Your home should be a safe harbour to come home to from a frantic day and recharge. It’s also a space you can open up for friends and family to come together, so both the dining space and outdoor area needs to be multi-functional.
If you’re thinking about a drinks party outside, a modular L-shaped outdoor sofa is an easy option (it’s also the ideal choice for a lazy Sunday afternoon with a book). When you’ve got friends over, you’ll need an outdoor coffee table within easy reach of the sofa, so guests can put their drinks on it and grab some finger food, while a mobile bar cart will boost your hosting credentials.
However, it’s important to factor in the durability of the pieces. Freedom Furniture visual merchandiser Kate Young says, “Outdoor furniture is exposed to a lot of conditions so, you need to weigh up which materials will need maintenance over others and if you’re willing to put in that level of care.”
When it comes to having people over for dinner, outside or inside, you’re only limited by how many people you can get around your table and everyone is seated comfortably. Allow 30cm between chairs to enable people to get up easily. While we’re measuring up, a rectangular table with a depth of 90cm ensures you’ll have enough room for place settings as well as serving platters and bowls for the middle of the table. “You want people to feel welcome and comfortable,” says Kate. “They can sit on a garden wall with some chair pads or pull up an ottoman or pouffe. People should know there is a space for them.”
A generous rug that fits the table and all chairs will delineate the room and add a welcoming vibe. If you have the space in your dining area, a buffet is useful for extra dishes that don’t fit on the table. It can also become an impromptu bar and even a dessert station. Kate says, “Entertaining should be fun, incorporating colour and texture is a great way to set a vibe, especially in summer. Play around with a textured vessel and glassware or a cool statement salad bowl.”
Prep Talk
- Invite the number of people your space can accommodate and make sure there’s enough seating. Stools, ottomans, beanbags and floor cushions, which can be used indoors and outdoors, are always handy.
- Never underestimate the power of lighting. Inside, this means flattering light from table lamps and outside, flickering candles in hurricane lights will add ambience. Or create an entertaining party atmosphere in your garden with strings of fairy lights or festoon garden lights.
- Changing your cushion covers each season is an easy way to freshen up the look of your outdoor room.
- A new tablecloth and a colourful water carafe and tumblers are also affordable ways to switch up your look.
For more summer entertaining inspiration, explore our expert guides:
- How to style your outdoor space with Your Home and Garden stylist Lauren Olive
- How to style your dining room with Your Home and Garden editor Fiona Hawtin
- How to entertain in style outdoors with Your Home and Garden editorial director Sarah Henry
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
