Making the most of our gardens or patio and hosting in the open air is nothing new, but with the recent trend for indoor-outdoor living and creating a seamless flow between the home and outdoor space, the spotlight this summer is firmly on seating – and re-imagining your exterior space.
Especially if you’ve set the ground work this spring by mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs and planting bulbs – here’s how to get started for summer soirées and socialising in the open air….
Portmeirion Bloom Garden Collection: Bloom Garden Side Plate, Sunflower (top); Primula (top right); Double Camelia (middle left); Belladonna Lily (middle right); Lavender (bottom left); Poppy (bottom right), £10 each, Portmeirion
With a focus on florals, bringing your tablescape to life with a bouquet of colourful chinaware is a joyous way to put the table in bloom. And this new Bloom Garden Collection with its choice of brightly coloured flowers, pretty petals and fab foliage is a must-have. There are coffee, latte and espresso mugs available complement the plates.
George Santorini Natural Curve 5 Piece Outdoor Sofa Set, £749, Direct.asda
This versatile sofa set blends function with flair, and can be styled to suit your outdoor space. The set is split into three curved sofas which can be placed together to create an attractive feature; or separated into individual seats, depending on the size of your setup. With semi-circular coffee tables which can sit at the side of the sofa or as a centrepiece, it’s a chic addition and makes a big impact.
Bellwood Bar & Storage Cart, £200, Umbra
Planning the perfect party means having everything to hand – or should we say on two wheels. This contemporary bar cart is your best buddy when it comes to serving drinks in the sunshine. The removable top shelf doubles up as a serving tray, and its spacious surface means it can hold all your barware, garnishes, stemware, snacks and nibbles. Cheers!
John Lewis Terra Teak Wood Garden Lounge Chair (right), £599; Terra Teak Wood 2-Seater Garden Sofa, £1,099; Terra Teak Wood Round Garden Coffee Table, 90cm, £299; Glaze Round Garden Coffee Tables – Green, 65cm, £329 each, rest of items from a selection, John Lewis & Partners
An investment piece for sure, and tailor-made for a larger entertaining area with its solid teak frame, generous cushioning, and chunky coffee tables. Moreover, a real focal point – we love the mix of timber frame on the seating and glazed finish on the tables – and its considered design is perfectly placed for a conservatory or garden room.
Gisela Graham Garden Living Collection: Plate – Heirloom Tomato, Small, £10.99; Bowl – Heirloom Tomato, Small, £9.99; Salad Bowl – Heirloom Tomato, (just seen), £20.99, other items available from a selection, Gisela Graham
Think leafy greens, fresh veggies, and simply dressed tomato salads, and cue this Garden Living Collection made from stoneware. Think a tomatocore tablescape topped with fragrant herbs.
John Lewis Marcy Sling Garden Chairs: Fuchsia (left), Golden Olive and Burnt Orange, £149 each, John Lewis & Partners
Playful and colourful, put a spin on dopamine décor with these sling chairs to spruce up your happy place. Roomy and comfy with a backrest for support, chances are you’ll want to snap up two for maximum impact… and team with a funky patio table in a vibrant hue.
Forest Wooden Fold Down Garden Wall Bar, 2’6 x 0’6, £109.99, (was £199.99), B&M Garden Buildings
Even the teeniest of terraces can come to life with the help of this brilliant fold-down bar. It’s wall-mounted design means you can store spirits, mixers, soft drinks and glassware on cubed shelving; with pull-down tabletop to serve brunch, snacks and anything you fancy. All that’s left is to pull up a bar stool and toast the lazy, hazy days of summer.
George Grey and White Stripe Cotswold 5-Piece Outdoor Dining Set, £299, Direct.asda
With trendy grey striped upholstery, dining chairs and table in contemporary steel frame with simple curves and lines, this chic dining set lends itself beautifully to a white tablescape scheme…and scented, seasonal centrepiece of gardenias and lily of the valley.
Lights4fun Set of Lucena Tassel Solar Lanterns, £29.99, Lights4fun
Decorative and mood-boosting, these tassel solar lanterns can be hung from a garden pergola, branch of a tree, or strung across a terrace. And just the ticket when twilight falls, you’re relaxing outside and serving sundowners.