The most relaxing meals take place outdoors under soft lighting, when there is no need to rush to put away the dishes. The right outdoor dining set makes this easy to do, but the wrong choice will not hinder this process too much. Wicker outdoor dining sets have become one of the favourites to create this cosy atmosphere outdoors.
The Importance of the Dining Table
The table in wicker outdoor dining sets is able to switch from serving fast dinners for a family to serving large parties of friends. However, if the chosen table is unsuitable for the specific case, it will not be used for dining as often as expected. It is important to spend time thinking about its size before placing the table.
Size of the Table Depending on the Size of the Family
A table has to be useful for the everyday use of a household, and only then should it be suitable for entertaining. Not every family of four people will have enough occasions to serve ten dinner parties in the garden. For host families, it will be more comfortable to have a larger table.
There are some differences concerning the shape of the table:
People should have enough space to pull back their chairs. Therefore, it is better to allow space behind every chair for this purpose. Extension tables are a solution for hosting large events for families that do not require large tables all the time.
Tabletop Materials and How They Hold Up Outside
The kind of tabletop you use can make all the difference when it comes to keeping it clean, how well it’s going to last and whether it’s going to withstand a strong gust of wind. Tempered glass, for example, is a breeze to clean and really shows off the weave underneath, but those fingerprints are going to show up pretty quickly.
In contrast, timber-look and composite tops add a really warm feel to your table, and some of them have even been designed to handle moisture better than untreated wood.
Chairs That People Actually Want to Sit In
The chairs, these are the ones that decide whether your guests hang around for dessert or they’re gone as soon as the main course is over. Armchairs are great; they add an extra bit of comfort, but they do take up a bit more room around smaller tables. Armless chairs, on the other hand, tuck in nice and close, which is perfect for compact courtyards.
And it may not be the most glamorous thing to think about, but stackable chairs do make it a heck of a lot easier to store them when you’re not using them, especially in the winter.
Getting Your Outdoor Dining Area Ready for the Next Meal
Now, outdoor dining sets are a lot more prone to collecting crumbs and spills than their indoor cousins. The more you wipe the table down after each meal, the less likely you are to end up with stubborn stains that are a pain to get off later.
To be honest, though, the seat cushions are usually best brought inside after dinner, especially if there is a chance of rain or heavy dew on the horizon. A breathable cover will also save your set from getting wrecked during long wet spells or periods when you are away.
And just before summer arrives, it’s always a good idea to do a quick check on the chair legs, joints and glides to see if any of them are starting to get a bit wobbly. Ten minutes a season isn’t too much to ask to keep your table in good nick.
Positioning the Table for Year-Round Use
Where you place the table is probably just as important as the table itself. If you position it close to the kitchen or barbecue, then you’ll save yourself an absolute fortune in trips with plates and drinks. Of course, shade during the day from a pergola, a roof, or a big umbrella will keep your summer meals nice and cool.
Good lighting is also a must; you don’t want to lose the chance for a lovely sunset dinner because it’s getting dark too quickly. A combination of festoon lights and wall lights should do the trick. And if you can get the table into a sheltered position, or throw a cover over it when the weather is looking a bit grim, then its chances of survival in a harsh storm will be a lot better. Plan it all well and the table may just end up being your home’s favourite outdoor spot.
