John Lewis Stepped Chevron Hand Woven Pure Jute Rug
£150.00£120.00
Lucy Scott - Senior Editorial Manager
LAURA JACKSON has the tricks for making the most of any outside space
“I’m always excited about hosting outside. Just being in the garden gives such a sense of atmosphere that you can create a mood with far less effort than when you’re indoors. When we moved into our house, I knew I wanted to entertain outdoors a lot, so we built a dedicated space using a load of reclaimed London bricks. It’s a commitment, but it’s a great place to entertain - spending a bit of money and time thinking about how you want to use your outside areas goes a long way.”
“The best parties outside are the ones you get to enjoy too. I had a great dinner last summer at home with all of my local friends - I made anchovy pizzettas, and cooked a John Dory in the outside oven. The weather was really warm, and everyone sat outside for hours until late. I tried to barbecue a basque cheesecake (thinking I was being really clever), and it ended up as a big pile of awfulness. But everyone still ate it - probably because I covered it with ice cream.”
CREATING A SPACE
“There are loads of ways you can make an outdoor area feel more special: of course, throwing down an outdoor rug instantly creates an area to eat, and if you add a load of cushions and pillows you can create an outdoor picnic vibe for an afternoon event. You can tell guests to bring their own cushions - BYOC! You’ll want to invest in really great outdoor furniture that is built to last. For textiles, I usually start with a foundation of strong outdoor cotton that can be chucked in the washing machine when the guests have left. Then add your comfort layers over the top - cushions and throws that you can mix and change up to suit the style of event you’re hosting.”
John Lewis Stepped Chevron Hand Woven Pure Jute Rug
£150.00£120.00
John Lewis Chunky Throw
£50.00£40.00
John Lewis Holte Oblong Garden Dining Table, 98cm, Beige
£499.00£424.15
John Lewis Holte Garden Dining Chairs, Set of 2, Beige
£349.00£296.65
SETTING THE SCENE
I know it’s a buzzword, but ‘tablescaping’ can make anyone feel overwhelmed with the need to make a table look ‘perfect’. If you’re stuck, I’d recommend two routes: the first is to use a patterned tablecloth, or layer two next to each other if you don’t have one big enough. Then mix and match everything - it doesn’t matter if the glasses or bowls or plates don’t match - just let it go, and accept that more is more! Alternatively, go for a very simple situation: choose two colours and just lean into it. Is it a pink tablecloth and blue napkins, or a yellow tablecloth and red napkins? Don’t bother with a seating plan, lay cutlery down or stick it in a tin for people to help themselves and relax. For extra touches, pick one thing and own it - you don’t have to do ALL of the things. You could add simple stems of inexpensive flowers down the middle of the table, but why not pop a few basil plant pots down the middle, and serve a starter where everyone picks their own? Getting the right lighting will help to make a space feel more considered. For a sit-down dinner, I like lots of candles down the middle of the table at varying heights; it looks so impactful and creates an atmosphere. If it’s an informal drinks party, I’d have big pillar candles dotted around the space. And I love solar- powered or rechargeable lights, which you can place around your garden. Go mad and get creative.
I like to set up a little bar area with a big bowl of ice, a delicious big bottle of rosé and a jug of pre-made cocktail like a Paloma (tequila, grapefruit juice and soda water). I’d have the glasses on the side with a bow on them or maybe a glass skirt. It’s a fun focal point that draws people over to it right at the start of your event
John Lewis Mini Stoneware Vases, Set of 3, H12cm
£35.00£28.00
John Lewis Mini Stoneware Vases, Set of 3, H12cm
£35.00£28.00
ON THE DAY
Keep it simple so you can actually enjoy your event and spend time with your friends. I wear flats (or I’m barefoot) and my outfit will always be something relaxed and easy, like jeans and a nice shirt, with a jumper to hand for when it gets cold, and always a red lip. Get a few bunches of tulips and pull the petals back, so they look fun and different. Fill the table with tomatoes on the vine, cheese, or grapes. Give people things they can really help themselves to - there’s so much you see on Instagram where you think, ‘what are you going to do with those 100 cabbages now?’ I have an outdoor oven, so I'll make a big pot of potatoes, a chicken or slow cooked meat and serve it with a really nice crispy salad. I’ll make a labneh dip and pile all the potatoes on top of it in a huge dish. So investing in sharing bowls and platters and serving spoons is always a good idea, and a big sharing board is also a really good investment - even if you’re not using it for serving you could put your fruit on it. Keep the drinks cold, the music fun (I love finding the soundtrack to summer films I love, Call Me By Your Name is my favourite), and if it rains get everyone to take their plate inside and sit around the table - it’ll make for a memorable meal, even if things don’t go to plan.
