Dining on the Porch: Spend a Bit of Time Outdoors this Summer

It's that time of year again when we'd rather be outside than inside; especially early and late in the day. Even those who live in tropical regions want to enjoy the cool air outside after having escaped the glaring sun indoors all day. This makes dining on the porch a perfect experience where all family members can come together, share ideas and get some fresh air while enjoying a delicious meal. This doesn't have to be a special event as such and with the right outdoor decor and lighting, this can be your everyday dining room for months to come!

Beautiful and spacious veranda with custom made wooden dining table and seating adding to its shabby chic style [From: IntEx Imaging]

Porch dining can feel even more liberating in this day and age, when a global pandemic has forced many of us to stay indoors and avoid most, if not all, social contact. From the extravagant and beautiful dining rooms that easily seat 10-12 people, to the compact dining area where just two or three people can enjoy a wonderful dinner, this is a look at some of the The best and most beautiful ideas for al fresco dining on the porch when you head into the summer months.

A style for your porch

The best way to start planning for al fresco dining on the porch is to choose a style and color scheme for the space. The porch is a natural extension of the house and very rarely stands far from the main house. This automatically means that the style of the exterior of the house also determines that of the porch. But for those looking for ways to create a residence-like outdoor environment with a different theme, you can try styles like beach, coast, or tropical for a more vacation-inspired and exotic look. Natural wood dining tables are a good choice for this environment, where they add warmth to the beautiful outdoor area.

Spend some time outside safely this summer with a porch dining area [From: Leandra Fremont-Smith Interiors]

Turn the space off the porch into a cool gathering place that's perfect for the whole family

There's no better way to dine on the veranda, with a breathtaking view that only enhances the backdrop

It's hard to find a more comfortable screened porch that will keep you happy all year round! [From: J. Hall Homes]

The modest, beach-style al fresco dining area is perfect for a pleasant gathering on a lazy summer evening [From: Jessi Eve]

Some color and contrast

The covered outdoor porch can accommodate much more than just dinner. You can add a fireplace in the corner to ensure it feels just as inviting in the coming winter months as it does in the summer months now. Floor cushions, lighting fixtures and cushions can add color and contrast to this outdoor dining area, while admittedly curtains and rugs are not for everyone. Even potted plants and touches of greenery in the form of the garden outside create a livelier outdoor dining area.

Pretty yellow chairs and a blue rug add color to this modern, industrial-style porch dining area [From: Laura Lee Home]

Combine color and creativity for the perfect porch dining area that will make your whole family feel welcome

Country style covered porch with heavy wooden dining table and nice dark chairs [From: Devin Kimmel of Kimmel Studio Architects]

A spacious veranda like this one can be perfect for a stay where you have everything you need

Maximize the available storage space

Even the smallest porch can be transformed into a beautiful outdoor dining area with the right decoration. The small, round outdoor table with a couple of chairs is all you need here, and you can combine this with the right outdoor lighting for an intimate and relaxing dining experience. You can use custom built-in porch seats and incorporate them into the dining area setting to create an additional seating area for family members. Having a BBQ nearby can make things even better when you enjoy those long summer evenings outdoors.

Small dining area on the porch where the chevron pattern terracotta floor and wooden table bring something unique [From: Hunter Fan Company]

Space-saving country-style screened porch and a chandelier that steals the limelight [From: Frazier Associates]

Transform the small and sheltered beach style porch into a gorgeous outdoor dining area with custom built in benches [From: Blakely Interior Design]

The beach style porch is absolutely perfect for al fresco dining this summer!

Modern Mediterranean style veranda with outdoor kitchen and dining area for 6 people [From: Zoltan Homes]

By: Dining on the Porch: Spend a Bit of Time Outdoors this Summer