Alfresco dining is one of the great joys of summer. Whether you’re entertaining guests or having a mere meal for one, eating alfresco should be a simple yet stylish affair. Impress with a beautifully set table, serve some delicious food and create a relaxed ambience your guests will be raving about all summer. Here are our top tips on how to entertain alfresco this summer:
Set a beautiful table
Invite guests into a wonderfully-presented home with a beautifully set dinner table. Whether you’re hosting with a large outdoor dining set or simply having a few friends round on the terrace, ensure your table is a talking point.
Decorate your table with luxe table settings, glassware, and of course, a floral arrangement. If you’re lucky enough to have flowers in bloom, some cuttings from your garden will make a striking centerpiece. Guests will appreciate a beautifully laid table so investing in some quality tableware is a great idea and will reap rewards season after season.
Villeroy & Boch Blue Set of 6 Artesano Nature Bleu Dinner Plates – £66
Jersey Pottery Large Blue Harlequin Jug, 1.75L – £35
Soho Home Set of 4 Country House Low Bowls – £24
Shop our collection of designer tableware here and take up to 80% off…
Choose simple yet delicious summer dishes
Choose simple yet delicious summer dishes packed with colour to wow your guests. When entertaining alfresco, having a few courses prepped beforehand will ensure both you and your guests a relaxed evening. For summer, cook with ingredients that are in season. Summer squash, green beans, fennel and strawberries are all excellent in season options for right now.
Need some cooking inspiration? Try one of these 5 simple spaghetti dishes for a crowd-pleasing main course…
Ladmann Sapphire Black Triton PTS 4.1 Gas Barbecue – £325
Berghoff Bamboo Cutting Board with Plate – £18.50
Char-Broil Stainless Steel 3 Piece Comfort Grip Toolset – £28
Invite guests to the at-home bar
Take alfresco dining to the next level with a luxury at-home bar. Serve some delicious homemade cocktails, or keep it simple with a selection of wines, (though don’t forget to have some refreshing non-alcoholic beverages to hand). We’ve selected five refreshing summer drinks to try this summer – read here!
To elevate your home bar, treat yourself to a range of stylish accessories, from decanters and cut crystal jugs to cocktail sets and wine coolers. Shop our collection now…
RCR Set of 6 Melodia Hi Ball Tumblers, 350ml – £16
Tom Dixon Tank Copper Ice Bucket Giftset – £105
For the finishing touch, turn your outdoor space into this summer’s it-destination and make guests feel at home with some luxury outdoor comforts. Dress your chairs with padded cushions, have a few throws at the ready and set the ambience with candles and outdoor lighting.
Bring the romance outside with Philippi’s Burn Oil Lamp, the perfect accompaniment to any alfresco soiree:
Discover our full range of outdoor lighting here…
Related post: How to Style Your Dinner Party Table in 5 Simple Steps
