These are the biggest patio trends of 2021
Yes! We can finally spend hours hanging out on the patio again. This coming summer and winter, it will be the place where we meet our friends, whom we haven’t seen in far too long. Good to know: here’s what you can expect in terms of patio trends this year.
Thanks to the increasingly warm autumns and springs, the patio is becoming more and more the place to be. A small advantage of climate change, shall we say. We’ve already seen more and more of indoor life moving outdoors. And thanks to the coronavirus crisis, restaurant patios have become even more popular. The risk of infection is lower outdoors, so everything feels safer outside. In summer, we saw cities transform into one giant patio. What will 2021 look like?
Winter patio
We’ve rediscovered how much fun patios are in winter! With cozy fire baskets, a wonderfully fragrant winter barbecue, hot chocolate with marshmallows, fresh pea soup or mulled wine, and stalls as if we were at a German Christmas market. Add some live music and you’re all set. A winter patio quickly feels like a vacation anyway, and that’s exactly what we’re craving right now. We’re seeing more and more patios that stay open all year round, including on beaches.
Inside out
The design of patios is becoming increasingly important. No standard tables and chairs, but unusual furniture and, above all, lots of greenery and nature, so you feel like you’re actually sitting in the middle of nature rather than in the city. Plants and wooden screens form natural barriers against coronavirus coughs, because we’ve had enough of plexiglass screens. We’re also seeing more and more greenhouses, igloos, parasols, pagodas and awnings with heating, so we can stay outdoors for as long and as often as possible. Patios are increasingly complementing the restaurant, while the indoor space is gradually being transformed into a garden through the use of plants and a more spacious layout.
Cooking outdoors
Cooking at the table is already an important trend. When we eat out, we also want a show, with filleting, flambéing or shaking right in front of us. It’s even more fun when you see the chefs working outside, joking around and grilling as if they’re at a campsite. Entire outdoor kitchens and bars are being built, but a simple barbecue and an ice tub filled with chilled drinks with a pop-up feel is even more fun.
Smart ordering
Ordering on the patio could certainly be a nightmare on busy summer days, but thanks to new and more convenient ordering and payment systems on your own mobile phone, your new summer drink is now on the table faster than ever. (Digital) menus are also becoming smarter and more personalized, because why inform a vegetarian about meat? It won’t be long before your order arrives automatically when you sit down. That’s how we like it.
Patio at home
To generate some extra revenue, restaurants and bars will continue to offer takeaway and delivery for a while. This also makes it easier to play patio at home, because ordering a delicious barbecue meal from a top chef is nicer than struggling yourself with burnt chicken and exploded sausages, and why would we shake cocktails ourselves when we can order them with a simple click?
Outdoor dishes
We’re seeing more and more street food appearing on menus. Simple, affordable dishes that, thank goodness, you don’t have to share, with bold flavors. Think tacos, roti, wraps, mini burgers, pancakes with hoisin duck, mini kebabs, Peking duck baos and spring rolls. Naturally, all homemade and bursting with flavor, because a bar can no longer get away with a yakitori skewer from Hanos.
Summer drinks
When the sun breaks through, we start craving delicious summer drinks again. What can we expect this summer? There are increasingly more good alcohol-free alternatives, but this summer we also sometimes want to enjoy a delicious drink with alcohol. Rosé prosecco and rosé champagne are always festive, while limoncello tonic will be all the rage, as will pre-batched cocktails that can be served quickly. Just like tropical cocktails that remind us of exotic vacations. Water with a natural addition and homemade lemonades will also become important, as will sour and low-alcohol beers.
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