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If your backyard isn’t quite ready to host guests, don’t panic! Setting up an outdoor dining experience can be easy, and with a few simple steps, you will have your patio ready just in time for Victoria Day with these 7 easy setups for outdoor dining.

Create a Quick Shade Cover

The hot sun can be a problem for outdoor dining, as it melts ice, making drinks warm, and can make your guests feel uncomfortable while eating. Avoid these dinner disasters, and create a simple shade cover by sinking four poles around the table, and draping a large sheet or piece of fabric over top. The shade will be a welcome addition to your outdoor dining setup, and when dinner is over, it can be taken down.

Add a Touch of Colour

Just because you are hosting dinner outside doesn’t mean you can’t spice up the decor a bit. Adding a touch of colour to your table setting with a table runner, or fancy napkins will enhance your guests’ outdoor dining experience, and make your setup look more elegant. It is a quick and simple way to update an already established outdoor setup.

Ensure There is Adequate Lighting

Evenings in the late spring are the perfect temperature to enjoy a few apres dinner drinks, while telling stories and enjoying each others’ company. An essential item for your outdoor dining set up, and a simple way to improve your patio is the proper lighting for when the sun sets. Simply string a few patio lights above the table, and around the yard, and your guests will be able to enjoy themselves long into the evening.

Try a DIY

If you have a lot of time to spare, making your own patio furniture can result in a beautiful backyard set up that is elegant, functional, and saves you money. This easy DIY has a step by step tutorial for making the table pictured above, and this tutorial is for making beautiful but simple benches. Regardless of what you choose to make yourself, tapping into your creativity is an easy way to add a personal touch to your setup for outdoor entertaining.

Provide Protection

In late May, the flies have started emerging, and the last thing you want is for your dinner guests to be bothered by bugs. If you have a gazebo, and you are planning a late evening dinner party, try setting your dinner party up inside, where there is more protection from pests. If you don’t have a gazebo, try a DIY cabana. The option of drawing the curtains will help keep some of the flies away, making your outdoor dining experience more enjoyable.

Add a Drink Bar

Your patio is a place for entertaining, so when you are setting it up, a bar cart or a permanent bar structure is the perfect addition for entertaining. The extra piece of furniture will help your patio look more established, and the convenience of having your drinks close by will make entertaining easy.

Use an Outdoor Area Rug

Take your patio setup to the next level, and add an outdoor area rug under your table. This stylish addition will add colour to your outdoor dining, while making your patio set up feel warm and inviting.The matching colours of the throw cushions and area rug will create a planned look, bringing everything together. It is a simple way to freshen up the look of your outdoor entertaining area.

Regardless of whether you create your own furniture, or just add another extra piece of decor to your outdoor set up, these 7 simple steps will make your outdoor dining experience perfect, just in time for the Victoria Day Long Weekend. For more ideas on easy setups for outdoor dining, visit the Falconcrest Homes Blog.