Summer Dining Ideas in the Garden
This is the ultimate summer indulgence. How often do you think about having a garden party, or maybe a fun dinner surrounded by plants, with a backdrop of a greenhouse? I do, yes I think I am that weird. But, with all the weirdness going on in the world, attempting to create dreamy spots in my yard, or fun events for my kids is kind of becoming a priority. So today I want to share my most recent summer dining ideas, and this time we are summer dining in the garden.
When I built my greenhouse this spring, I had big plans. I knew that I wanted to use the greenhouse for more than just growing plants. I wanted it to be a focal point in my garden. With a rock walkway leading right to it, and garden beds flanking both sides, it is a wonderful place to work and grow stuff. But, its also a great place to create a fun and unique summer dinner.
Unique Summer Dining Ideas
Dining outdoors in the summertime can happen just about anywhere. Its kind of what is great about being outdoors. But you want to consider weather, temperature and pests.
I love dining outdoors and creating unique places in my backyard that we can enjoy the night, the food and the company and still feel like we are doing something fun and new.
When my greenhouse was about half done being built, I saw this scene in my head.
I knew I wanted to create a place in my garden where we could sit out and enjoy the works of our labors, eat and watch the sun set. I also wanted to be able to use the greenhouse as a place to hold a buffet of sorts. How nice to be able to sit out in the garden, and serve yourself from inside the greenhouse. Everything within arms reach, no trecking back and forth to the house, just so much fun.
On this night, we had greek chicken souvlaki sandwiches. I used the greenhouse as the place to set up all the food. It worked out so well! I have a place to serve the food and a place to sit and enjoy it, all in one spot. Granted I did have to move the table from the patio for a time, but the kids already are obsessed with eating here!
We have pumpkins growing on the left side of the greenhouse, and tomatoes to the right.
You can see their rustic tomato cages in the image above. Everything growing along, while we enjoy the space as a family.
Do you see that pink mountain in the background? That is the Escalante Mountain, a very iconic image here, and its my view from my garden.
Just a couple more images of this spot, because I love that I can see the mountain behind the greenhouse.
Setting an outdoor table for dining
I love to set up my tables in unique but simple ways when entertaining outdoors. I also like to keep it inexpensive and use things around my house. So, I rounded up some of my flower pots from the garden, along with some wooden candlesticks and a piece of drop cloth and BOOM, instant centerpiece.
I love the twinkle lights in the background, the contrast of the black planters and the texture of the drop cloth on the table.
I took so many different images, and I feel like I need to share them all!
I had to get a view of the other side of the garden, with our chicken coop and tree house in the background.
I love how all these buildings work together and compliment each other!
This spot could not be more perfect for a get together, a party, or just simple outdoor dining for the family.
As the sun began to set, we finished our night with a bowl of ice cream.
Its all so dreamy in my opinion.
With al the craziness in the world, we are lucky enough to be able to quiet some of it, even if just for a night.
Just enjoy each other and the area around us.
I am so grateful to be home with my family and to be able to do these kinds of fun nights, share them with you, and hopefully give you inspiration for something that you’ve been wanting to do.
I am trying to focus on the good and making nights like this is truly a good thing.
Want more great outdoor dining ideas?
Check these great outdoor dining tips out by some of my favorite creative bloggers/
Summer Flower Arrangement From The Garden
A Simple Summer Tablescape for Casual Dining
Lemons and Wild Daisies Tablescape
Romantic Outdoor Table Setting
5 Tips For Easy Summer Entertaining
Easy Ideas For Outdoor Summer Dining
21 Simple Summer Table Decorating Ideas
An Easy Summer Dinner on the Patio
This is so lovely!!
So peaceful. Lucky you to have such a gorgeous view of that mountain.
Do you want to share your Greek chicken souvlaki sandwich recipe? please and thanks
oh I just found the recipe on your site, listed in recipes under chicken souvlaki skewers. You are so sweet to share!
We went to Greece last year for our 40th anniversary, originally planned for our 30th and delayed for 10 years. I think we treasured the trip so much more after that 10-year wait. Now I realize how TRULY lucky we were to go last year. Fell in love with the food!
You have all you need, great food, scenery,and a lovely table to make this time special for your whole family.
Great Job!
I love how creative you are but keeping it simple at the same time!
One of these days you need to show us how you “mapped” out your property so we can see how things are organized
Love your blogs…kee them coming!