The Simple Joy of Eating Outdoors

A terrace, balcony or back garden becomes an outdoor dining room with little effort. With warm weather lasting most of the year, it is worth setting up a spot that works for long lunches, quiet dinners and everything in between.

Choose finishes that can take the weather

Outdoor furniture and tableware in Maltese homes need to cope with strong sun, salt air and the occasional downpour, so it pays to choose finishes that are easy to wipe down and built to last. Natural materials tend to age well and stay practical season after season.

IKEA's BORRBY lantern for block candle is a good example, with a finish that holds up well outside while still looking good on a table or ledge. For everyday kitchen and larder jars that can move between indoors and out, IKEA's VARDAGEN jar with tap is sturdy and simple to keep clean, handy for serving chilled water or juice at the table.

VARDAGEN jar with tap, 5.0 lBORRBY lantern for block candle, in/outdoor black, 28 cmPÅDRAG vase, clear glass, 17 cmCYLINDER vase, set of 3, clear glassSOARÉ place mat, water hyacinth, 37 cm

Shop Christmas decorations & accessories

Set the table for a long weekend lunch

A lazy weekend lunch outdoors, shared with family or friends, is one of the small pleasures of life on these islands. Getting the essentials right makes it far easier to relax rather than fuss over details once guests arrive.

For grilling, IKEA's GRILLSKÄR charcoal barbecue gives you a proper cooking setup even on a modest terrace. Pour drinks into IKEA's VARDAGEN glass, which feels substantial without being fussy, and serve salads or fruit in IKEA's ENTUSIASM bowl, generous enough for a table of six or more.

GRILLSKÄR charcoal barbecue, black/stainless steel outdoor, 86x61 cmVARDAGEN glass, clear glass, 43 cl, 6 packENTUSIASM bowl, patterned/blue, 12 cm, 4 packGRILLSKÄR gas barbecue, black/stainless steel outdoor, 72x61 cmGRILLSKÄR side burner, black/stainless steel outdoor, 48x61 cmGRILLTIDER barbecue brush, silicone

Shop Outdoor kitchen

Make barbecue night easy to host

An outdoor lunch often means firing up the grill, and a few well-chosen pieces make it far less chaotic to serve food while it is still hot. Having a dedicated cooking spot with space nearby for utensils and serving dishes keeps the whole process calmer.

IKEA's GRILLSKÄR charcoal barbecue is built with this in mind, giving a proper working surface alongside the grill itself. Once the food is ready, IKEA's GLADELIG mug is a cheerful, practical choice for serving cold drinks or even dessert to guests gathered round the table.

GLADELIG mug, grey, 37 clGRILLSKÄR charcoal barbecue, black/stainless steel outdoor, 86x61 cmGLADELIG mug, blue, 37 clDINERA mug, dark grey, 30 clUPPHETTA coffee/tea maker, glass/stainless steel, 1 lGOTTFINNANDE espresso cup, clear glass, 8 cl

Shop Tea & Coffee

Three easy steps to an outdoor dining spot

Start with tableware that feels fresh and a little festive. A large serving bowl works well for cold dishes, while colourful mats double as place settings and bring some life to a plain table or balcony floor.

Add light and texture with small details: IKEA's GALEJ tealight holder brings a warm glow to evening meals on even the smallest terrace or patio. For drinks and nibbles, IKEA's FULLSPÄCKAD serving tray in a natural material carries everything from the kitchen in one trip, while IKEA's VARDAGEN jar with tap is ideal for serving flavoured water or homemade iced tea alongside it.

GALEJ tealight holder, 4 packFULLSPÄCKAD serving tray, bamboo/black, 28x20 cmVARDAGEN jar with tap, 5.0 lKORKEN bottle with stopper, clear glass, 1 lOFTAST plate, white, 25 cmOFTAST bowl, white, 15 cm

Shop Tableware

A few sturdy, well-chosen pieces are often all it takes to turn a balcony or garden into a proper outdoor dining spot. Maltashopper delivers these essentials straight to your door in Malta and Gozo.

More outdoor ideas