There’s something uniquely British about making the most of a sunny day. The moment temperatures rise, our gardens fill with friends, picnic blankets appear in parks, and every outdoor space suddenly becomes the place to be.
Whether you have a sprawling garden, a compact patio or a favourite spot in your local park, summer is all about embracing outdoor living. Creating a memorable alfresco gathering doesn’t require a huge budget or a vast garden. It’s often the simplest touches that make people want to stay longer – here are some of our hacks for effortless summer entertaining:
Relaxed picnic setting
The best summer get-togethers are the ones where guests immediately feel at ease.
Rather than worrying about formal table settings, focus on creating a comfortable space where people can settle in and stay a while. Start by laying out your base – a quilted bedspread can add comfort or a pretty tablecloth will brighten up your space, the new Paradise Tablecloth in Aspen Green is perfect for this. Our roll out Sleepover futons and grounding Tatami Mats also make brilliant floor seating – low-level arrangements are particularly popular this year, helping to create a laid-back atmosphere. Comfort is becoming just as important outdoors as it is inside the home.
Picky bits summer
When it comes to alfresco entertaining, simplicity wins every time. Sharing platters, grazing boards and make-ahead dishes let hosts spend less time in the kitchen and more time with their guests. Fresh salads, seasonal fruits, artisan breads and picky bits are perfect for outdoor dining. Stock up on boards and trays to display your dishes with ease and style – our Ashi Metal Trays with elegant wooden legs elevate any spread, while the handled Kanji Tray makes serving drinks and snacks a breeze.
Bringing indoor styling outdoors
One of the biggest outdoor living trends in recent years has been treating gardens and patios as extensions of the home. Bring rugs, lanterns, cushions and a handy tray table, like this Dolmen, outside to help blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The result is a more cohesive look that feels both welcoming and comfortable, while making your home feel larger. Even the smallest balcony can feel like an outdoor room with a few carefully chosen accessories. This Bistro Table and Chairs set is ideal for intimate dinners or as the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee with a good book.
Be ready for the weather
Of course, no guide to outdoor entertaining would be complete without mentioning the weather. One minute it’s a heatwave; the next you’re racing indoors with plates and cushions in hand. A great way to stay flexible is with a trolley on wheels – check out the Loop, compact Birch or Hugo Stacking Rolling Storage. Guests can help themselves throughout the day, and if the weather changes, the trolley can be wheeled indoors or back outside in seconds. It’s also worth keeping lightweight throws close to hand for cooler evenings, providing a shaded spot during hotter afternoons, and always having a backup plan if the heavens decide to open.
Think multifunctional
When outdoor space is limited, choose pieces that work harder. Furniture that stacks neatly, doubles up for different uses or folds flat, like our clever Mini Deck Chairs, makes entertaining much easier without cluttering your garden or balcony. The stylish Umi Storage Stool is another versatile addition, providing a handy place to tuck away cushions, throws or picnic essentials, while also doubling as extra seating or a snack station. Lightweight furniture can also be moved around to suit the occasion, making it easy to adapt your space as guests arrive.
Whether you’re hosting in the garden, heading to the beach or spreading out a picnic blanket in the park, alfresco entertaining should be less about following trends and more about embracing the simple pleasures of the season. If you’re looking for inspiration for your summer set up, visit us in-store, in our app or online.
