Iftar Under the Stars: Outdoor Dining Essentials for a Magical Ramadan

Enjoy a magical iftar under the stars this Ramadan by creating a captivating tablescape in your outdoor dining area. Breaking your fast beneath the moon and stars add a wonderful sense of occasion to the meal. Gather friends and family around your table, sharing your food, conversation and wishes for prosperity. Explore your outdoor Ramadan dining essentials and learn how to create an iftar tablescape that your loved ones will be talking about for years to come.

Starry, starry nights 

Take inspiration from the stars in the sky above your iftar. Use outdoor lights to create a starry backdrop against a wall, or wrap them around the trees and pergola in your outdoor space. Choose warm white lights to create a softer, more intimate atmosphere. Introduce the star motif to your dining area, but keep this design element subtle. Think of star cut-outs in ceramic lanterns or star motifs on your table runner or linen napkins. 

Beauty in simplicity 

Less can be more when you style your table for an al fresco iftar, not least because it allows the food to be the star of the show. If you'll be welcoming many guests around your table, consider choosing a minimalist tablescape. This provides everyone the space to share food and keep the conversation flowing, unhindered by cascading bouquets or large sculptural centrepieces. Choose a simple dinnerware service in elegant white or contemporary black. Add interest with reactive glasses or understated patterns and gilding. 

Play with light 

Dining under the stars gives you an incredible opportunity to play with light. Include glass elements across your table, from water glasses and pitchers to cut glass serving dishes and tealight holders.

Embellish your table with lustrous metals that reflect light opulently, selecting brushed gold, champagne and silver pieces for a softer look. Achieve this vibe with flatware, napkin rings and decorative pieces – all the better if these are complemented by rich jewel colours. To set these accents sparkling, be generous with your tabletop candles and set lanterns around your outdoor dining space.

Dine in comfort

If your starlit iftar is going to be attended by many, consider an extendable dining table for your dining terrace. Use bistro tables dotted around your main rectangular table – perfect for seating little ones. 

One of the joys of Ramadan is a leisurely iftar. Encourage your guests to savour their food and take their time with food served on platters, wooden boards and bowls for grazing. For this laid-back affair, furnish your guests with comfortable, cushioned dining chairs, then retire to your outdoor lounge set, where the conversation can keep flowing as you reflect upon the Holy month. 

Nothing brings people together like a shared feast. Take your feasting al fresco this March and savour a twinkling iftar long into the night.