When the weather is nice, dining outside is a favorite pastime for homeowners.  The NPD Group and Easy Analytic Software Inc. (EASI) recently conducted a survey that showed that 8 out of 10 consumers say they entertain at home inside and outside.

The EASI also predicts that the sales of outdoor dining sets in the U.S. will increase to almost $3.2 billion by 2015, and most of these sales will come from Gen X’ers who represent 31% of the households who say they’ll buy in 2011.

Buying outdoor dining sets can be a daunting task for many consumers only because there is such a wide variety of styles and sets. Neutral colors (such as tan and gray) seem to be the most popular along with textured fabrics, whimsical patterns, and ethnic motifs. Cool taupes, charcoals, and soft grays are particularly popular this season.

With people finding cheaper ways to entertain and relax without the cost of travel, buying an outdoor dining set can now be viewed as an investment that will last for years.