Summer is the season for long, luxurious meals in the open air. Whether you have a patio, terrace, or plenty of green space, we’ve compiled 26 outdoor dining rooms from the House & Home archives that are sure to set the scene for great alfresco entertaining.
A giant white pine tree offers a shady spot for breakfast in this verdant garden.
Photographer: Angus McRitchie
Source: House & Home July 2010
Designer: Judith Webster
Homeowner and designer John Tong took advantage of existing steel girder framework to create a dining area that met his family’s needs. By the look of it, twins Luka and Maelle couldn’t be happier with the addition of swings!
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home June 2010
Designer: John Tong
An oversized table overlooks the pool in this sophisticated Toronto backyard. A planked deck lends the space a dockside feel.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home August 2010
Designer: Karen and Thomas von Hahn
Dark walls set the scene for intimate dinner parties on this outdoor terrace. Mirrored doors reflect sunlight into the space.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home May 2011
Designer: Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman
A sleek, rectangular dining table is perfectly suited to this city backyard’s high-style aesthetic. Walls of climbing hydrangea create a sense of privacy.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home August 2013
Designer: Terry Ryan
An exterior garden wall adds texture and color in this well-manicured terrace.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home August 2012
Designer: Terry Ryan, Cubic Yard Design
Solar-powered table candles are a fitting (and pretty) choice for an outdoor dining room, as they won’t blow out on windy days. Landscape designer Ron Holbrook chose this mod table because it matched the rest of the terrace’s streamlined style.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home May 2012
Designer: Ron Holbrook
Mismatched chairs and stools painted in juicy shades add color and character to a timeworn table. Towering trees provide a verdant backdrop.
Photographer: Jean Longpre
Source: House & Home July 2013
Designer: Heidi Smith
Nestled among the trees, this relaxed dining room canopied with a white tent is the perfect place for enjoying a casual meal.
Photographer: Monic Richard
Source: House & Home June 2014
Designer: Anne Cote
An oversized umbrella angled over this dining table provides ample shade on hot summer days, and makes sharing meals with guests — up to twelve, in this case — a cool and comfortable affair.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home May 2017
Designer: Meredyth Hilton, Artistic Gardens
A mix of chairs and stools keep this cottage’s outdoor dining area a casual and inviting space. A barnboard-style table can stand up to the elements.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home June 2013
Designer: Meredyth Hilton, Artistic Gardens
With an orderly vegetable garden surrounding the perimeter of this terrace, meals enjoyed in this outdoor dining room are sure to include fresh, homegrown ingredients.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home May 2010
Designer: Clinton Cuddington
This well-appointed dining room in Muskoka comes with the added bonus of a stunning lakeside view. Pull-down screens can enclose the space, keeping bugs out at night.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home July 2011
Designer: David Beaton
No garden party is complete without beautiful blooms! Designer Colette van den Thillart dressed her own outdoor dining table with a green and white bouquet that nods to its lush surroundings.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home July 2015
Designer: Colette van den Thillart
Industrial concrete pillars frame this spacious dining area.
Photographer: Kim Christie
Source: House & Home June 2012
Designer: Tony Robins
Seen here from another angle, it’s clear that homeowners Marta Triginer and Michael Kirsh are treated to a spectacular view of the pool from their table.
Photographer: Kim Christie
Source: House & Home June 2012
Designer: Tony Robins
A muted brown palette and natural accents, including wicker chairs and woven place mats, prioritize this West Vancouver home’s stunning oceanside view. Outdoor string lights around the dining area allow parties to continue long after the sun has set.
Photographer: Heather Ross
Source: House & Home July 2013
Designer: Lara Irwin
Outdoor furniture in pared-down cream and white tones place the focus on the sweeping ocean views beyond the terrace. A simple aluminum railing keeps sight lines open.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home May 2015
Designer: Bruce Gregga and Stephan Jones
A round pedestal table is an elegant addition in this garden’s entertaining zone. Weathered teak chairs mimic the pattern found on the wooden fencing.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home May 2016
Designer: Katherine Newman
Artist Bobbie Burgers’ casual dining setup is perfect for kicking up your feet and relaxing.
Photographer: Kim Christie
Source: House & Home May 2009
Designer: Bobbie Burgers
A handsome faux-limestone fireplace and ornate chandelier (hung above the table) create a romantic atmosphere in designer Sharon Mimran’s own garden.
Photographer: Ted Yarwood
Source: House & Home May 2010
Designer: Sharon Mimran
Landscape designer Meredyth Hilton custom-made this dining table bench with ipê so that it perfectly matched the footbridge (background). Black chairs add a graphic note.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home May 2012
Designer: Meredyth Hilton, Artistic Gardens
This country-style dining area has it all: a barbecue, a wood-burning fireplace and a glass-paned roof for shelter on rainy days. Nasturtium flowers planted throughout the garden add a cheery pop of color.
Photographer: Tracey Ayton
Source: House & Home May 2015
Designer: PFS Studio
A trad dining table and mod Lord Yo chairs in a delicate mint green hue add a note of softness and femininity to this French-inspired backyard.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home May 2010
Designer: Ron Rule
Distinct entertaining zones divide this Toronto backyard. A 16′ x 21′ dining area is the perfect size for hosting summer dinner parties.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home June 2015
Designer: Joel Loblaw
Accordion doors open this cabana to the terrace, creating spacious dining and entertaining zones. A capiz light is a whimsical touch.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home July 2013
Designer: Meredyth Hilton, Artistic Gardens