Alfresco style ideas for outdoor entertaining
Make the most of your outdoor space
Whether you have a tiny patio or a backyard worthy of a billionaire, these stylish ideas and easy updates will turn your garden into an inviting outdoor space for all occasions.
Create a new lease of life
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.
Go tropical
The grass will always be green with a palm print and geometric picnic blanket. Let guests spread out and relax in a tropical heaven with plenty of matching graphic cushions for comfort. The leaf-shaped plates are a quirky detail.
Create a DIY canopy
A simple wooden frame draped with sheer white fabric creates a beautiful rustic canopy to blow in the breeze. Navy table linen and white metal chairs add to the New England charm of this look; effortlessly simple yet timeless.
Drink up some fun
Flamingos remain a big trend for summer 2018. The delightful motif will make refreshments more fun, especially when teamed with a glass of something colourful and fruity.
Go on a modern safari
Set an exotic tone with curvaceous rattan chairs and a dark wood table. Earthy toned cushions complete the look while the outdoor shower is trendy and luxurious.
Fall for folk prints
Have a variety of scatter cushions on hand for chairs and benches. Mix and match patterns and prints are bright, eclectic and fun.
Enjoy balmy nights
If you're planning an evening soirée you'll need plenty of candlelight to create an intimate ambience. A large round table with soft cushions is the perfect cosy choice for social conversation.
Basics can be best
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.
Heat things up
When evening temperatures turn chilly a sturdy fire pit will keep the party going into the night. Enchanting flames and a toasty warmth will create an inviting ambience to gather around. This one comes with a handy log store underneath so you don't need to venture far to keep the fire burning.
Make room for melamine
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.
Craft a kid's corner
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.
Set up your own sanctuary
Large floor cushions and a low table will transform your garden into a zen like space. Set the table with a soothing layered pastel palette to complete the sense of calm.
Embrace poolside chic
Get the balance right between contemporary and timeless design. 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.
Make the most of corners
Pick a little spot to appreciate your garden. An elegant bistro table, floral cushions and fringed parasol create a lovely shabby chic corner just for two. Why not take a break and enjoy the view?
Rustle up a rustic feast
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.
Move onto the green
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.
Pick precious metal
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.
Add an outdoor lounge
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.
Make time for afternoon tea
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.
Go coastal cool
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.
Be inspired by the forest
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.
Keep it in the family
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.
Use soft seating
Thick and comfortable seat cushions on wooden benches will encourage guests to linger over lunch. Rainbow colours will brighten the atmosphere.
Build an outdoor kitchen
Love cooking? Then a well-planned BBQ area is a must. Bring the kitchen feel outside by fixing a wire grid for utensils to a wall next to the BBQ. We also love how the dining area has been zoned with an artificial turf rug.
Hold a holiday-style brunch
Start the day in style with an invigorating breakfast 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
Layer linens like a pro across a table for a coastal look. Pale blue tones are soft and breezy. Let fringed placemats hang over the table for a casual twist.
Mix in some spice
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.
Charm a guest
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.
Grow something beautiful
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.
Lay down outdoor rugs
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.
Swing out together
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.
Hit the hut
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. Play some games, get cosy and appreciate each other’s company in true farmer style.
Try stylish tricks
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.
Sail away
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.
Add some awesome architecture
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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