Dining al fresco evokes a feeling of pure joy, whether it’s because of the smell of summer, cut grass and British roses; or the feeling of the late afternoon sunshine on your skin – it creates the most vivid of memories to brighten those colder, darker months. 

Creating the perfect outside entertaining environment for both your personal style and the space that you have, can make those special moments even better.  Here are some style tips to help make the most of your outside space, whether that’s a total revamp, or by adding some touches that will take you from, alfresco average to al fresco amazing!

Pull up a pew

When choosing your garden furniture bear in mind how you usually entertain.  How large is the group that you regularly entertain?  Is it usually your family of four or are you usually joined by the neighbours, in-laws and your children’s friends?  Versatility can be your biggest friend and there are many gorgeous rattan furniture sets available that can either be used as a full eight seater set or as additional places to rest plates and drinks. By combining outdoor rattan furniture with elements such as brightly-coloured, Aztec inspired cushions you can really inject some summer and personality into your garden without breaking the bank!

No grey areas

If you have quite a large garden space, make it feel even grander by dressing the space as separate areas.  Luxurious-looking pod chairs can create an intimate, cosy corner in the garden and for the more adventurous, they can be hung from draping tree branches for a true tranquility.  Dress with some soft faux fur cushions and sumptuous throws, to take the pod from daytime to evening – plus they are usually water proof, meaning it can be a permanent fixture in the garden.

Fair weather friends

Don’t let the rain affect play.  Opt for a gorgeous and inconspicuous Hexagonal gazebo to create the perfect centrepiece to a garden, which is ready for entertaining. Easy to assemble and UV proof, these shower proof shelters will ensure that your garden party or BBQ continues beyond the sundowners and after the sun has truly set.

Put your feet up

Once the plates are stacked away and the cocktails are in flow, make sure that your guests have somewhere to relax in style and comfort. A rattan corner sofa can be a statement piece, either an inside or outside. Perfect for a sun room or conservatory, but equally suited to outdoor summer entertaining, you can also combine your sofa with a matching coffee table that’s ideal for keeping your jugs of Pimms and summer coolers close by!  Dress with a selection of colourful cushions to update the look year after year, and ensure your guests stay cosy and comfortable whilst in your company.

No smoke without fire

For those chillier evenings, nothing makes you feel as close to nature as a burning fire.  Enjoy the romance of firelight without having to dig a pit in your garden with a Pit Fire Furniture set. It will provide your garden with an affordable but stylish way to toast your marshmallows this summer and enjoy late evenings with friends. Fire pits are generally maintenance free and the chairs are stackable to ensure fuss free fireside frivolities.