The dining garden

We recently returned from a trip to the lovely Mayan Riviera, in the Quintana Roo province of Mexico. Among many of the wonderful things that this area has to offer, outdoor dining was one of my favourites.

There are many palapa restaurants hung with vines and small white lights twinkling through them, lanterns hanging from tree branches, and tropical foliage everywhere so that you feel enclosed, safe, and ready to stay for at least one more cerveca.

This feeling, this atmosphere, is a rare find in restaurants or in private residences in this colder part of the world, but certainly not impossible to create.

There are a few necessary elements that will help create the feeling of a cozy, outdoor dining area.

First, every truly comfortable space needs a ceiling, and this can be created with foliage from the overhanging branches of a tree, or gazebos, arbours and trellises, a large umbrella or even canvas or other fabric stretched overhead. Having a ceiling lends a human scale to the space, making us feel that we are not simply open to the great vast sky, but instead tucked in and secure amongst the plants.

Which leads us to the second necessary element of the cozy outdoor eating area, the immediate surroundings. No matter how beautiful the arbour, gazebo or trellis is, if it is not surrounded by foliage it will feel far too open to the elements and again, will leave the visitor feeling exposed and uncomfortable. The dining area needs to be surrounded with shrubs, perennials, and even small trees, whether they are in pots or in the ground. These plants do not need to block the view of the dining area, their presence alone will greatly soften and enhance the atmosphere inside the dining area. To create a calming effect within the plantings, it is best to limit both the types of plants and the colour of their foliage and flowers.

Next, the floor of the dining area is important as well. Ideally, the floor will be made of a material that is relatively even so that chairs and tables don't wobble. Random flagstone is beautiful, but it must be laid meticulously to create an even surface. Permeable pavers such as Aquapave would work well, or for something a little easier on the budget, a concrete surface could be laid. Concrete, however, is not typically a material that creates a feeling of coziness or warmth. Even less costly choices are gravel or lawn but they will be both be higher maintenance than stone, concrete, or pavers.

When choosing tables and chairs, cedar is very nice and certainly its soft, reddish colour creates a feeling of warmth. Wrought iron or aluminum looks romantic, but is often uncomfortable. Cushions and pillows should be in keeping with the colour palette you have chosen for your plants, as well as the exterior colours of your home. For a more eclectic and Mexican feel, choose brightly painted wood furniture and colourful, bright fabrics for seat cushions and pillows.

Lighting is also important for evening gatherings, and can be as simple as white LED lights strung in the tree or arbour above, or the area can be wired by an electrician so that you can utilize outdoor lanterns and even chandeliers, depending on your budget and the style that you have chosen.

Including all of these elements when planning an outdoor eating area will help you create a relaxing, comfortable dining experience in your own home, where you can always stay for one more cerveca.