There’s something magical about summer evenings spent under the open sky, surrounded by good food, laughter, and the people who matter most. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a quiet brunch with friends, or an alfresco family dinner, a well-styled outdoor dining space makes all the difference. At POLYWOOD®, we believe every outdoor space has the potential to become someone’s favorite gathering spot—and with our dining collections, you can find the right look and feel for every occasion.
Let’s walk through how to style an outdoor dining set for summer gatherings and explore how our wide variety of designs can match your unique outdoor vibe.
Set the Stage: Think About Your Outdoor Space
When planning an outdoor summer gathering, start by assessing your outdoor space. Consider the location of your dining area—is it sheltered under a pergola, situated on a deck, or spread across your backyard lawn? The characteristics of your space will influence the type of dining set and styling that will be most suitable.
Space & Layout
Ensure your chosen dining set complements the size and layout of your outdoor space. We suggest measuring the area first to determine how much room you have, then picking a dining set that suits. Consider a compact, extendable table or a set with folding chairs if space is limited. For larger settings, a spacious dining table with ample seating and additional outdoor furniture pieces like benches or lounge chairs would be ideal.
Accessibility & Flow
Think about traffic flow and how guests will move around your space. Ensure there's enough room for people to walk around the table comfortably, pull out chairs without obstruction, and easily access other areas of your outdoor space. A general guideline is to allow for at least three feet of clearance on all sides of the dining table.
Style & Ambiance
The style of your outdoor dining set should harmonize with the overall aesthetic of your space. Choose materials, colors, and designs that complement your home's architecture and outdoor decor. Consider the ambiance you want to create, whether casual and relaxed or more formal and elegant, and select furniture and decor accordingly.
Functionality & Comfort
Prioritize comfort and functionality when choosing your outdoor dining set. Opt for weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements and are easy to clean and maintain. Cushions and pillows can add comfort and pops of color, but ensure they're made from outdoor-suitable fabrics that resist fading and mildew.
Lighting & Shade
Don't forget to factor in lighting and shade when planning your outdoor dining area. If your space lacks natural shade, consider adding a shade sail, umbrella, or pergola to provide protection from the sun. String lights, lanterns, or candles can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings.
By carefully considering these factors and planning accordingly, you can create a stylish and functional outdoor living area that’s perfect for hosting summer gatherings and enjoying alfresco meals with friends and family.
Choose a Dining Collection That Matches Your Style
We design POLYWOOD outdoor dining collections with a variety of aesthetics in mind—from rustic farmhouse to coastal chic. Here’s a look at some of our most beloved dining collections, each with its own distinct character.
1. The Nautical Collection
Style: Coastal & Casual | Suggested Finishes: White, Teak, Slate Grey
Clean lines, rounded edges, and distinctive cutout headrest handles give this collection its breezy charm. Perfect for hosting a seafood boil or casual family dinner, all Nautical dining sets are made with Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber that resists salt spray and sun exposure—ideal for homes near the water or coastal climates.
Styling Tip: For a marine-inspired look, pair with navy cushions, striped placemats, and string lights overhead. Complete the aesthetic with POLYWOOD bar and counter furniture for easy drink service.
2. The Braxton Collection
Style: Traditional & Rustic | Suggested Finishes: Mahogany, Slate Grey, White
The Braxton Collection offers a warm, inviting look with its arched X-back designs and classic silhouettes. It's a go-to for holiday cookouts, summer birthdays, and every gathering in between.
Styling Tip: To enhance the cozy farmhouse aesthetic, use natural linen napkins, lantern centerpieces, and floral arrangements in mason jars. A backless bench on one side adds flexible seating.
3. The EDGE Collection
Style: Clean-Lined & Modern | Suggested Finishes: Black, White, Natural
Minimalist and bold, the EDGE Collection features sleek lines and architectural details that instantly update your space. Offering coordinating alfresco and deep seating styles, it's great for modern decks and urban patios.
Styling Tip: Stick to a monochrome palette with pops of color in your dinnerware or add drama with a contrasting patio umbrella. We love pairing EDGE dining sets with geometric outdoor rugs and black matte dinner plates.
4. The La Casa Café Collection
Style: Refined & Relaxed | Suggested Finishes: Teak, Slate Grey, Sunset Red
We designed this collection to make elevated entertaining effortless, inviting comfort and sophistication to the table. Featuring curved seats with supportive backs that pair with a range of POLYWOOD dining tables, La Casa Café dining sets make family dinners or impromptu game nights even more enjoyable.
Styling Tip: Keep things casual with melamine dishware, colorful seat cushions, and a centerpiece of potted herbs guests can snip and sprinkle on their plates.
5. The Lakeside Collection
Style: Transitional & Laid-Back | Suggested Finishes: Vintage Sahara, White, Green
The Lakeside Collection brings versatility and relaxed vacation vibes to your backyard. Its comfortable, all-occasion dining sets are made for leisurely meals, lemonade refills, and lots of storytelling.
Styling Tip: Use gingham or striped table linens, add citronella candles to keep bugs at bay, and set out a pitcher of sweet tea and ice-filled glasses. Don’t forget cozy throw pillows for added charm.
Add Layers of Comfort
POLYWOOD dining sets are crafted with all-weather HDPE lumber and marine-grade quality hardware, so you won’t need to worry about rust or rot. But comfort goes beyond materials—accessories like cushions, seat pads, and umbrellas make your space feel complete.
- Seat Cushions: Choose fade-resistant performance fabrics in solids or prints. We recommend soft hues for a relaxed feel or bold colors for a summer pop.
- Outdoor Umbrellas: Umbrellas provide shade for midday meals. Go with a cantilever style for larger sets or a center-post umbrella for smaller round tables.
- Accent Furniture: A sideboard, console table, or buffet table makes serving easier, and nearby lounge chairs give guests spots to relax post-meal.
Explore all POLYWOOD pillows and decor to complete your space.
Lighting & Decor
Incorporate layers of lighting to effortlessly shift your dining area from a midday lunch stop to an inviting evening destination.
- Overhead String Lights: Cast a soft, ambient glow at evening meals.
- Lanterns or Battery Candles: Scatter across the table for intimate accent lighting.
- Solar Path Lights: Illuminate walkways to guide guests to your dining space.
Remember personal touches—use name tags for each place setting at dinner parties or tuck a rosemary or lavender sprig into folded napkins for a fragrant accent.
Create a Flow Between Spaces
If your outdoor dining area connects to a lounge or poolside spot, coordinate finishes and styles across both settings for visual flow. Try pairing an EDGE dining set and modular sectional, or balance a vibrant Sunset Red dining set with neutral lounge seating nearby.
Use our Outdoor Furniture Planner to map out your space before buying.
Sustainability Meets Style
POLYWOOD dining collections offer more than lasting beauty and durability—they’re designed with the environment in mind. We craft each piece using sustainably sourced HDPE plastics and responsible production practices, making every summer gathering a moment of joy and a step toward a cleaner planet.
Learn more about POLYWOOD’s commitment to sustainability.
Final Thoughts: Your Summer Gathering Starts Here
No matter your space or style, there's a POLYWOOD dining set to match—and elevate—your outdoor gatherings. From intimate dinner parties to family feasts, styling your dining sets creates an environment where everyone feels welcome and relaxed.