Is there anything more romantic than a long, lingering meal shared under the open sky, with a beautifully laid alfresco table and the soft glow of candlelight as the sun dips below the horizon? Few things feel more special than gathering around a table that’s been thoughtfully styled — whether for a partner, close friends, or family — where the food is homemade and the atmosphere feels effortless yet elevated. So if you’re dreaming of a memorable evening outdoors, let this guide to setting an alfresco dinner table inspire you — from linens and lighting to glassware and foliage. While we don’t need a special occasion to create beauty and connection, summer evenings like these are the perfect excuse.

At the heart of any memorable alfresco evening is a thoughtfully styled table. One that invites your guests to sit, linger, and enjoy. And the beauty of it is: it doesn’t need to be overly elaborate. In fact, the charm of outdoor dining often lies in its relaxed, effortless elegance.

START WITH the SETTING

Let nature be your backdrop. Whether you’re working with a city terrace, a quiet courtyard, or a patch of lawn under an old tree, the key is to embrace what you have and make it feel inviting. Consider the time of day — will your guests be bathed in golden hour light, or will the evening unfold by candlelight alone? Both have their charms. A simple wooden table, left bare or draped with a linen cloth, can instantly elevate the space. If you’re using a cloth, choose a natural fabric in a soft, neutral tone — think ivory, oat, or pale sage, something that whispers rather than shouts, letting the food and setting take centre stage.

LAYER with INTENTION

Start with your base and build from there. Linen napkins, loosely folded, tied in a knot or tied with twine or a sprig of rosemary, add a tactile element. Mix ceramics and glassware for a look that feels collected rather than coordinated. Slightly mismatched pieces can add charm, especially when grounded by a considered palette.

If the evening calls for it, bring out your favourite candlesticks or hurricanes. Tall glass tapers or low tealights work beautifully outdoors adding warmth and movement as the night draws in. Just be sure they’re wind-friendly (glass surrounds help) and plentiful — lighting is everything.

ADD NATURAL TEXTURE

Nothing brings a table to life quite like flowers and foliage. An elaborate floral arrangement or a trailing branch of olive or eucalyptus running down the centre of the table is beautiful and impactful. Keep it loose, seasonal, and unstructured — think more countryside supper than formal bouquet. For added texture, consider layering in placemats, rattan chargers, or rustic breadboards. They create depth and contrast, especially against soft linen and delicate tableware.

CONSIDER COMFORT

If your chairs are metal or timber, a few soft seat cushions or a draped throw can go a long way. Outdoor dining should feel relaxed and cosy — something that encourages conversation long after the plates are cleared.

And if there’s even a whisper of a chill in the evening air, make sure to have a few blankets on hand. Nothing says thoughtful host quite like a cashmere wrap or linen throw offered just as the stars begin to appear.

LET the FOOD REFLECT THE MOOD

When the table is laid with care, the food doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple pasta, a grilled fish with lemon, a big shared salad — whatever feels abundant and easy. Serve dishes family-style where guests can help themselves, and keep drinks close by to encourage topping up. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And there’s something about an outdoor table that invites people to settle in, to relax, to connect.