftop terrace houses perennial, rose, and herb gardens, ten different types of fruit trees, and several varieties of wisteria and honeysuckle.

“We entertain out here from April to October,” says homeowner and entertaining guru Heather Christothoulou. “Often the party will extend into the evening, so we added an outdoor fireplace for chillier weather.”

For more summer-inspired outdoor spaces, take a look at our presentation of Pretty Porches and Terraces.