Patio Umbrellas, Heaters, Shades | Patio Heat and Shade

When adult children look back on what they wistfully remember the most, it’s family dinners. Getting together to share a meal is the perfect time to catch up on what’s going on with the rest of your pack, sharing life experiences and being bolstered by the strength of the family.

We’ve gathered our top 10 outdoor dining décor ideas for you to add to your inspiration vault, ready for your next patio upgrade. Let’s take a look…

Idea 1: Cozy Fire Pit Retreat

Glass sunroom surrounded by snow on the back of a house during winter

﻿When it comes to creating a centerpiece in your outdoor dining space, a fire pit table is the ultimate option. Allow your guests to be entranced by the depths of the flames coming from the Athena Fire Tables Olympus fire pit table, and they’ll be captivated all evening long. Set your coziness level up a notch by adding a few warm throw blankets and dimming the lighting and your guests will hunker down for an evening to remember.﻿

Idea 2: Elegant Umbrella Haven

One Square Cantilever Umbrella with LED Lights Attached Underneath the Umbrella Ribs lit up at night

When you have the rare chance to add one item to your outdoor dining space that pulls double duty, take it. The shade from the SimplyShade Bali Pro cantilever patio umbrella is perfect for sunny afternoons, creating a lovely 10’ square shade for your guests without that pesky pole in the middle of the table. When the sun begins to sink over the horizon, the built-in LED lighting running along the ribs of the umbrella will keep the party going long into the night.

Idea 3: Minimalist Dining with String Lights

Two Electric Patio Heaters Wall Mounted on the edge of an outdoor patio with string lights hanging over the outdoor dining area

Many of us have a very simple outdoor dining space… and with one simple addition (string lights) you can elevate your dining experience to mimic an outdoor café. String lights bring casual lighting to the table, creating a fun and festive atmosphere that begs for soft music and long discussions. As the chill of the evening sets in, the infrared warmth from the Solaira infrared heaters keeps that party atmosphere going by heating up to 120 sq. ft. of your patio long into the night.

Idea 4: Cozy Outdoor Dining Room

String lights in tree hanging over outdoor dining table

Although the use of lanterns for lighting has been around since the 1500’s, when most of us think of a “lantern” they think of the kind of kerosine-fueled light hanging off the back of a bright red caboose moseying down the train tracks. Modern lighting uses electricity (hard wired, plug-in or even rechargeable battery powered) to gently light your patio space while bringing a nostalgic warmth to your patio vibe. We love the look of string lights placed in tree branches as the glow from them seems to peek through the leaves or needles, fusing nature with modern lighting.

Idea 5: Mediterranean Alcove

Two outdoor patio heaters wall mounted to a wood pergola on either side of an outdoor seating area

Create your outdoor dining space with dark metals to begin your Mediterranean vibe and add mosaic tables (or mosaic tiles as a surround) paired with seafoam green cushions to strengthen the look. Dark ornate chandeliers combined with warm, golden lighting will further transport you to the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea. When the weather isn’t conducive to “warmth,” fire up your Infratech patio heater to keep your guest warm, comforted by their performance crafted by American hands.

Idea 6: Zen Garden Retreat with Portable Heating

one freestanding patio heater next to an outdoor dining area in backyard

The perfect zen retreat begins with earthy tones… easy to do when you’re outdoors and the earth is literally all around you. Use pale greens, rich blues and tan colors to create your tranquil base then layer in a portable patio heater to strengthen the zen vibe. Thoughtful zen-inspired lighting (like the simple string lights here) will help to create a calming atmosphere. You can’t be calm when you’re cold, so be sure to crank up the Patio Comfort portable propane patio heater to keep your guests warm and perfectly in the zen zone.

Idea 7: Vintage Charm with String Lights

A covered patio with string lights hung on the beams and one electric patio heater mounted to it

When decorating your outdoor dining room space, consider adding string lights to architectural elements (thick pillars, fences, accent walls) to create a whimsical and enchanting setting. We particularly love putting string lights on fences, with lush greenery in front of them so that the lights peek through natural flora, enhancing the calm feeling of our outdoor dining room. A warm, calm feeling can only be obtained if your guests are, well, warm. Turning on your Infratech patio heater (made in the good ole’ USA) will do the trick perfectly.

Idea 8: Rooftop Romance with Candlelight

One Electric Patio Heater Mounted to the Beam of a Wooden Pergola Over an Outdoor Seating Area

Whether your rooftop dining area overlooks a sweeping mountain vista or the hustle and bustle of the living city, the view is always extraordinary when you have the right people by your side. Encourage a feeling of closeness by liberally placing candles around your space, creating a soft glow and subtle scent that can elevate an evening with its intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. Select an Infratech patio heater to warm your guests (not the air around them) directly, perfect for a romantic rooftop view.

Idea 9: Eclectic Boho Fusion with Unique Lighting

A patio heater hanging from a covered Patio with a chandelier hanging over patio furniture

Create an eclectic, Boho vibe by mixing materials that shouldn’t go together… but somehow work! Take black rattan furniture, mixed with wrought iron (like the stools here), add in some vintage industrial lighting (like over the bar) accented by the linear chandelier over the table, and you’ve got a mixed bag that works together. Neutral colors (here with round patterns) tie in with the round patterned wall décor, keeping the room cohesive. Don’t forget to keep your family and guests warm with an American made Infratech patio heater to make this cozy vibe even cozier.

Idea 10: Backyard Bistro with Overhead Heaters

One Electric Heater Mounted Above Outdoor Furniture in Backyard

Recreate the experience of a European bistro right in your own backyard. With the goal of a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, focus on creating a space that is both comfortable and inviting. Pair rattan chairs with tables sporting cast iron legs to get an authentic look. Keep your table settings simple (white plates and linen napkins) to stay on point. Play soft (French?) music in the background and you’re ready to go. Just as in classic café’s, add a beautiful Infratech Motif outdoor patio heater to extend the hours your gorgeous outdoor bistro café will welcome your guests.

Adding just the right pieces will make your outdoor dining ideas become a reality by adding just the right lighting, patio heaters to keep your guests comfortable, and the availability of shade as a respite from the blazing sun. All of us here at Patio Heat and Shade hope that some of the ideas we’ve provided to you today will inspire you to take that next step to make your outdoor dining space uniquely your own.

When creating your outdoor dining area plans, you might hit a snag here and there. That’s where we come in. We’ve got the best patio experts in the country, ready and willing to help wherever we can. Give us a call – we’ll treat you like family.

10 Outdoor Dining Décor Ideas

Idea 1: Cozy Fire Pit Retreat

Idea 2: Elegant Umbrella Haven

Idea 3: Minimalist Dining with String Lights

Idea 4: Cozy Outdoor Dining Room

Idea 5: Mediterranean Alcove

Idea 6: Zen Garden Retreat with Portable Heating

Idea 7: Vintage Charm with String Lights

Idea 8: Rooftop Romance with Candlelight

Idea 9: Eclectic Boho Fusion with Unique Lighting

Idea 10: Backyard Bistro with Overhead Heaters

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