Entertaining family and close friends during a casual barbecue or a sunset dinner is the perfect way to catch up and make new memories. Enjoying the great outdoors for a meal or just a sangria means you’ll be gathered around a dining set, and the combination of chairs, benches, a table, and possibly an umbrella will need to last as long as your home.

Before investing in the perfect outdoor aluminum dining set, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions about your family and your outdoor space:

Do you have a large family or group of friends?

How often do you entertain?

What size is your outdoor space?

Who will be using the furniture (adults, kids, both?)

Entertaining family and close friends during a casual barbecue or a sunset dinner is the perfect way to catch up and make new memories. Enjoying the great outdoors for a meal or just a sangria means you’ll be gathered around a dining set, and the combination of chairs, benches, a table, and possibly an umbrella will need to last as long as your home.

Before investing in the perfect outdoor dining set, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions about your family and your outdoor space:

Entertaining family and close friends during a casual barbecue or a sunset dinner is the perfect way to catch up and make new memories. Enjoying the great outdoors for a meal or just a sangria means you’ll be gathered around a dining set, and the combination of chairs, benches, a table, and possibly an umbrella will need to last as long as your home.

Before investing in the perfect outdoor dining set, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions about your family and your outdoor space:

How large is your space? Sprawling patios and decks are more suited for 7-piece dining sets — after all, you’ll need to accommodate six chairs, one table, and still leave plenty of room for people to walk about freely. Chairs shouldn’t feel packed into the dining area — we recommend at least an 11′ x 14′ area for a standard 7-piece dining set.

What types of events will you be hosting?

5-piece dining sets are terrific for late morning mimosas, afternoon snacks, or kicking back a *** in the evening with a few friends.

7-piece dining sets are constructed primarily for big meals — if you’re hosting a barbecue or making a large meal for your entire family you probably want to invest in a larger dining set.

What’s your budget? 7-piece dining sets require more capital, but if you have the space and the large family they are worth the extra money.

Make the decision easier by asking yourself:

What kind of atmosphere do I want?

Dining height (28–30″ table height) is ideal for guests of all ages as the garden patio swing chairs are easier to get in and out of compared to bar height. If you often find yourself chatting into the night with your guests after dinner, dining sets are typically more comfortable over extended periods of time. As the most versatile height, you can dress your dining set up or down to easily transition from a casual weeknight meal with family to a formal dinner party.

Bar height sets are a great option for the casual entertainer. You have the option to sit comfortably, but at 40–42″ table height, bar tables are also the perfect height to stand and rest your drink while mingling with guests. Bar height sets can be dangerous for kids to climb in and out of, so it’s best to stick with dining height if you’re often in the company of children.

How much space I have? This decision is as much function as form — dining height sets spread people out a bit more and require more room. With bar height sets your foot traffic will compact as people lean in to tell jokes and share drinks. If you’re trying to fill the space on your back porch go for a dining height set.