Once temperatures start to hover in the comfortably mild range, it's time to start thinking about eating outside. Whether you want to take your meals outdoors whenever the sun is shining or just have an occasional barbecue, it pays to set up a dedicating dining area outside your home.

Consider where the dining area should be located. Decks, porches, and patios are traditionally where you'll set up your tables and chairs, but other areas can offer advantages as well. Lisa Hallett Taylor, writing for the home design site The Spruce, says some alternatives include setting up your dining area by the pool or simply putting a table under an attractive shade tree.

Try to give your diners a nice view. You may be able to capitalize on a scenic vista, or at least have your dining table set up near a beautiful garden.

Decide how far you want your dining area to be from the kitchen or grill; unless you have an outdoor kitchen, you'll need to be aware of how far you have to carry your prepared food. Lauren Dunec Hoang, writing for the home design site Houzz, says a somewhat distant site can still be beneficial, since it will create a focal point in your yard.

Make sure you and your guests won't be uncomfortable when eating outside. Taylor says the table shouldn't be too close to a grill, smoker, or fire pit. There should also be enough room for people to comfortably move around. Avoid placing the dining area near dark walls or other areas that will get too hot on sweltering summer days.

The location should also be considerate of others on or near your property. If the table is too close to the home, your late night chatter with guests might disturb children or others who have gone to bed early. Similarly, you'll want to make sure you won't be too close to a fence or property line where you might annoy a neighbor.

If the area doesn't get enough natural shade, find a way to keep the space from getting too bright. Umbrellas work well, or you can set up a custom shade such as a canvas canopy.

Summer evenings can get uncomfortably buggy, so you'll want a way to ward off insects. In addition to citronella candles, the running water of fountains or other water features can help deter bugs from visiting your dinner table.

If you're looking for some privacy, you might be able to create a small courtyard to hold the table and chairs. Heather MacIsaac, writing for This Old House, says a fence and gate will work well. You can also integrate existing features of the yard, such as a hedge or shed.

Seldom used outbuildings can also be repurposed as dining areas that open to the outdoors during the warmer months. Garden sheds and garages work well for this purpose.

One easy way to employ "farm to table" methods is to have your dining area integrated into your garden. Hoang says you can locate the table and chairs among the growing vegetables, or set up some nearby containers for herbs, berries, and other small crops.

To add some visual interest, consider mixing up the seating at the dining table. The home decorating company Schneiderman's says this will also allow you to accommodate different seating preferences.

Be creative in adding a few personal touches to your dining area. MacIsaac says you can make an outside venue feel a little more homey through items such as sconces, a stained glass window in a nearby shed, or even a candle lantern hanging from a tree branch. Hoang says string lights and curtains can also work well.