Hello Friends!  Did you know that blogging is hard work?  It’s not back breaking work.  Well, unless you’re moving furniture all by your lonesome or possibly building something (which I don’t do) which could be seen as hard.  It’s the little things like statistics and making pins for Pinterest and pinning others photos and commenting on blogs and FB and IG and making new pins for my old content, blah blah.  It’s a whole thing.  Anyway, as I was working on my Pinterest Page I came across one of my favorite boards – Al Fresco.  It distracted me for at least an hour so that was it for “working”.  So I decided to share with you the 4 reasons why I’m infatuated with these al fresco dining areas!

County Road 407

4 reasons why I’m infatuated with these al fresco dining areas!

Few things make me gasp.  Well not really gasp per say.  It’s more like my jaw literally drops, my eyes get wider and I get an extra pitter pat inside.  That’s what happened when I saw these outdoor dining spaces.  That’s all al fresco means – dining in the open air.  It makes me want to take advantage of the beautiful weather this time of year.

County Road 407

If you stop by my Pinterest Board, it’s not hard to get sucked in.  It’s full of things I’m attracted to.  Like lush green outdoor spaces filled with plants, trees or flowers.  Some spaces are perfectly manicured and some are bushy, natural and sometimes whimsical.  They have great lighting and as I stare at each photo they change my mood.  They draw me in and I imagine myself sitting there laughing with the Mister or friends or even being alone.  They’re beautiful!

Source: Style Me Pretty

There are 4 things that I think make for great al fresco dining – besides the food of course.

1. Nice surroundings – That includes a patio, porch, open field, grass, plants, flowers, overall scenery and privacy.

2. Lighting/Ambiance – It can be sunrise, sunset, candles, lanterns, chandeliers or simple hanging lights.

3. Good Seating – No one wants to be uncomfortable so chairs, benches or pillows are important.

4. Table Decor – This can be flowers, the food, rocks, just about anything really.

Source: Lulu Klein

Isn’t it fabulous?  I love how the old wooden table is set with different colored tea towels being used as runners going across the table instead of the length and used as placemats at the same time.  It has fresh flowers in pretty containers and just look at the candelabra at the end of the table – it’s stunning.   And to top it off, I think this scene is set in the middle of an orchard. Wowza!

Source – Sweet Root Village

Here’s another quality dining space that says come sit here and smile a while.  The tablecloth is a simple painters drop cloth which is super easy to wash and it looks like the table decor was easy too.  Three baskets that don’t necessarily match with potted plants that may have been gathered from somewhere around the house.  Add a few candlesticks and you have a lovely luncheon or dinner party. 

Source – My 100 Year Old Home

If you don’t have an arbor, make one!  This area was put together in her backyard.  She made the outside “room” feel cozy by creating an arbor with vintage columns at the corners and looped lights like a chandelier overhead.  You can see the centerpiece and place settings keep it casual yet elegant but the added tree limbs take it over the top.  She used the word magical to describe the area and I totally agree.

Source – Homestead Revival

I know most of us don’t have access to an orchard full of trees that smell good which makes a fantabulous al fresco dining area but I included it because of the whimsical banner hung across the trees and over the table.  They look to be vintage handkerchiefs which is super fun.  They added a flower arrangement to the end of the table and one over to the side for extra beauty but what else do you need?  Nothing but some mismatched chairs and an antique tablecloth.

I hope you enjoyed the 4 reasons why I’m infatuated with these al fresco dining areas and will take advantage of the season.  Create an enchanting space of your own.  You don’t have to have a reason or special occasion.  It can be just because or just for your family.  But if you’d like me to come, I’ll bring a dessert or a yummy side dish.  Heck, I’ll even stay and clean up if you let me join you!