The Perfect Dining Experience: Al Fresco

There’s something uniquely special about taking the dining experience outdoors. Whether it’s in your backyard, back porch, in a field, or a restaurant table; Enjoying food, drink and fellowship outside gives permission to slow down and breathe in the simple pleasures of life.

The term al fresco comes to us from the Italian term alfresco meaning “in the fresh air”. What is it about eating outside that slows things down a bit more, calms the rush of a meal and helps us lean into the conversation before us? Dining outside is not a new concept, by any means, and dates back to the Middle Ages. In Medieval times, a large celebratory feast was enjoyed outdoors prior to a hunt. It was a pastime enjoyed mostly by the wealthy class until the mid to late 1800’s, when picnics became a popular way of dining for the middle-class. Fast forward to 2020, when outdoor dining was our only option. The threat of Covid-19 threatened our desires to be in community with one another. Many of us decided “in the fresh air” was not just preferred but necessary versus going without meals with our friends & family. Thus, we became pretty darn good at it!

Our connection with nature can bring us to a place of relaxation. It is a calming way of restoring energy and combating against lingering fatigue. Taking our dining outdoors can truly bring about personal health benefits as well.  Have you ever added a live plant to a table or bookshelf? You don’t need research to tell you that stress is reduced; there is a calming effect that when adding natural elements to our surroundings, it takes us to a physically & psychologically calmer state. Now think about eating in an environment that is all-natural. Lower stress levels, decrease blood pressure, better digestion and better sleeping... the overall functioning of your body has greater potential when we expose ourselves to natural light & a natural environment.

Al Fresco dining can take many directions, whether it’s an elaborate experience behind the garden gates for a pre-hunt feast or paper plates and plastic cutlery on a blanket; Collectively there is a sense of elevated dining with nature as the backdrop.

Read on for some fresh ideas to enhance your own home outdoor ambience with linens & textures or looking for outdoor dining options in the Asheville area!

Creating Al Fresco Dining at Home

Start with what you have for table & seating but add small touches that can serve to elevate and personalize your outdoor space. To add warmth and ambiance to your existing outdoor table, consider a tabletop refresh. Hester & Cook paper placemats & table runners add a casual elegance to any table.  Layering a circular textured placemat on top of the paper will add interest & dimension. Small personal touches such as mixing colored glassware, using vintage or heirloom plates atop the modern placemats will refresh with summer esthetics and enhance your outdoor space making it ready for dining!! Whether it’s a casual family dinner or special occasion, your outdoor dining area can serve as an extension of your indoor living space. It should reflect your personal style! Most importantly, have fun with it. Summer is the perfect time to play with patterns & textures!

Outdoor Dining in Asheville

Maybe you’re looking for a place with a view, or a bistro table to enjoy your pastry & coffee, or maybe just lack the desire to prepare dinner... Asheville has an abundant amount of restaurants with alfresco dining options.

Here are a few of our favorites:

12 Bones Barbeque in the River Arts District has a unique patio space where you’re surrounded by natural outdoor beauty but also mural & artwork curated by local artists.  Don’t sleep on the 12 Bones South Asheville location either… The brewery opens up to picnic tables with umbrellas to enjoy dining outdoors in the south part of town.

All Day Darling is another great spot in the Montford neighborhood with all-day dining options. It’s a great spot for feeling like a local.  We may be a bit biased, but we feel West Asheville has some of the best options… for a casual spot, find your way to Oyster House Brewing Company on Haywood Rd. Go ahead and get the dozen oysters and pair with an Oyster House IPA, you will not be disappointed! The Admiral & neighboring Jargon are two of our absolute favorites.

Asheville Picnics

Lastly if you’re looking for a truly unique alfresco dining experience, you must check out Asheville Luxury Picnic Company. Makenzie and her team handle all the details from location, food, set up & cleanup. All you have to do is show up & relax. They offer unique packages ranging from backpack picnics to more elaborate options with backdrops, décor, blankets & décor (think amazing proposal setup!)

For those seeking a little more flexibility or looking to find the perfect Blue Ridge Parkway picnic spot, check out AVL Charcuterie. Lindsey and her team will create a beautiful charcuterie spread boxed and ready to go wherever your adventure takes you!

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the land, set in the valley, Asheville is downright special. From Spring through the Fall, there is no better way to explore what Asheville has to offer than dining alfresco with great food, great drink, and great conversation.

See you soon!

Heather