If you're thinking about sprucing up your outdoor area for al fresco dinners with friends and family in the coming months, a dining set that provides comfortable seating and ample table top surface area is essential. From bistro-style tables and chairs to more traditional wood pieces, the best dining sets will fit into your outdoor space without making it feel overcrowded. Additionally, they should also be able to withstand the elements during the changing seasons. Most importantly, your outdoor dining set should complement your style and preference. If you're considering an outdoor dining set right now, here are some general things you should keep an eye out for. Consider the best materials. Sturdy woods and metals like teak and powder-coated aluminum are popular choices for outdoor dining furniture. Teak stands up to the elements extremely well and it's more durable than most other varieties. After exposure to sunlight and rain, teak also develops a nice shiny patina, aging well over time.

Aluminum on the other hand is best suited for seasonal use because it's lightweight, but still sturdy and powder-coated versions can often come in an array of colors, making it versatile for many different outdoor environments. Similarly, rattan and wicker pieces are also easy to move, and outdoor chairs made from these materials can often provide the most comfort because of their tight cushy weaves.The size of your dining set will depend on your outdoor space. Generally, bistro-style sets (two chairs and one table) are ideal for small patios and decks, so if you're looking to create a small corner for relaxing, they can be a great option. Although, if you're considering taking meals outdoors, go with a full dining set, which can range from four seats to eight depending on how much space you have in your garden/backyard. Think about the surface. Wood table tops require the least amount of maintenance since they can be easily wiped clean with a bit of mild soap. Metal tables, if left out in direct sun for extended periods can heat up quickly, so it's best to keep them in a shaded area or under a patio umbrella.

Similarly, glass table tops are simple to clean and make pretty accents in a garden, but their fragile nature means they're best used in covered porches, patios or decks. Moreover, they're weak against the elements so they should definitely be moved indoors during colder seasons. Flip through the slideshow below to see some of our favorite outdoor dining sets in the marketplace right now. And, let us know in comments below what else you look for in an outdoor dining set.Be sure to check out Stylelist Home on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Patio Dining Furniture Outdoor Dining Sets Patio Dining Sets Outdoor Dining Set Outdoor Dining TablesApartment living usually means sacrificing the luxury of space and if you're lucky enough to have a patio it probably doesn't accommodate a large dining table. Before you start sulking over the size of your outdoor space we'd like to present you with a list of some of our favorite, most affordable and most space-efficient dining sets for sale on the internet today.

The award for space saving excellence goes to this lovely wood set from Ikea. The half table easily sits flush against a wall and the two chairs fold for quick storage. The wood is weather treated and adds a bit of warmth to your cozy balcony. You can pick up this very affordable set from Ikea for $57.99.This set from West Elm might be a bit steep compared to the ASKHOLMEN from Ikea but its construction and materials are much sturdier. Led Light Strips Self AdhesiveYou can be assured that West Elm's responsibly sourced FSC®-certified tropical hardwood is both weather resistant and durable giving you a set that is built to last. Baby Blue Tab Top CurtainsThe bistro table seats up to three but comes with two chairs only for $379 from West Elm.Designed and made in Italy Nardi is one of the most trusted names in the commercial outdoor furniture game and chances are you've probably sat in one of their chairs at some point in your life already.  Satin Mermaid Wedding Dresses Pinterest

This lovely set which is available at Costco for $499 is made to last a lifetime.The four chairs and table are made of a 100% composite resin which does not chip, peel or rust. These surfaces are supported by anodized aluminium legs which are lightweight and adjustable. While this set isn't cheap it is the one that will retain its value the most.This lovely dark wood stain set is not dissimilar from the other Ikea set above, but the big difference is that it is potentially much bigger. Two folding leaves allow for this table to go from a two seater to a six seater depending on what kind of space you have. Slightly pricier than the other option from Ikea we think this set is worth it at $149 from Ikea.Arguably the most compact set we have seen, this table and chairs all fold away and neatly store under the table making it perfect for the smallest patios. Made of heavy-duty weather resistant steel you can be assured that this set is ok to leave out and will definitely last you a good amount of of time.

The tempered glass tabletop is easy to clean and doesn't take away as much visual space as some of the other options. You can pick this set up from Bed Bath & Beyond for $179.Along with the lounge chairs, we got our dining table and dining chairs squared away. Since I was loving the Redsmith and the Tolix so much from my initial search, but neither of them were really in my budget, I dug a little further and came across these Tabouret chairs on Overstock. They were a perfect mix of the two and a lot friendlier on the wallet. I wasn’t expecting to go with an Ikea dining table either but when I saw the Applaro option, with its pretty color finish, clean lines, and the fact that it is adjustable and extends to fit 10 people, I was sold. Next trip we’ll be all set to dine and lounge alfresco. Product Guide: Applaro Table by Ikea // Taboulet Chairs from Overstock // Applaro Lounge Chairs by Ikea // Chaise Cushions from Home Decorators Check here to see the patio “before” photos