Simple new additions to upgrade your outdoors for this summer’s garden parties
What better way to celebrate the sunny season than hosting and feasting with friends and family? All you need are a handful of key outdoor buys and a few style tips to create a great at-home dining experience. Here’s everything you need to nail summer al fresco dining your way.
Get lit
Add a little glow to your outdoor space and set the scene with an outdoor table lamp. Not only are they super-practical, thanks to being rechargeable, cord-free and portable, these designs also pack a stylish punch; so much so, in fact, that you’ll want to make them your table centrepiece.
Layer up
Wondering how to style your outside dining area like a pro? Cover your table with a tablecloth and stick to a colour palette of two or three shades. Then have fun layering with placemats, napkins, napkin holders, trays, place names– whatever you fancy. It’s the small touches that come together to make a big impression.
Top table
Choose playful tableware that adds a sense of fun; summer-signifiers that live long in the memory. Because if you can’t serve olives in a fish-shaped dish at a late-night soiree with your nearest and dearest, then when can you?
Soft skills
The golden rule when it comes to hosting outside? Not letting people freeze once the sun sets. Boost the cosiness levels by mixing and matching outdoor cushions and throws. More is more for a relaxed feel, so put out extra to avoid anyone feeling uncomfortable.
Colour me happy
Coloured glassware can take your outdoor dining experience to the next level. Vintage-inspired glasses, jugs or serving bowls with pops of colour - from chunky stripes to pretty confetti - are a joy to use. This beautiful jug turns a simple summer spritzer into something glorious. Worried about little people smashing things? This unbreakable beauty looks like the real deal but will bounce (probably…)
Be seated
At the very heart of having a good time alfresco is making sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. Seating should not only look good but be supportive and generous. Outdoor benches or corner sofas are great options if you want to cram in lots of people. While this summer lounge chair is so comfy whoever nabs it probably won’t move until home time.
