Looking for alfresco ideas to entertain friends and family this summer? Whether you have a tiny patio or a sprawling luxury backyard these stylish spreads and easy updates will turn your garden into an inviting outdoor space for all occasions. 

Invite guests to a tropical-themed get together full of fun colours and cocktails. Invest in a tiki bar or a shed with a hatch opening, then paint it a bright hue. String up decorations with fun island-style motifs such as pineapples, flamingos and palm leaves and flowers. Then, keep the fruity refreshments flowing. 

Create a chilled out Ibiza vibe in your garden to relax in the beachside setting. Soften bleached decking with layered outdoor rugs in muted tones. Bring in textured cushions and hone in on the island feel with shell accessories and dune-style structured grasses. 

Garden lighting is a vital element that will keep outdoor events going after sundown. Layer the look to create ambience. Add lanterns and safe battery lit church candles to the floor, wrap fairy lights around tree trunks and finish by hanging whimsical paper lanterns from branches or arbours.

Don't forget to decorate from high to low. Arrange a pretty, sophisticated outdoor event by laying a white tablecloth full of floral arrangements in plain clay pots lined up along the centre. String up festoon lights above from nearby trees and add colourful honeycomb ball decorations in the same hue as the flowers below.

Up the fun factor for little ones by creating a dedicated play area. No child can resist a tent, especially one that is homemade with sheets and canes. Look out for fun oversized garden games such as Jenga and croquet to dot around the space. Choose a shady spot and place plenty of soft mats and rugs on the floor. The children will feel special in their own play zone, while adults relax nearby. 

Embrace a small urban entertainment deck with small but perfectly formed and funky furniture. Offer snacks on a low lever table set on a geometric rug for a relaxed and comfortable feel. Stringweave garden chairs on metal frames will not clutter up space. For colour, planters full of green shrubs and grasses will look vibrant against the black backdrop. 

A low-key afternoon tea looks idyllic in traditional gardens. The simple set can still look striking with a few key additions. Think classic bistro tables, lace white table clothes and a vintage vase filled with home-grown blooms. Then bring out tea in a pretty pot and a Victoria Sponge presented on a glass cake stand.

Create a calming Japandi look with a sophisticated corner sofa surrounded by green foliage. Choose a range that offers a natural wood finish to get that injection of Scandinavian design and include plenty of plump pillows and cushions. If you don't have a covered terrace, erect a pergola to grow cooling climbers. 

Make sure the party extends into the evening by preparing a firepit in advance to light up once it's darker. The flickering flames and woody aroma will instantly add a cosiness that's campfire cool. 

What could be more fun than inviting guests into your garden to watch a movie under the stars? New technology and streaming services now make a home cinema treat easy to achieve. Arrange comfortable seats and blankets facing a projector or white sheet, hang festoon lights for a vintage touch and roll the movie of your choice. 

Gin bars are all the rage so what better way to up your outdoor socialising stakes than by recreating one in your back yard? Paint the exterior of an outdoor shed bar black and position two chic black-framed bar stools in front of the opening. Inside, choose a contrasting lighter shade. Then, mount storage for a selection of your favourite gins (or any drink you like) to the wall and fill the worktop up with fancy glasses, shakers and garnish options. 

There's no such thing as a small garden, just small ideas! Pick a little spot to appreciate in your garden, add an elegant bistro table, floral cushions and fringed parasol to create a lovely shabby chic corner just for two. Why not take a break and enjoy the view? 

Set up the garden terrace for a Scandi-style Sommer Solstice celebration. Paint the wooden backdrop and outdoor dining table jet black. A large crittal-style mirror will increase light while a ceiling of ambient fairy lights will make the space cosy and inviting. Lay the table with light linens and natural materials and decorate posts with wreaths bursting with greenery.

Shepherd's huts have had a revival in recent years and, if you are lucky enough to own one, make amazing extra spaces for the garden which fill the area with character and charm. We're also a huge fan of she sheds. Whichever you choose, play some games, get cosy and appreciate each other’s company in true farmer style. 

 

Set a high-end metropolitan tone with charcoal grey fabric-covered chairs and a cement effect table. A cool grey tablescape completes the look while festoon lights and large structural plants are architectural and on trend. 

 

A simple wooden frame draped with sheer white fabric creates a beautiful rustic canopy to blow in the breeze. Shading an all-white back-drop instantly adds a holiday island feel that's effortlessly simple, yet timeless. 

Give a plain picnic table a touch of class by laying a colour coordinated table. Though you can choose any style you like, for a Mediterranean twist drop fabric napkins over the edge of the table under circular sea-grass placemats.

Set up a relaxed alfresco setting where guests can come and go. Tall bar tables create a buffet feel while a large goblet dispenser allows guests to help themselves to refreshments. We love these hanging Chinese solar lanterns above that highlight the corner and give the pretty scene a sense of fairytale fun. 

Turn a garden corner into a little oasis filled with exotic charm. Arrange the scene around a low-level table filled with coloured glass candle votives, crockery printed with Moroccan tile patterns and natural place mats. Make benches comfortable with mix and match outdoor cushions embellished with embroidery, tassels and foil printed palm trees. 

Use calendar events to create a themed outdoor party that's fun. This year the Queen's Jubilee celebrations mean you can set up a right 'royal' outdoor affair to remember. Start with a red and white gingham tablecloth, then layer with quintessential British vintage crockery in red, white and blue. Place Union Jack printed party favours out for each guest such as decorated cookies or small flags.

Host a laid pack pizza party with seating for all. Wood-fired ovens are very on trend and make a fun alternative to the classic barbecue. Prepare the pizza in advance or get the kids involved by setting up a toppings table to choose for themselves. Perfect the set-up by placing colourful bistro tables around the garden for guests to enjoy the scene.

