Dining Al Fresco

As the days grow longer and the weather becomes warmer, do you find yourself longing to dine outside? Do you hear the term "Al Fresco" and wonder what it means? Al fresco is the Italian phrase for "in the fresh air." There is nothing quite like eating a leisurely dinner outside on a warm night with family and friends while enjoying the fresh air. Setting a beautiful tablescape under the stars does not require much advanced planning. Here are some simple tips on how to create a stunning table for your family or friends.

1. Select a Stunning Tablecloth

This step is so easy, but it has enormous impact. Think of your tablecloth as a piece of art that will set the mood for the evening. Choose a color scheme that you like and that matches the colors of your outdoor furniture or decor. I am partial to traditional blues and whites, and touches of green are always lovely to incorporate elements of nature when dining outdoors. Make sure the tablecloth fits the table properly and is easy to wash -- you don't want to be worried about spills and stains all night!

2. Invest in Melamine Dishes and Plastic Glassware

While you can certainly use your everyday dishes outside, melamine is a safer option. With melamine, you do not have to worry about breaking a dish. This is especially important if you are dining by a pool -- you don't want any shards to end up in the water. Melamine isn't what it used to be. There are so many fabulous and reasonably priced options for durable melamine dishes today. I suggest buying a neutral dinner plate that can match with various salad plates and tablecloths. Salad plates are where the fun is because they are what you see when you first look at a table. Dinner plates are usually hidden. Invest in a neutral and versatile dinner plate, and then have fun with a more exciting set (or two) of salad plates. Use complimentary colors that will blend well with your tablecloth selection. Feel free to incorporate porcelain dishes as well (based on your acceptance of the risk of breakage). I often mix melamine with porcelain, ceramic, or glass dishes. (I also recommend using plastic glasses when dining outdoors.)

You can also use disposable plates as shown above. Sometimes you just want to relax and enjoy the evening without worrying about cleaning up. Paper plates are the easiest way to achieve a beautiful look without the burden of cleanup.

3. Shop Your Home

It doesn't take much to style your table. I always start by shopping my home. Look for ginger jars or vases, candleholders, or any objects that you have that fit your color scheme. I like to use a pair of items if I have a pair. Set one at each end of the table for balance. Fill ginger jars with fresh or faux flowers and add decor symmetrically to fill the table. Be sure to leave room for the food!

4. Set the Mood

Don't forget about the lighting. Candles and pin lights are inexpensive additions to any table, but they pack a punch. Gently scattering pin lights down the center of the table adds another dimension to your tablescape.

5. Be Prepared for Bugs

Bugs are inevitable. My best advice is to use bug spray on yourself, burn candles that repel the bugs, and cover the food in screens as shown above.

Enjoy creating the memories!

-The Alluring Home