Al fresco dining

Opinion

I don’t think I am asking for too much when I ask for some sun to go with my al fresco dining. It is almost like summer forgets it has a job to do each year!

Folk in New Zealand love al fresco dining... as do the Australians, French and Italians and many other Mediterranean countries.

So what is al fresco dining?

The term al fresco originates from the

Italian and loosely means “in the cool air. We use the term to mean dining outdoors.

Al fresco dining is popular in temperate climates and in the spring, summer, and autumn months. People enjoy dining al fresco when the weather is beautiful. The style is casual, yet festive, with a party-like atmosphere. The Spanish are particularly good at this!

In hot climates, you might have covered patios to keep cool. In chilly climates, you might have fire pits or outdoor fireplaces to keep diners comfortable. For me, dining late into the evening on one of those balmy summer nights is such a wonderful way to relax . . .. you can forget the braziers and rugs and outdoor heaters. It does not do it for me.

Half the fun with al fresco dining is setting the scene

You do not have to spend a fortune planning your al fresco soiree. I have painted a collection of old chairs, found old tins of paint, and decorated an outdoor umbrella that was faded and oh so boring (The neon paint was a hit).

I have dragged old floor rugs out onto the grass for instant flooring and collected teasles from the side of the road that I painted and put into old jars.

I have covered old placemats with old sheets of music, used mismatched glasses and with good company added to the mix . . .my al fresco dining has been very memorable.

Old unused sinks and baths make great ice buckets and fairy lights can add a wonderful atmosphere, clusters of freshly picked flowers from your garden, linen table napkins, lovely big wooden food platters and plenty of fresh fruit will certainly make for a relaxing evening.

And as the evening draws in, make sure you have a few cosy rugs to be enjoyed by all. This is al fresco dining at its best!