Make the most of the season with tips to create a stylish and comfortable outdoor dining space perfect for gathering together.
Serving up fresh takes of the following:
4 Tips to Create an Outdoor Dining Experience that Delights
An empty table can be one of the most expensive things to a restaurant operator. Full House: Tips for Foodservice Success offers tips, trends, and new ideas to keep your dining room full.
As the weather warms, there’s no better time to take your meals outside and enjoy the beauty of open-air dining. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a casual brunch on the patio, or an intimate evening under the stars, a few thoughtful touches can elevate your outdoor space into a welcoming extension of your home or restaurant.
1. Comfort Comes First
Comfortable seating encourages guests to relax and linger. Choose cushions with weather-resistant fabric and mix seating styles—from benches to lounge chairs—to create cozy conversation zones. Don’t forget to offer blankets for cooler evenings.
2. Add Shade and Light
Create ambiance and function with a mix of natural and installed elements. Umbrellas, pergolas, or shade sails help keep the sun at bay, while string lights, lanterns, and LED candles offer a warm glow as the sun sets.
3. Bring in Nature
Potted herbs, flowering plants, and even vertical gardens bring a sense of calm and freshness to your setup. Incorporating wood, stone, or rattan into your décor also helps blend the dining space with its outdoor surroundings.
4. Stock the Essentials
From shatterproof glassware to reusable melamine plates, durable tableware keeps things safe and stylish. Palmer Foods can help with outdoor dining essentials—ask your rep about available products that combine functionality with flair, including drink dispensers, buffet-style serving trays, and grill-ready proteins perfect for al fresco menus.
Whether you’re a home host or foodservice operator, planning ahead and embracing the season’s simplicity can turn any meal into a memorable gathering.
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