That Summer Swag: Al Fresco Dining 101

Leave it to Milan to change my life. The heat of the summer and the lovely amount of evening time I have to kill after work has driven me outdoors into the waiting arms of summer aperitivi hour. In one of my first posts I excitedly shared the wonders of aperitivi hour (cocktails, low lights, sumptuous buffet treats). Now imagine all of this taking place at sunset on the pavements of every bar that’s been clever enough to erect a table outside (which in Milan means every bar!).

Jozi (Johannesburg South Africa) is also good at this. The city has a number of lovely open air malls with restaurant promenades where shoppers literally have their pick of the best restaurants in romantically lit outdoor strips - think Nicolway or Morningside Shopping Centre. But 4^th Avenue Parkhurst totally takes the cup – my favourite neighbourhood for outdoor dining and casual shopping.

Now that I’ve lived in Milan and experience al fresco dining on the regular I keep asking myself, what stops me from creating a little “al fresco” summin’ summin’ for myself? I mean, (in Jozi) I had a patio, I owned a table, chairs and even a Moroccan metal lattice serving platter… (some music could always be arranged) – I mean, I had it made! Now when I break down the ingredients of a good outdoor dining set-up, I realise how impossibly easy it is. And it’s time for you to, too. Nigella Lawson doesn’t own the property rights on showing off at dinnertime. So, let’s go!

Here’s a summary of what you need:

1.   Table

2.   Table cloth or table runner

3.   Table centre piece(s) – plants, candles, rocks, old bottles, anything goes

4.   Crockery that makes sense – glasses, matching plates, cutlery, napkins

5.    Comfortable chairs – preferably cushioned so that bums don’t get sore

6.   The spread (optional) – a separate table with all the food is usually more comfortable and relaxing for guests

7.   Cooler box with ice and drinks (or, if you’re on that swag, an outdoor fridge for drinks) so you aren’t sprinting back and forth to the kitchen for top ups)

8.   Atmosphere – mood lighting (candles, lanterns, fairy lights), music (bring out your battery-powered iPod speaker), scent (the food and garden flowers will do the trick but herbs are an easy option)

notice: easy centerpiece (leaves, pine cones, wooden cake stand), simple table, comfy cushions

notice: cotton napkins match with bread cloth and seat cushions to give polished finish; wooden theme (cup holders, cutlery, bread beard, chairs, table)

notice: simple table runner dresses up a plain table, green wine glasses match leafy-theme in centrepieces, candles give simple finish and warm atmosphere at night.

notice: table cloth smartens up casual setting, simple flower centrepiece, warm throw for chilly nights.

notice: perfect breakfast spread, simple decor includes rustic table runner, flower + ribbon napkin holder, flowers in teapot. elegant finish.

notice: pink party theme introduced in fruit centrepiece (peaches, apples, limes), pink glasses, flowers. excellent intimate bridal shower idea.

notice: old "kraft" crate doubles up as vase for flowers. rustic stools matched with elegant china on copper charger plates adds delicious flavour to a quirky table.

notice: "bare is beautiful" theme. only decor element her is the pumpkin and table runner. so easy.

notice: casual dining facilitated by no places being set. ideal for setting out a spread and taking the night as it comes.

notice: olives (or some other fruit) strewn about the table as decor (and will probably be eaten by the time the night ends). see how easy it can get?

notice: perfect sunrise setting, comfy cushions, impromptu use of coffee table, side table holds majority of other food & drink to eliminate clutter on main table.

super super easy - cushions, throw, wine, water, glasses, melon, bread. done.

elegant party stretch-spread - table cloth + runner, napkins, place cards, mini printed-out menu, candles, fire in background for later.

notice: eclectic chic veranda decor makes the statement, matching yellow crockery creates colour scheme, all else is extremely basic. effortless.

notice: delightful mixing and matching in the cushions, crockery and napkins. scene is grounded by uniform glasses, starter plates and vases.

the ultimate in casual al fresco - sitting crossed legged on the grass in the park. (what stops this from being a picnic is the impromptu table, use of glasses, plates, flower decor). super cute.

the perfect Italian spread - bread, olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar. although this pic is from a food fair, it is great inspiration for an summer aperitivi spread (all that's missing is the wine, cheese and prosciutto).

lovely relaxed afternoon spread - sandwiches already made, ingredients left out for whoever wants more.

another great summer spread. notice: perfect mixing and matching in crockery, yummy cheese board, fruit bowl, finger vegetables. no real decor here - the crockery and food being served do all the work.

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I do not claim the rights to any images on this blog, unless stated otherwise. If you have any concerns regarding the content of ZUVALifeCulture, please send an email to tenjiwe@zuvainteriors.com.