Alfresco Dining at Our Island Cabin
There is something magical about eating outside. Maybe it’s the fresh air, the sound of the water or the way the evening light seems to linger just a little longer. Or maybe it’s simply that when we sit outside around a table, phones go down, conversations get longer and we remember to actually be present. That is exactly what I wanted for our cabin!
This little waterfront cabin has always held a special place in our hearts, but after recently renovating it, I found myself thinking about we should feel in the space. I wanted to create a space where our family could gather, slow down, connect and nourish our souls—one meal at a time… And our outdoor dining space has become one of my favourite spots.
Bringing the Mediterranean to the Pacific Northwest
I have always loved the relaxed feeling of Mediterranean dining. Long tables, simple fresh food, natural textures, fresh flowers, candlelight and meals that don't have an official end time. There is something so wonderfully unhurried about it. The water is our backdrop, the trees surround us, the air smells like the forest and the ocean…. We really don't need much else!
I added natural textures, comfortable no fuss seating (simply wipe off any spills), simple table settings and those little details that make outdoor entertaining feel special without feeling too much. I want our alfresco dining space to feel collected and welcoming—like you can sit down with sandy feet, bring another plate to the table and stay for hours.
A Table Made for Gathering
For me, a durable table, chairs and neutral aesthetics was the goal with our alfresco dining space. We love our Hauser furniture that we have at home, so naturally we wanted to include their pieces at the cabin too! We got their Slat Rectangular Dining Table in Textured Taupe (44×84”), and paired it with their Albany Dining Chairs (they are unfortunately sold out, but these Gloster Lima Arm Chairs have a similar vibe!). This space was designed for gathering with our family after a day outside, cooking something delicious and passing plates around. It's bringing fresh foods and herbs from the garden to add to family style dinners. It's watching the kids enjoy themselves while the adults linger over conversation.
Table Top Details
The decor is just as important as the furniture if you ask me. As I get older, I unapologetically add more details that make me happy and make the guest feel special. Since we leaned into a more modern look for the furniture, I wanted to bring in a more cottage feel for the dining pieces, which these pieces from Farmhouse Pottery delivered on! Some of my favourite pieces include the Artists Spatter Vase, Coventry Cornflower Bowls, Silo Dinnerware, Heritage Cutlery and their Washed Linen Tablecloth. Check out the full collection of Farmhouse Pottery pieces that we have at our cabin here!
My husband and I recently travelled to Italy to enjoy our anniversary, and we were so inspired by all of the colours and textures we saw there, so of course, we wanted to incorporate it in our cabin as well! They just do entertaining right there—colourful happy hours with people they love gathered around. To achieve this vibe, we got Quantum Club Chairs from Hauser, and did a custom order to have them upholstered in their Cast Ocean fabric (this is no additional charge! If you see something you like, but don’t love the colours, check out their custom options), and paired it with their Cube Upholstered Outdoor Ottomans (again so many colours and patterns to choose from), and their Dekko Alea 40” Square Fire Pit with a Lid so we can enjoy it both as a fire pit, and as a coffee table! This is where we relax, entertain and watch the kids play on the beach.
That is what I hope this cabin gives our family: a place to escape the business of everyday life, a place to enjoy nature, and a place where we can take a deep breath and feel present.
* Note: Some links featured in the above post are commissionable/affiliate links. Professional photography by Lyndsey Eden.