At the end of every spring in Ireland, the grand stretch of evenings brings with it a yearning to mimic the alfresco dining we so fondly remember from every single holiday we’ve ever had in the Mediterranean. 

Why An Alfresco Dining Space is Worth Creating

Transforming outdoor patios into functional outdoor dining spaces is a trend for several compelling reasons.

You’ve got More Space Outdoors.

Setting up an alfresco dining space in your outdoor living area is an excellent investment if you have a long backyard or an ample outdoor space. It can even be done on a small scale in a small urban yarden.

It’s the perfect way to expand your living space during the summer if you’re the kind of family that loves to get the kids outdoors, loves impromptu barbeques when the sun strikes, and loves stealing those rays of sunshine during breakfast and tea time.

It Could be More Sustainable

If your dining space is tight indoors, then all the more reason to eat outside in summer every chance you can. If you are saving on using lights indoors, then eating outdoors can reduce energy consumption (less indoor lighting or cooking heat needed).

A Smart Move Post-Pandemic Healthy Move

Throw in our learned habits from the pandemic days, and yes, alfresco dining is becoming a more popular choice for entertaining guests at home and for safety reasons.

Think of the Vitamin D dividend! Spending more time outdoors can help lower your stress levels. Being outdoors has been shown to have numerous benefits for mood, stress levels, and family connection.

Boost Your Property Value

Stylish outdoor spaces enhance kerb appeal and may even increase property value, especially when high-quality furnishings are used.

Mention that Homevalue.ie offers everything Irish homeowners need to create a cosy, stylish, and practical alfresco dining area.

It’s Never Been Easier

Here’s where we can help. There has never been a better time; now, there are more flexible, modular ranges in outdoor dining, and more weather-resistant and waterproof materials are available.

With modern weatherproof furniture, wind-resistant parasols, and patio heaters, Irish homeowners have better access to ways to cope with our changeable weather.

The growing range of styles and accessories also makes it easier to personalise outdoor decor to suit your aesthetic.

How to Choose the Right Spot for Outdoor Dining

What are the most common areas for zoning an Alfresco dining space?

Utilise your pre-existing patio, decking, balcony, or paved garden corner if you are working with the spaces available to you now.

If you are starting from scratch or have the resources to reorganise or re-landscape your space, then go for the obvious sun-trapped corner, depending on the orientation of your property.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Alfresco Dining Corner

• Ensure the spot has easy access to the kitchen, is ideally next to the kitchen, and has nearby space for your outdoor cooking station or barbeque if orientation allows
• Ensure there is adequate shelter from strong winds, especially if you have a larger, more open plan outdoor area.
• Consider how much sun the spot receives during the day. Aim for a balance of natural light and shade, or consider installing a retractable canopy or parasol. Consider Homevalue’s range of gazebos and parasol canopies as ideal options for overhead shelter.
• You will need level flat ground that is firm enough to support tables, chairs, and heating appliances safely. You should insert decking, paving slabs, or gravel as ideal bases if starting from scratch.
• You’ll also want some privacy if living in a dense urban neighbourhood. Ideally, give yourself some privacy from neighbours or passing traffic by using tall hedging, planters, or outdoor screens to supplement your fencing.
• Do you have nearby access to a power source for plugging in lighting, cooking, or heating appliances?
• Can you future-proof the space? Is there room to add more accessories, heating or seating in the future for entertaining?
• Keep an eye out for drainage – is there a likelihood that pools of water may collect in any low-lying areas, or will the ground become muddy quickly?

Now that we have all these tips for choosing the perfect spot, let’s talk about how to kit it out for that perfect outdoor eating area…

Invest in Comfortable and Durable Garden Furniture

Durability and Weather Resistant Furniture is Key

To create a long-lasting and inviting space for dining, select furniture that is both durable and suits your style and space. 

There are numerous benefits to choosing rattan over metal or wood options.

The main thing to remember is that many ideal weather-resistant materials are in use now that may not be as biodegradable or prone to weather damage as rattan or wood. Wooden and rattan furniture can also be treated to create a more durable finish.

We broke down the various choices for choosing the right materials for your garden Furniture here:

“How to Choose the Right Hard-Wearing Outdoor Furniture For The Irish Climate”

Looking for an update on your garden furniture? We’ve got some good advice here on how to make the right choices:

“How To Give Your Outdoor Living Space a Garden Furniture Update”

Good Garden Furniture Maintenance Goes a Long Way

If you have wooden furniture or pergolas, our dedicated blog gives you maintenance tips:

 “Maintenance Tips That Make Your Outdoor Wooden Structures Wonderful Again”

For more general tips, head to this handy checklist

“Make Your Garden Furniture Last Longer with These Care Tips”

What Seating Capacity Do You Need?

Select an option that provides sufficient seating capacity for family meals and accommodates visiting guests if you plan to entertain.

Going with a casual modular style allows you to achieve much flexibility, as you can switch from lounging to dining and add occasional seating and tables.

Here are some of the more recent options on the market:

The Cannes Corner Set features a sleek Black PE Flat Rattan design paired with comfortable Grey Cushions. Built with a powder-coated steel frame (15×15.07mm), this set includes 8cm thick seat cushions and 7 back cushions made from durable 180g polyester for enhanced comfort. The accompanying coffee table includes a 5mm tempered glass top for added style and functionality.

