Entertaining On A Long Bar Table

A long bar table brings excitement and elegance to your outdoor get-togethers. Regular patio tables are fine for just an average, sit-down meal, but bar-style tables are modern and versatile. You can place stools around for dinner or drinks, or you can use it as a display table, buffet table, and more. Here are some of the ways a long bar table can be used out back.

As a Dining Table
The first and foremost use for a long bar table is as a typical dining table. However, the inherent design is anything but typical. Bar tables sit a few inches higher than regular tables, and usually work in conjunction with tall, bar-style seating. These chairs or stools have long legs and sometimes swivel for convenience of getting in and out of them.

The overall feeling one gets sitting at a tall table is more upscale, like something you would see at a bistro or a fancy lounge. Most tables, depending on how long and wide they are, can sit anywhere from 4 to 10 people on average. The only consideration is that since the table isn't as wide as a regular table, you may not be able to fit as much on top as you normally would. But by that same token, these tables will also save you space, so you can fit in additional serving trays nearby.

As a Buffet Table
The long bar table is perfect as a buffet table because of its height and width. It's wide enough to hold many dishes, but skinny enough so that people can fit around each side as they grab food. Plus, the height is such that's more convenient for people who are standing up to pick what they want. They also look a million times nicer than plastic folding tables. In fact, many long bar tables are made from attractive, durable hardwoods that you won't even want to cover up with linens and tablecloths.

As a Display Table
The long bar table is a nice shape for displaying food and drinks. For example, keep your chilled wine and bottles for an impromptu tasting, or line up glasses to offer wine flights. Not a wine fan? Set up a station for a beer tasting. You can also turn your long bar table into, well, a bar. The height is great for standing, so the budding mixologist in your household won't have to stoop over to grab the martini olives. You can fit everything you need in a nice line along the table, from glassware, to garnishes, ice and more.

As a Plant Stand
The long bar table doesn't even need to be used for food or entertaining at all. They look perfectly nice as stands for your deck pots and planter boxes. They are sturdy enough to withstand the weight and exposure to the elements. Plus, they give a nice multilevel effect when paired with lower tables and benches.

Because of its unique shape, the long bar table is overall more versatile than the normal size dining table. And though it's not the best choice for large sit-down dinner parties, the options for what you can use them for go on and on.