How do I handle my toddlers tantrums?

My 18 month old has started throwing tantrums when she doesn’t get her way and I’m not sure how to discipline her.

This evening we sat down for dinner. Our table is beside the back door. My daughter grabbed my hand and started to pull me in the direction of the door while saying “bubbles bubbles bubbles”. I calmly told her that it was time to eat dinner and afterwards we could go outside to play with bubbles. She rotated between tugging on me and my husband the entire time we ate. We ignored her behavior. She was screaming and stomping the entire meal. I didn’t think taking her outside after we were done eating was a good decision because I think that would be rewarding that behavior, so I took her in the living room and tried to get her to calm down. She screamed and thrashed for a good 15 minutes before saying she wanted to go to bed.

We are first time parents and really struggling with discipline. I understand that she is only 18 months old and doesn’t fully understand what I’m saying or why she can’t always have her way.

Can anyone give me some advice? Should I have taken her outside after we were through with our meal despite her still screaming? Advice on how to handle tantrums in general would also be appreciated. Thanks.