Brighten up reclaimed metal chairs with a fresh coat of colourful paint. Team with a wooden table for vintage bistro style. Trunks or crates filled with large blooms will add to the English country romance.

Flamingos remain a big trend for summer. The delightful motif will make refreshments more fun, especially when teamed with a glass of something colourful and fruity.

If bold colour isn't your thing, but you love an exotic vibe, try curvaceous rattan chairs and a dark wood table. Earthy toned cushions complete the look while the outdoor shower is on-trend and a luxurious addition.

Cottagecore works beautifully in an outdoor setting, especially for soft furnishings. Have a variety of scatter cushions on hand for chairs and benches. Mix and match patterns and prints are bright, eclectic and fun. 

If you're planning an evening soirée you'll need lots of seating and plenty of candlelight to create an intimate ambience. A large round table with soft cushions is the perfect cosy choice for social conversation.

You can't beat our humble hero – the deckchair. They're great for sunbathing and when jazzed up with fun prints make perfect additions to any garden gathering. Arrange socially in a circle and you might need a warming fire pit too, as you'll still be sitting and chatting long after dark.

Sometimes plastic is practical and this Miami-inspired palm print tableware is both sensible and stylish. Plus, it looks perfect next to a refreshing glass of pink lemonade. 

 

Keep little ones happy by giving them their own party space complete with garden games and a picnic spot. Colourful cups and plates with friendly faces are sure to raise a smile.

Large floor cushions and a low table will transform your garden into a zen like space. Keep it light and set the table with a soothing layered pastel palette to complete the sense of calm.

If you're lucky enough to have a pool, get the balance right between contemporary and timeless design with your outdoor furniture. A fine quality dining set with mixed materials will give your garden a relaxed Mediterranean feel, while the bench seating element is family orientated and social. Anyone for a dip?

Sometimes less is more. This beautiful meadow scene has been created with just a large carved oak dining table, eclectic chairs and pretty vases of wild flowers, yet it's so inviting and pretty. The stylish grill adds a contemporary twist too.

Who says your table needs to stay on the patio? Enjoy a garden party vibe by moving your table onto the lawn. Set it up with a large parasol so you don't feel too exposed. These sturdy grey rattan chairs finish the comfortably-chic style.

Make a statement with brightly-painted modern chairs. This contemporary look is sophisticated with a splash of colourful retro style. Strong lines that let the light filter through generates a Scandi cool vibe.

A concrete patio makes an urban outdoor living area ideal for sociable gatherings whatever the season. This modern seating set could be easily mistaken for living room furniture. But look more closely and you'll see it's made of weatherproof materials suitable for outdoor living. Marine grade rope and waterproof seating make this the answer to smart socialising this summer. 

A classic wooden bistro table will look the part in traditional gardens. Set up your quaint table in the afternoon sun where you can enjoy your beautiful blooms with a spot of afternoon tea.

You don't have to live near the beach to embrace seaside colours. Orange crab motifs, striped nautical napkins and a string of storm lanterns turn a vintage-style table into a nautical lunch with a nostalgic beside-the-sea feeling. The blankets on chairs are a cosy detail too.

Woodland trees and a stained pine bench table create a fabulous whimsical setting for a themed outdoor space. Set the table with natural linens and mossy centrepieces for an enchanted wood finish.

Sturdy modern furniture will look attractive and last a good few seasons to come. Position towards the lawn to keep an eye on everyone and pop bean bags and blankets on the grass so there is plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy the garden.

Soft furnishings are key to alfresco design. Thick and comfortable seat cushions on wooden benches will encourage guests to linger over lunch. Rainbow colours will brighten the atmosphere but you can easily match the shades to your personal style.

Love cooking? Then a well-planned barbecue area is a must. Bring the kitchen feel outside by fixing a wire grid for utensils to a wall next to the barbecue. We also love how the dining area has been zoned with an artificial turf rug.   

Start the day in style with an invigorating brunch date. Hang colourful paper lanterns for fun, while storage benches will keep the soft furnishings clean and dry once the most important meal of the day is finished. 

Layer linens like a pro across a table for a sophisticated coastal look. Pale blue tones are soft and breezy. Let fringed placemats hang over the table for a casual twist. 

Bring in some zing with a Mexican flavour. Earthy tones, geometric prints and rattan accessories will get the fiesta started. Then keep the mojitos and margaritas flowing.

Make someone feel special with the perfect picnic setting for two. Streamline your style and look professional with coordinating pieces in attractive patterns and motifs.

With a large elegant rattan table and chairs you can sit back and enjoy a classic dining experience surrounded by garden aromas. Fill the patio space with plenty of potted plants and blooms for a secret garden and intimate feel. And if you're not green fingered, try these tried and tested tips.

Think rugs are just for indoors? Think again: outdoor rugs are becoming a big trend. When made from a hard-wearing, waterproof fabric they are a practical asset for outdoor living and comfortable under your feet.

A hanging chair makes a relaxed style statement in the garden. Create a swing zone by adding a warming chiminea and storm lanterns set within a safe distance and we bet guests will be queuing up for their turn.

Where space for seating is an issue, tree stumps make quirky alternatives. Teamed with a crisp white table cloth and mood enhancing festoon lights the look is delightful yet laid-back.

Take inspiration from holidays to the French Riviera and bring some glamorous nautical designs to your patio table. Royal blue, coastal stripes set against stark white are smart and fresh.

If you are looking for the next big thing then you'll love this outdoor summerhouse sphere. It will surely take your alfresco entertaining to the next level. Seating seven, it rotates to position the entrance into the sun or shade, or out of a chilly wind, and looks sensational.

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