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I have always loved dining outdoors, and I will look for just about any excuse to carry a plate outside. There’s something about eating dinner while the birds sing and a gentle breeze blows that makes even the simplest meal feel like an occasion. It could be bologna sandwiches and a bag of chips, but the moment you step outside, it just feels different. Lighter. More fun. A little more memorable.
That’s really the heart of dining al fresco. The phrase simply means “in the open air,” but it feels like more than that. It’s not about fancy tables or elaborate meals. It’s about taking something ordinary and giving it a fresh setting. And here in Arkansas, we get so many chances to do just that.
Growing up, there was a local farm stand that grilled fresh corn on these huge wood-fired grills all season long. There were many nights that my family would drive up there and eat corn, grilled until it was just starting to caramelize, for dinner. It was slathered in melted butter and was just about the best thing ever. In my mind, firing up the grill is basically an invitation to eat outside. It just makes sense. Burgers, hot dogs, foil packet meals, veggies, and grilled corn are meant to be enjoyed in the open air.
Some of our favorite evenings start with the smell of something on the grill and end with everyone gathered outside, plates in hand. Instead of calling George inside for dinner, we bring the plates to him, and everyone enjoys a meal with a little outdoor play mixed in between bites.
And if you’re camping, it’s even better. Cooking over a campfire makes everything taste better, and eating outside becomes part of the experience.
Not every outdoor meal starts with a plan. Some of our most memorable meals happen on a regular weeknight when I decide last-minute that we’re not eating at the table. Everyone makes a plate in the kitchen, and we wander outside. No prep, no extra work. Just a change of scenery.
It’s funny how something that simple can shift the whole mood of the evening. Dinner feels less rushed. Conversations linger a little longer. And suddenly, a normal Tuesday feels like something special.
A lot of our outdoor meals happen at campgrounds. There’s just something about a picnic table under the trees that makes everything taste better. But we don’t always wait for a camping trip to make outdoor meals happen. We have a picnic table in our yard, and it gets plenty of use. And honestly, you don’t even need that. We’ve set up folding chairs in a circle and balanced paper plates on our knees. We’ve spread out a blanket and eaten like we were at a picnic. If you have a patio table, you can enjoy a meal that feels a little more put-together.
Make It Easy (and Keep the Bugs Away)
The easier you make dining al fresco, the more often you’ll do it.
A tray or a simple caddy helps carry everything out in one trip. Napkins, utensils, drinks and condiments. Having it all together saves you from running back and forth.
As for bugs, they’re part of the deal in Arkansas, but they don’t have to ruin the fun:
- A small fan can help keep flies away
- Keep food covered until you’re ready to eat
- Light a citronella candle or two
- Try to eat early, before the mosquitoes really come out
Add a string of lights or tiki torches, and the experience becomes truly memorable.
Easy Ideas for Dining Al Fresco
Here are a few simple ideas to get you started. These are the kinds of meals that work well outside and leave plenty of room for you to keep things relaxed and fun:
- Sandwich, chips, fruit and veggies
- Pasta salad and grilled chicken
- Taco night outside with all the fixings
- Hot dogs or burgers and potato salad
- Foil packet meals on the grill or campfire
- Charcuterie-style snack boards for a laid-back evening
- Dessert picnic with cookies, brownies, and fresh berries
My best advice is to keep it simple. The goal isn’t to impress anyone, but to enjoy the moment. And once you start, you might find yourself like me, looking for just about any excuse to take dinner outside.
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