Photo: Flynnside Out
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Design Inspiration for Outdoor Dining Areas
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Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect).
From:
Laura Krey Design
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Invest in a Pretty Tablecloth
This backyard designed by Laura Krey is an oasis for summer (and spring and fall) entertaining. Lush garden beds surround a patio and dining area, perfect for an alfresco meal at any time of day. The easiest upgrade: Throw a pretty tablecloth over your table to make any meal feel like an occasion. Consider thrifting vintage textiles so you can switch up the look to heart's content — without breaking the bank.
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Porch Dining With Gazebo Vibes
The slight curve of this generous porch almost makes it feel like you're dining inside a charming gazebo. A round table adds to the effect, while a rectangular rug and cantilever-style chairs keep things interesting.
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Front Yard Dining
You don't need an expansive back deck to create a dreamy outdoor dining area. Take a cue from this inspiring space by Living Gardens Landscape Design and turn your front yard into an oasis for family meals and outdoor parties alike. The cement patio is surrounded by greenery with a chic dining set in the middle. The area also includes a handy buffet table. Behind the dining patio, a sitting area with a fire pit feels tucked away and more intimate.
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Photo: Salthouse Collective
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Cali-Cool Design, Inside and Out
The charming guest house on this California property connects to the backyard via sliding glass doors, so the guest house's living room is an attractive backdrop for the outdoor dining area. Since the two spaces are in same field of view, the home's Cali-cool design is carried through to the outdoor dining furniture and decor.
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Photo: Laurey Glenn
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Smart Upgrade for Alfresco Meals
A ceiling fan helps keep the covered patio cool and comfortable at the HGTV Smart Home 2026, making the shaded dining area a welcoming place for alfresco meals. Outdoor-rated dining chairs with French flair bring a chic bistro feel to the space.
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Photo: Menary Studio, Elite Audio Video Innovations - Steve Withey.
From:
Bellisa Design
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Pillow Talk
This outdoor dining area tucked onto a covered patio features woven dining chairs and a round table perfect for dinners with family and friends. Oversized floor pillows surrounding an outdoor end table provide another cozy spot to catch up with guests. Place coordinating potted plants near both setups to tie the whole space together.
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Photo: Marcus Meisler.
From:
HGTV Handmade
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Boho Accents Abound
This sunny Los Angeles bungalow features a backyard dining area packed with bohemian furniture and decor that add to the southern California charm. If you're looking to add a touch of boho flair to your outdoor space, consider taking a cue from this covered patio and hang a wicker or rattan outdoor light and roll out a colorful table runner.
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Put It in Neutral
This shady porch connects to the home's living room via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, so the room's neutral palette was carried to the outdoor dining setup. The natural wood table, whitewashed wicker chairs and gray rug underfoot add texture and visual interest without disrupting the pared-back palette.
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Or, Make It Bold and Bright
There's no such thing as too much color in this laid-back outdoor dining area. Yellow powder-coated steel chairs and a sky blue cooler create a colorful scene all season long, while the vibrant tablecloth can be changed out to switch up the look.
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High Contrast = High Style
The crisp white siding, trim and ceiling of the covered patio at this South Carolina waterfront home get a high-contrast jolt from rich, stained wood furniture. A pale blue rug adds a subtle pop of color that enhances the coastal vibes.
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Wow With Wicker
Wicker globe pendants match the dining chairs in this well-dressed outdoor dining area. Perched above the city, the whole setting feels casually elegant in light gray and white.
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Dinner With a View
The combination of jet black and natural wood gives this outdoor dining space a rustic yet sophisticated feel. Pea gravel underfoot creates a distinct visual area, separating the yard from the "dining room" while the custom mountain mural anchors the table and adds graphic texture.
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Coastal Vibes
This deck looks out over the water (the home backs up to a private beach), so it was only natural to position an outdoor dining table where family and friends can soak up the views. Chic, navy-and-blue bistro chairs add a splash of color and amplify the beachy vibe.
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Secret Garden
The gorgeous landscaping of this acre-plus property includes extensive gardens and tucked-away patios, like this one, perfect for an outdoor brunch. The large wood table beckons cozy conversation while two nearby lounge chairs and shade umbrellas offer a serene spot to relax, drink in hand.
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Punchy Privacy
To honor the midcentury modern architecture of this 1960s home, the designated formal dining spot was decorating in springy tones with sleek, contemporary lines and lush faux shrubs. What was considered wasted space is now packed with color, charm and pattern with the addition of an aqua-toned diamond rug, a teak table and Palm Springs-inspired armchairs.
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Photo: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography.
From:
Tiffany Brooks
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Beautiful Banquette
A black-and-white statement rug and neutral upholstery mix with wood accents and hints of gray to create the perfect neutral color palette for this inviting outdoor dining area. A unique polka-dot banquette bench is a sweet spot to sit and commiserate with guests.
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Divine Design
The warm look of redwood fencing, a natural fiber pendant and the pergola's wood slats helps balance out the industrial edge of this dining area's concrete patio.
