There’s something magical about dining outdoors. Without four solid walls, things feel different – more fanciful and fun –like you’ve traveled to some faraway place (even farther than the backyard). And now that it’s getting warmer, dining al fresco can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. So let your imagination soar. Here are four daringly delicious ways to take it outside.

LADIES WHO LUNCH:

Want to experience outdoor dining without soiling your Chanel suit? Have we got a lunch for you.

First, let’s be clear: All ladies lunch. They also glow, while men perspire and horses sweat. But that’s a subject for another article. What’s important now is that the spirit of outdoor dining can be recreated without actually going outdoors. Any covered porch, patio or sunroom will do. This is especially good news if you happen to love classic furniture like our mahogany-topped Marchella Dining Table and ladylike Audra Slipper Chair Frame (shown with striped slipcovers), well-bred pieces that simply weren’t raised to be weather-resistant. (Not to mention our plush hand-woven or tufted rugs.)

Second, your social calendar is busy enough without worrying about whether a sudden cloudburst might ruin your tiered platter of imported Italian citrus (leaf on) or your favorite Lemon Orchard bowls of beet carpaccio with goat cheese and arugula. Or whether someone (Bitsy) might carelessly knock one of your mouthblown green angled goblets onto the flagstone pavers. And besides, Bitsy is also allergic to ragweed.

Third, never forget the difference between a lunch and a luncheon. A lunch is a gathering of friends and social acquaintances for a catered noontime meal. A luncheon is a gathering of friends and social acquaintances for a catered noontime meal that ultimately involves a tax-deductible donation. Bon appétit!