How to Create an Outdoor Dining Space That Works
Seven Things You Need to cook outdoors with style
There is something special about cooking in an outdoor kitchen — the breezes, views and extra space are perfect for families who enjoy entertaining. With so many clients socializing outdoors, they often ask how to make outdoor decks, patios and backyards work for parties.
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1) Shade
Designing an outdoor kitchen has the added challenge of protecting your food and yourself from outside elements. You may wish to cook outdoors, but you don't want to get sunburned. Shade protects you from harmful UV rays and makes food prep more pleasant on hot days.
Shade can be as simple as an umbrella or tree or as extravagant as a freestanding building. Check out our Patio Shade 101 post for a range of options.
If you already have a covered patio for your outdoor kitchen, consider adding patio shades to control the sunlight throughout the day. We have some beautiful and functional options to choose from in our showroom. Stop by to see!
2) Comfortable Seating
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Just like dining indoors, you will benefit from using comfortable seating. Soft yet firm options are best because they offer padding while you dine, allowing your group to linger over meals comfortably.
If you plan to purchase new pieces for your outdoor office, being able to test them is vital. The second best option is ordering new furniture someone else has recommended.
Image Credit: Firelight Hearth and Patio
3) Work Surface
Using the wrong food prep surface is frustrating and can even be dangerous. If cooking outside is a regular pastime, select a countertop that is easy to clean and maintain. We love this rolling option for people who want something other than a built-in kitchen. The stainless steel surface is safe for food, and the storage below makes keeping everything clean easy..
4) Power Outlet
Nothing kills the fun faster than running in and out to use appliances. Ensure you station a power outlet nearby for blenders, speakers, griddles or any other implements you use while cooking. If you don't have one outside, use an extension cord attached to a reel for ease.
5) Organizer
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You'll need a way to keep up with your essential dishes and utensils as you move outside to cook. You don't want to realize you must run inside and grab forks as dinner comes off the grill. What you use to organize your supplies could be as simple as a basket or a rolling cart. Keeping everything in a picnic basket is an ingenious way to stay organized and makes it easy to grab as you walk out.
6) Bug Repellant
If bugs are a problem in your yard, you need a strategy to keep them from biting and bothering you.
Here are some options:
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A screened-in area to keep them out
Fans to blow them away
Bug-repelling plants or essential oils such as citronella, lavender, marigolds, nasturtiums, rosemary, basil, and mint
Bug-repelling candles
Bug repellant spray
7) Background
Dining isn't just about the food- it's the whole experience! Consider your background and reflect on how it looks and feels. Your yard may already have the perfect setting. If not, a living wall is an attractive option. Also, invest in screens or sheers, such as the ones we offer at the design center from Hunter Douglas. These ideas provide the added benefit of sectioning your dining area away from other parts of your outdoor space, which is especially helpful if children play outside while the adults chat nearby.