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Dinner + Drinks
A retractable wall allows this covered outdoor dining room to be fully open to both the interior and exterior of this modern home. Infrared heaters flush-mounted in the wood ceiling allow the space to be used any time of year. Just beyond the dining area is a fully functional modern bar.
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A Traditional Take
The afternoon sun lights up this cozy, traditional-style patio perfect for alfresco entertaining. A red brick walkway lined with mature trees and boxwood shrubs makes an elegant setting for two beautiful, cream-colored outdoor dining sets.
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Photo: Sandy Koepke
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Quirky Collection
Under the elegant arbor, an outdoor chandelier holds a mixture of candles and hanging plants, setting a playful mood and bringing this unique space to life. The homeowner paired a worn wooden table with quirky antique metal chairs, and completed the look with a row of pretty plants perched on the ledge behind.
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Photo: Thomas Kuoh; Design by IDF Studio
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A Splash of Citrus
Designed with the Scandinavian aesthetic in mind, this simple yet elegant outdoor space gets an infusion of energy via vibrant orange dining chairs.
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We've Got the Blues
If your outdoor space has integrated bench seating, maximize its use with a collection of mismatched seating and cafe tables. Bistro chairs and garden stools in a variety of blue and green hues were used to tie the space together visually and provide ample spots to sit and enjoy a meal.
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Queen for a Day
Worthy of royalty, a pair of oversized rattan peacock chairs make a bold statement in this outdoor dining space. Galvanized metal chairs contrast with the warm wooden farm table for an eclectic look.
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Fresh + Fun
The owners of this Newport Beach, California sure know how to have fun. A cedar pergola — with fast-growing trumpet vines and an antler chandelier — defines the dining area. Screen-printed onto plywood, a phrase from one of Ryan’s favorite T-shirts became graphic artwork above the grill. Powder-coated red, Emeco’s lightweight aluminum chairs energize the weathered cedar deck with a hit of zingy color.
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Family Affair
Make lifelong memories and enjoy family time in the fresh air this summer with a comfortable outdoor dining area everyone can enjoy. An umbrella-topped table provides a perfect spot for hosting meals, playing board games or relaxing with a glass of vino. Pull the look together with a set of oversized wicker chairs, a plethora of potted plants and a colorful printed rug underfoot.
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Enchanted Evening
Inspired by the stately nature of her client's Tudor home, landscape architect Catherine Smith created an outdoor space that was equally charming. Roomy wicker chairs are sure to keep dinner guests comfortable while beautiful flowers and bistro lights enhance the yard's fairytale-like atmosphere.
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Succulent Centerpiece
A long, narrow planter with succulents runs the length of this outdoor wood dining table, bringing life and color to the otherwise stark, industrial space.
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Mood Lighting
At night, bistro lights and a working fireplace cast an enchanting glow across this chic dining space. With a table set for six, the owners and their guests can enjoy dinner alfresco and then head to the fire pit for drinks.
How to Hang Outdoor String Lights
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Cafe Oasis
A heavy-duty market umbrella resides over this simple, elegant dining table, black bench and black bistro chairs. The cafe-style string lights offer an additional romantic touch, transforming the backyard into an outdoor oasis.
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Privacy Curtains
Create a private, luxurious dining experience outside by hanging long, flowy curtains at one end of your deck or patio like designer Brian Patrick Flynn did here. Paired with bouquets of fresh flowers, hanging plants and trailing vines, the long, neutral curtains add an elegant feel to this contemporary, outdoor dining area.
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Dine by Design
This simple yet stunning outdoor kitchen from Marie Flanigan Interiors was designed around a sleek neutral color palette of black, white and gray with wood and concrete accents. The large teak dining table surrounded by chic chairs from Restoration Hardware seats eight guests, while a stainless steel grill and marble-topped counter allow plenty of room for prep work.
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Sturdy + Stylish
Nobody’s complaining about no AC on this screened porch haven. A vintage table hosts chess games; rattan and plastic chairs by Serena & Lily can easily handle ice-tea spills. “Everything out here had to be kid- and dog-friendly,” says the homeowner, who also chose virtually indestructible Trex flooring. The perky rug is from Wayfair.
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Photo: Zeke Ruelas
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Hightop, Please
Sit, sip and take in the panoramic LA views from this beautiful rooftop deck. A hightop tulip table is a chic spot to enjoy drinks and snacks, while fun red metal stools add a splash of color.
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Waterside Seating
Situated next to the pool and a fully stocked outdoor kitchen and bar, this dining space has it all. Two long benches invite guests to sit and commiserate under the shade of the pretty pergola covered in climbing Madagascar jasmine vines.
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Statement Lighting
A warm wooden ceiling, heavy wood table and wicker dining chairs are a stunning foil to three oversized, shiny metal pendant lights in this boho-style poolhouse dining room. A functional drink prep space and cozy nearby sofa allow guests to mix and mingle while taking in the views of the nearby swimming pool.
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Photo: Alea Moore
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Use What You Have
Now that more people are spending time at home, attention has turned to elevating our outdoor spaces. Designer Stacy Borocz, the founder of etúHome, suggests upgrading your existing outdoor setup with flowers from the backyard and upscale elements like linen napkins and found silver flatware. The takeaway? It doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate to be special and memorable.
