Al Fresco Dining Furniture

Al Fresco dining is another way of saying eating outdoors. Rather than the traditional notion of the picnic, to eat al fresco implies an elegant setting involving a table and chairs. Al fresco dining may occur in the garden, on a boat, at a sidewalk café, or out on the veranda. The authentic experience includes all the aspects of a luncheon or dinner party including the dining set, servingware, candle holders, glassware and ceramics, as well as other decorative items. All of these things come together along with good weather and the ideal setting to form the optimal al fresco eating experience. It is possible to service all al fresco dining needs with the wide selection of wholesale furniture available from La Vida.

Dining Set

Without a table and chairs you are only having a picnic. It takes a table and chairs or possibly a nice bench to dine al fresco. All so the better if it is covered with a fresh table cloth that sways gently in the breeze. The environment outdoors allows for different kinds of materials for a table. For example many sidewalk cafés employ metal tables at their restaurants. The sturdy metal construction is more durable and weather resistant and can be wrought into a wider variety of designs. There are also matching metal chairs available for most sets. Or it is possible to mix and match assorted chairs for an eclectic feeling.

Servingware

An extended assortment of servingware is just as important for fine dining outdoors as it is indoors. The guests should be able to enjoy the dishes and cutlery as much as they savor the meal. The best place to set a steaming hot platter of food, for example, is on a decorative trivet. In lieu of an expensive bottle of spirits there should always be a glass jug for serving cold beverages. Otherwise a classic ice bucket is perfect for keeping drinks chilled in style. In buffet situations or holiday meals food is often served on platters for people to dish out themselves.  Serving spoons and forks are important for distributing food.

Candle Holders

For some reason candlelight adds an unmistakable element to fine dining situations even when eating outside. There are so many varieties of candle holders available that they have become a main category of their own. The lantern is a picturesque choice that is well suited to being outdoors for obvious reasons. Hurricane lamps and other kinds of candle holders with tall walls are specifically designed to shield flames from the wind. Other people prefer the simple appearance of a single votive candle holder that is perhaps accompanied by decorative flora arranged in glassware vases or ceramics jugs.

Glassware & Ceramics

Decorative glassware can be anything from serving platters to bottles and vases. Desserts in particular stand out when resting on a glass footed platter or compote fan. There are any manner of glass vases and hurricane lamps available that are ideal for al fresco dining. Glass domed lids are good for covering dishes because they keep out debris from the wind. Those who prefer may opt to use ceramic serving trays and décor instead of glass. Indeed ceramic vases, jugs, and platters lend an old world air to the table that compliments many country cottage inspired themes. 

Decorative Items

If there is enough room on the table for a center piece or serving mats, then decorative items can be a delightful addition to outdoor meals. Nothing makes a guest happier than finding a special surprise just for them at their place, unless they are totally jaded snobs. Ornaments can be bound around a cloth napkin to make the setting more appealing. In the center of the table many hosts like to have an impressive centerpiece. The standard centerpiece in these situations is a vase filled with decorative flora or a fully lit candle holder. But there is no rule that says other curios cannot be used for table décor.