You’ve watered, weeded and deadheaded – now it’s time to reward yourself with a relaxing meal in the sunshine. We outline some ideas for creating a practical and stylish outdoor dining space
A lazy weekend breakfast on the balcony, coffee and cake with friends on the patio, or a full-on family supper in the garden…sounds delicious. Some would say food always tastes better when eaten outside. For a dining set-up that’s comfortable and convenient all summer long (and hopefully for years to come), give some thought to the furniture you choose and where you place it, adding some good-looking accessories to make the whole al fresco experience a real treat.
The who and when For a quick, solo morning cuppa and slice of toast, all you might need is a simple chair in a quiet corner, perhaps with a shelf, stool or other kind of surface nearby on which to pop a mug, plate or glass. Two people may get on fine with a bistro dining set (though the table tops can be small and the seating a little flimsy – the cheapest may be tempting, but try them out before you buy). And some might like a high-up bar-style set-up for drinks and nibbles. However, for family meals or entertaining, you’ll need something more substantial. A sweet round or square table for four may be just right, oval shapes tend to suit six people and upwards, or you could opt for a long, thin table for ten, twelve or even more. Additionally, think about whether you prefer chairs, folding chairs, armchairs or benches (the latter are often a cheaper option), or even a casual, mix-and-match style.
The where – it’s all about location There isn’t always much of a choice when it comes to positioning your outdoor dining table, but it makes sense to consider some important points. If you can take advantage of a lovely view it’s great, though you may need to balance that with wanting privacy, not being too exposed to the weather, and being reasonably close to the house so you can easily carry food and drink in and out. When it’s not in use, does the furniture look attractive when viewed from inside? Make sure, too, it doesn’t block a particularly nice area of planting. Other necessities include a large enough area of dry, level ground (including being able to pull chairs out comfortably, with room for someone to walk behind them), without overhanging branches or anything thorny close by.
The what – material matters (and more) There’s no two ways about it: good quality outdoor furniture isn’t cheap. But if you choose wisely it will last – and look great – for decades to come, giving great pleasure every time you use it. Technology has improved markedly in recent years, and you’ll find a wide range of styles and materials, all of which should be comfortable, low-maintenance and durable. For a traditional look, you might opt for natural rattan, Lloyd Loom, teak or oak, in generous, curving shapes, while a more modern space might incorporate steel, aluminium, outdoor wicker or upholstered, weatherproof fabric, featuring slim, angular forms and a minimal outline. Bear in mind that if you buy any furniture with cushions you’ll need somewhere to store them when not in use.
Options to consider For those who use their outdoor spaces both for lounging and dining, there’s an alternative to having two separate sets of furniture. A dual-height table takes you from one to the other instantly, saving both space and money. Another option – though many will consider this an essential – is a parasol shade. Simple versions slot through the centre of your table, while side-post parasols raise, lower, tilt and rotate so you can follow the path of the sun easily. Add on a battery-operated light and a Bluetooth speaker, and you can carry on socialising into the night. And for cooler evenings, you could choose a gas-powered firepit table (the bottle is stored underneath) that provides flickering flames for warmth and comfort.
Finishing touches Take a little time to set up your table for a fabulous feast. It’s easy and so effective. Spread a pretty cloth over the top or a runner along the centre, and neatly arrange some bright crockery and glassware, and perhaps napkins, too. Add a few outdoor cushions to the chairs for an extra layer of colour and texture, and drape throws over the backs in case the day turns cool. Finally, add a vase or two of pretty flowers – cut from your garden, of course.
By Katherine Sorrell
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Image: bridgman.co.uk