Spring continues to tease us here on the North Coast. Some days are sunny and warm while other days it feels like winter’s back again. I know that as we creep closer to May and June, we will soon be enjoying days that will entice us to live alfresco style.
Al·fres·co: \al-ˈfres-(ˌ)kō\ adjective or adverb. Italian 1753 - taking place or located in the open air : outdoor, outdoors <an alfresco lunch> <an alfresco café> <dining alfresco>
Living outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and warm days, is such a wonderful treat. Here in NE Ohio, we only have a few precious months to even consider alfresco living. The question is how can we best take advantage of “Alfresco Season?” I think for me the key is to create designated spaces/rooms.
We have a large deck that runs the length of the back of the house. Mr. DH and I have talked about creating zones on the deck – the grill zone – that’s his space ;o). Then there is the sun soaking zone – that’s where we can lay out and catch the sun. Lastly there is the entertainment zone – that’s where we want to set up some outdoor chairs/sofa. These spaces will help up make the most of the long deck that has pretty much gone unused since we moved to our Cottage In the Woods 2.5 years ago.
This photo from Better Homes & Gardens inspires me. It’s simple but beautiful. I love the muted tones of the setting and the striped table cloth.
We don’t have space for a large 9 or 11-foot umbrella on our deck but I found these great little 5-foot ones at Cost Plus World Market. 
I have been buying these for the last couple of summers. The umbrellas are $59.99 each and the stand is $29.99. I typically buy a new umbrella each year because they do fade and can get mold spots {even though they are made of mold-resistant fabric.} For under $100 this umbrella an pull together your alfresco dining area. Love it!
I will admit that the one things I don’t like about alfresco living is the dust and dirt! I swear, my alfresco spaces, take way more effort to keep clean than the ones inside! However, since it’s just for a little while, I think it is worth the effort.
So I’m wondering, any of you out there in cyberspace looking forward to Alfresco Season? What are your plans for taking advantage of living outdoors?
About Diana
I’m a busy working designer & home stager who gets a lot of joy & happiness helping clients transform their houses into homes they love. I blog as part of that creative process. In our “spare” time my hubby & I are updating our Cottage in the Woods that we share with our cats. I’m a Christian & look forward to someday working for my Heavenly Father, the Greatest Designer of all, decorating mansions in Heaven!
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My boyfriend’s house was built in 1956 and has a long skinny porch on the front of the house that can barely sit some chairs. I’m encouraging him to build a deck out back so we can have a table and chairs (and umbrella of course) and possibly a hammock! This should be a great summer!
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