Smart Design for Alfresco Living. Make the most of your outdoor space with the Multi-Functional Bench & Table Set — a clever convertible piece that transforms from a stylish bench into a full dining setup in seconds.

Crafted from durable Acacia wood and finished with comfortable 8cm cushions in easy-care 180g polyester, this set is perfect for patios, balconies, or compact gardens. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet coffee or entertaining guests, it’s your all-in-one solution for effortless alfresco dining.

Create a stylish and inviting outdoor retreat with the Evora Grey Wicker 2-Piece Bistro Set — perfect for patios, balconies, or smaller garden spaces. Featuring a sleek PE wicker design and a durable powder-coated iron frame, this set combines modern aesthetics with long-lasting performance ideal for the Irish climate.

The set includes two deep-seat ergonomic chairs in a woven rattan-like texture, each with plush cushions for enhanced comfort. A matching coffee table completes the set, making it the ideal spot to unwind on sunny days.

Bring a sophisticated, modern touch to your outdoor living space with the Evora Grey Wicker Lounge Set – a stylish and comfortable alfresco seating solution perfect for gardens, patios, or decking areas.

Crafted with durable PE wicker over a sturdy powder-coated iron frame, this lounge set offers deep, low seating with plush UV-resistant cushions for maximum comfort. With a generous seat depth of 80cm and a seat height of 38cm, it’s ideal for relaxed outdoor entertaining or unwinding after a long summer’s day.

Its contemporary grey finish blends effortlessly into any outdoor setting, delivering both elegance and everyday practicality.

• Even the smallest urban backyard with a sunny spot deserves the chance for some alfresco dining. Choose a bistro set that fits neatly into your sunny corner and gives you the pleasure of breakfast or tea outside, every day of the week, weather permitting. 

Create Atmosphere with Outdoor Lighting

The problem with outdoor lighting is that it can be harsh sometimes, especially when relying on large outdoor spotlights. Additionally, providing a power supply to a faraway garden corner can be challenging.

Head to our blog, which gives you tips and sound advice on lighting outdoors:

 “Outdoor Lighting Ideas To Add, Glam, Glow & Gorgeous Seasonal Sparkle to your Home this Winter”

Choose ambient lighting options for the outdoor space. Here are some more ideas

Solar lights That Harvest Precious Daylight

Keep the sun shining in more ways than one! One way to overcome this is to use solar garden lights, string lights, or lanterns to set the tone and provide ambient lighting without relying on electricity.

Here is a Breakdown of the many ways you can use solar lighting

• Solar Pathway & Stake Lights – Ideal for illuminating walkways, garden borders, and paths leading to or bordering your alfresco area.

  

• String Lights – If dining under a grove of trees, against fencing, or under a pergola, consider using this lovely idea to add atmosphere and a festive feel. Options include Edison-style bulbs for a vintage look, globe or fairy lights for a whimsical touch, and novelty shapes like stars or flowers.

• Solar Spotlights & Floodlights. These are more substantial functional lighting accessories that can be set with adjustable angles, motion sensors, and high-lumen outputs for focused illumination. Ideal for outdoor cooking stations with a larger space. You can also use it to highlight garden features and architectural details or enhance security around your property.
  
  
• Decorative Solar Lights. These features include more occasional lighting and solar-powered garden statues, wind chimes with integrated lights, and colour-changing ornaments as points of interest. Ideal for adding personality and charm to flower beds, patios, or balconies. Consider using lights to decorate the underside of your parasols to give a proper glow ambience to your alfresco dining. 

Add Warmth and Comfort to Your Outdoor Dining  Space

We’ve got some great ideas in our blog on adding a bit more character, comfort and cosiness to your outdoor living space:

“How To Enhance Your Basic Garden Furniture Suite With Outdoor Furniture Accessories”

The Irish evening chill makes heating essential for dining alfresco in the dark or late summer. You have plenty of options for making it a more comfortable situation.

Gather Round a Firepit

Tabletop heaters, chimineas, or freestanding patio heaters are available in any Homevalue store to warm you up!

Keep it cosy with chimeneas and firepits

Check out our handy advice on using firepits for this exact reason!
 “All About Firepits – The What, Why, How, When and Where”

There are firepits in various sizes, and if you’re looking for more functionality, why not choose one with a dual purpose that allows you to grill and heat the family simultaneously. Take a look!

• Redfire Fire Pit Blazer – This fire pit offers more than a mesmerising display of flickering flames. From roasting marshmallows to hosting memorable barbecues, this fire pit transforms into a versatile cooking station using an integrated cooking grate. For safety, this fire pit also features a protective spark screen that keeps stray embers in check.

Keep it Pest Free

Last but not least, don’t let the creepy crawlies get you down and stop you from enjoying your meal – we have a handy outdoor guide to keep those pesky flies at bay: “Ways to Keep Garden Pests and Houseflies at Bay in Ireland”.

Ready to Start Alfresco Dining?

It’s a no-brainer, isn’t it? Making your patio an extension of your home is worth it when you enjoy eating outdoors day and night.

Breed more ideas? Browse the Outdoor Living Collection on Homevalue today.