Parisian open-air cafés – those festive spots that first sprang up in the Parisian suburbs – are places where you can eat, dance and sing, whilst usually enjoying the pleasant atmosphere along the riverbanks. They’re the ideal spot to meet up with friends after work as soon as the warmer weather arrives. So why not recreate that festive atmosphere right in your own home? Let’s take a look at how to transform your garden into a proper open-air café! Whether it’s for an intimate dinner or an evening with a group of guests, combine a rustic touch with a generous dose of conviviality and you’ll be all set for a memorable evening!
The art of upcycling and DIY for an authentic decorative style
You don’t need to break the bank to create your own open-air café! The secret is to go for clever DIY projects, hunt for bargains at flea markets, and give objects a new lease of life. Whether it’s for a birthday, a wedding, a housewarming party or simply an evening with friends, the atmosphere should be all about conviviality. We want everyone to feel at ease, to be able to relax and enjoy themselves without any fuss.
Let your creative side shine
To create the perfect open-air café atmosphere, choose a large table (or several, depending on the number of guests), made of untreated wood or metal, surrounded by matching benches or chairs. Add pastel-coloured cushions for comfort and style, a gingham tablecloth for a retro touch, bouquets of dried flowers, and candles in glass jars. If you’ve got a seating plan in mind, you could make rope napkin rings with dried flowers and slip in a Polaroid photo of each guest. As well as looking lovely, it’s a thoughtful touch that’s sure to make an impression!
If you have the space, create a cosy corner with blankets and deckchairs so your guests can relax in comfort.
Let’s keep it casual!
Plan the decorations and the evening well in advance, so that when the time comes, you can simply enjoy the moment. Once the guests have arrived, let them help themselves and feel at home! As for the food, prepare bowls of crunchy vegetables, platters of cheese and cold meats, mini sandwiches and surprise breads. For drinks, go for jars filled with lemonade and fresh fruit juice, to be placed on a table that will serve as a buffet where everyone can help themselves, and arrange the cutlery together in recycled tin cans. For dessert, opt for wicker baskets filled with fresh fruit! This ‘informal’ vibe will create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Light up your evening
Because even though the evening usually begins with the sun in your eyes, once the last rays of sunlight have faded, candlelight lends an even warmer feel to the party and adds an intimacy that will encourage your guests to chat. Don’t forget the essential touch: fairy lights! String them along your garden fence to define the space, or hang them in the trees to create a warm glow. A delicate string of fairy lights used as a table runner will provide your guests with just the right amount of light without being too obtrusive.
How about we have a bit of fun?
Among your guests, there will be those who spend the evening at the table catching up and chatting for hours on end. But there will also be those who can’t sit still, and for them, organising activities is a must. (And let’s face it, we all agree that playing games always makes for wonderful memories!) So set aside a space for an outdoor game, or get the volleyball out. (Even if your garden isn’t very big, your guests will be delighted to be able to pass the ball back and forth between courses of cheese.) For the children, think about setting up games suitable for their age group (hook a diuck is always a hit!). Set aside a small area for darts, surrounded by fairy lights, and you’re sure to have a brilliant evening!
Ready to open your open-air café?
All you need to do now is dig out your pretty, light dress or your dungarees, some sunglasses and a playlist featuring Abba hits, and you’re all set! Send out the invitations – your open-air café is about to open its doors!
