When the sun is high in the sky and the temperature is comfortable, many people like to head downtown to dine at their favorite outdoor restaurant patio. This is a great way for friends and family to gather for a delicious meal, refreshing drinks and good conversation while enjoying the beautiful weather of the season.
If you’re opening a new eatery or looking to expand the appeal of your current establishment, using travertine pavers to create a comfortable and luxurious outdoor seating area can be great for business. Not only will you be increasing the number of guests you can serve, but you’ll also be opening up your restaurant to natural sunlight, warm breezes and clear, blue skies.
Luckily, even if you only have limited exterior space available, you can still design a great travertine installation patio. Here are three tips to keep in mind along the way.
1. Stick with small, circular tables
The first trick in efficiently using available space is to find versatile and appropriately sized outdoor furnishings. In particular, purchasing circular patio tables that are on the smaller side can free up plenty of ground space to accommodate guests.
Unlike square or rectangular surfaces, circular tables allow for greater flexibility when accommodating larger parties. Extra diners who show up to the party later can simply ask everyone to slide over without sticking someone on an uncomfortable corner.
2. Shift the host station
Chances are, you’ll have a station set up for your host or hostess to keep an eye on guests eating outdoors. This will allow your establishment to immediately address any issues occurring outside without forcing diners to enter the restaurant or wait for a server for help.
To keep this station from taking up free patio space, consider locating it directly outside the perimeter of your patio. When stationed next to the front door of your restaurant, you can even combine this with the indoor hosting station for a more streamlined operation.
3. Keep decorations off the ground
Considering that you’re working with only a little bit of space outside, it’s important to keep as much of it free as possible for seating purposes and traffic flow. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to completely neglect decorations such as plants, flowers and outdoor lamps.
Instead of relying on potted plants and standing lighting fixtures to improve the patio’s aesthetic, consider placing these elements on a perimeter fence or barrier. By incorporating these decorations with the surrounding fence or low-wall, you can provide guests with a greater sense of privacy without sacrificing extra room.
