The most magical al fresco dinner party ideas.

Outdoor entertaining is hands down, our fondest setting for an enchanting evening. We're outside, our shoes are off by the main course (and by main course I mean cheese) and there's just something about a warm summer night lit up by laughter and candlelight. And wine. Definitely wine. When you think of outdoor entertaining, it doesn't always have to mean paper plates and BBQ'd ribs. When you party in our backyard, we kick off our shoes and take our dinner to the picnic table and often keep it simple with an evening on the grass. It doesn't take much for it to be grand, and to prove it - here are some magical al fresco dinner parties and ideas to inspire your next outdoor gathering. 

1. EYE SWOON'S MID SUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: Throws, pillows and string lighting for al fresco perfection. Oh, and Kraft Paper Runners of course.

2. ANNE STREET STUDIO'S SUMMER DINNER PARTY WITH ECCO DOMANI WINE: We just wouldn't, couldn't dream of changing a thing! Cream ceramics, simple wine glasses, sourdough on a bread board and salad in a big wooden bowl on a naked table. CLICK HERE for the menu and recipes for their Roasted Cherry Tomato + Shrimp Fettucini, Grilled Lambchops, Spring Salad and Baby Beets + Carrots. UM. YUM IS RIGHT.

3. RUSTIC LUXURY; AN AL FRESCO TUSCAN WEDDING: The beauty of Italian dining is that it's simple; all you need is a crisp white tablecloth, natural linen runner, an abundance of candles, votive holders and fresh greenery to create your very own Italian feast.

4. FRUITFUL CENTERPIECES BY CONFRARIA DAS TRUFAS: Create a fresh, brightly colored table with lemons and limes in water filled cylinder vases.

5. This 30th Birthday Oyster Fest Designed by Amanda O’Shannessy and photographed by the birthday girl herself, Melanie Duerkopp and featured on Style Me Pretty is beyond perfection. You know we love everything black and white stripes, so this table runner is everything. From the napkins casually placed in a serving bowl, to the wine bottles on the table, we give this al fresco table setting an A++.

6. THE COOLEST PLANTER FEATURED ON ONE KINGS LANE: This is one of those, why didn't I think of that moments. DUH. Talk about a genius way to DIY yourself an oversized ice bucket that you don't even have to drain, thanks to the hole in the bottom. Just be careful where you put this thing. Like, not on an outdoor carpet. 

7. Carmel Valley Wedding from Delbarr Moradi + Simone Lennon on Style me Pretty: Gold chargers, natural Linens and whole loaves of bread as your place card setting? Don't mind if I do. #carbday

8. FROM THE SHORES OF PUNTA MITA, MEXICO: Willow chargers, a woven table runner and in the distance...hanging luminaries. Can we live here for the summer? Cool, thanks. 

Now with all that inspiration, we invite you to shop the look on Table + Dine. For more al fresco inspo, check out what we're pinning on Pinterest. 

xx // allie + deb