Dining in the great outdoors, stylishly

Squeezing the most out of summer — especially this coronavirus summer — has often meant eating and entertaining outside, for those with the space to do it.

"The goal today is to lavish just as much love and attention on your outdoor setup as you do your indoor rooms. Even if it's just a fire escape in the city," says interior designer Elaine Griffin, based in St. Simons Island, Ga.

Set the stage

To elevate your al fresco entertaining, she advises, begin with the layout.

Set up the dining table close to your indoor kitchen: "The further it is, the more oversize trays you'll need to carry stuff out."

Place your seating toward the best view you've got. And kids' play areas should be easily seen.

"Think of the outdoors like you would an open plan interior," Griffin says.

Get a good light source, whether it's sunlight for breakfast or lunch, or light strings for cocktails and dinner.

The right props

Griffin says wicker is having a moment this summer, indoors and out. "I love it because it's affordable and virtually indestructible," she says. She cites Amanda Lindroth's tabletop accessories: "She's like the Ralph Lauren of wicker: collectible, timelessly classic and insanely chic."

Outdoor spaces reap drama from an oversize mirror, too. "They're great on side or back walls to add depth and reflect light," says Griffin.

Pillar candles in tall, clear, cylinder vases make inexpensive hurricanes. "Station these to illuminate the approach to your dining area for red carpet drama, flanking patio stairs and doors," she says. Get a set of battery-operated ones with a remote control, and you won't have to worry about wind or fire safety.

If you're using a tablecloth, make sure you've got anchors and clips to hold it in place in...