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Garden Party
This charming garden patio sits just off the kitchen and feels blissfully tucked away from the bustling city streets nearby. With a grill and a dining table, it's also the ideal place for spring and summer entertaining.
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New England Vibes
New England has a way of making nautical irresistibly glam — think weathered wood and rattan textures (the table and chairs are from Wayfair). A long cushioned bench provides plenty of seating for lobster bakes, and pillows in red, white and blue add serious style points.
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Photo: Jason Kisner
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Under My Umbrella
Rain or shine, enjoy dinner outside under an oversized umbrella anchored to your patio table. Shop our top picks below.
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Poolside Paradise
Surrounded by casual, cream campaign chairs, this beautiful wood and concrete table is an inviting spot to sit and enjoy a poolside meal. A nearby wet bar makes serving a breeze while a metal pergola and hanging plants provide shade overhead.
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Room for a Crowd
A long, pillow-clad banquette lines one edge of this party-ready patio, ensuring there's always room for one more at outdoor gatherings.
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Pretty, Traditional
Designer Lou Harris couldn't find an outdoor table she liked, so she had one made: A 42-inch-by-106-inch piece of tempered glass on top of scrolled concrete bases from Hooker Furniture. The chairs are lattice-back wicker from Lane Venture topped with blue Sunbrella cushions. Floor: Brick laid in a herringbone pattern, plus an outdoor sisal rug. Accessories: Blue-rimmed glassware and, as a centerpiece, a porcelain Chinese footbath filled with pots of butter lettuce.
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Look Up
A custom steel pergola outfitted with eye-catching hexagonal chandeliers creates a welcoming outdoor dining room on this concrete patio. Douglas fir joists complement the wood dining table below while an accent wall of potted bamboo pulls the whole space together.
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Peppy Paradise
Designer Caitlin Murray transformed this front porch into an oasis with a peppy cabana-stripe rug from Serena & Lily and white CB2 planters filled with tropical plants. The table from Blu Dot is made of rustproof powder-coated steel; the chairs from Industry West are polypropylene.
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Down by the Bay
Comfy bench seats, durable outdoor furniture and a shady pergola overhead combine to create a year-round outdoor living space the whole family can enjoy. An unrivaled view of Henderson Bay is an added bonus.
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Multi-Use Area
With durable wicker chairs and a stain-resistant table, this dining set is perfect for birthday parties, afternoon crafts or an adults-only cocktail hour.
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Between the Pear Trees
Sparkling string lights hang between four pear trees, providing intimate outdoor lighting and carving out a distinct spot to gather. Usually reserved for indoor spaces, the marble-top trestle table serves as a stylish feature while gorgeous pear-green cushions continue the theme.
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Photo: Jocelyn Filley Photography
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Vineyard Vibes
Relaxation and clambakes await on this spacious patio overlooking Martha's Vineyard. A natural extension of the great room, this back patio is outfitted with teak furnishings and provides a casual place to lounge, dine and enjoy New England summers.
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Maximize Your Space
If you live in an area where the winters are mild, open up the doors so that your entertaining space is doubled. The expansive screened porch at HGTV Dream Home 2020 runs the length of the home and is a lovely place to share dinner with friends or just relax alone with a good book.
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Photo: Brandon Barré; Design By: Terra Firma Design
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Room to Relax
You don’t need a lot of space to create a multifunctional outdoor living area. Here, designer Lisa Aiken packed a pair of lounge chairs with quick-dry seats, and a high-top bistro table with stool seating for four onto a compact rooftop terrace. “The high table lets diners overlook the beach,” Aiken says.
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Tea on the Terrace
Beautiful boxwood hedging forms a subtle green border around this secluded outdoor dining terrace while a tall brick wall all around the perimeter gives the whole space an enchanted, hidden-away feel. Modern conveniences such as a tower heater, gas grill and wood buffet table are placed strategically as to not take away from the garden aesthetic.
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From:
Jamie Durie and The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie
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Sunken Seating
Built-in banquette seating centered around a distressed wooden table creates a dining space where guests will want to linger all evening long. Design by Jamie Durie
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Photo: Zeke Ruelas
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Contrasting Colors
Red mesh chairs pop against this covered dining area's gray walls, stark white table and greenery backdrop. At night, string lights hung from the pergola provide pretty illumination overhead.
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Indoor-Outdoor Living
This sweet, petite outdoor dining area just steps away from two nearby, open-air cottages features an understated white dining table and retro-style green metal chairs. Lush potted plants surround the patio, adding much-needed color and softening the industrial look of the concrete slabs underneath.
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Woven Wonder
A black woven pendant light and matching lightweight dining chairs beautifully balance the heavy wooden dining table in this outdoor entertaining space.
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Photo: PopFizz | Bryan Allen
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Table for Two
Love to dine alfresco but have a tight space? Bistro tables are the perfect solution. This folding table provides seating for two and can be easily tucked away.
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Playful Color
This neutral gray, brown and white space by designer Brian Patrick Flynn is easily dressed up for a party with a colorful tablecloth, vibrant paper lanterns and a coordinating bouquet.