With the start of the Great British Summer, comes the promise of more time spent outdoors – including dining alfresco. There’s nothing quite like enjoying nibbles in the sun with family, or bundling yourself up in a blanket and a glass of wine for an evening with friends. If you want to prepare your back garden for a summer of hosting, follow these tips on how to get your garden ready for alfresco dining.
The importance of making the most of your outdoor space
No outdoor space is ever the same, and the garden means something different to everyone. While some people use their outdoor space to get ahead on planting and pruning, others prefer to host family and welcome friends to the green extension of their own home. Whatever you use your garden for, the most important thing is making the most of the space you currently have. And that’s what our tips for alfresco dining focus upon:
- Find a sheltered spot for your outdoor dining
The way your garden faces will be different for everyone, that’s why it’s important to take into account the orientation of your outdoor space before building a spot for alfresco dining. We recommend finding a sheltered spot and avoiding sitting in a part of the garden that gets sun at midday and in the early afternoon. West-facing spots are ideal since they let you make the most of the light and warmth in the evening, and if you’re lucky, also catch the sunset as well.
- Invest in good outdoor cushions
Don’t have a massive space to entertain? You can easily solve that problem by building a smaller alfresco dining area with big outdoor cushions. Using cushions will trick you into thinking you’ve got an outdoor armchair or sofa, and is a brilliant way to make the most of a smaller garden.
- Select the best outdoor furniture
Selecting the best outdoor furniture – including deciding on the all-important table and chair combination – is a big decision for preparing your garden for alfresco dining and hosting. Take your time to research different looks, like a contemporary scheme, a relaxed vintage vibe, or even an eclectic mix of both… Just don’t forget to make sure all the furniture is waterproof, as well!
- Invest in good lighting
Making the most of the British summer by making the most of your outdoor space works well… until it gets dark. Carry on the party by investing in a good lighting scheme, coordinating it with your garden theme; the festival vibe, go for string lights, more of a structured plan, try opting for industrial style lighting. Just make sure to light up the area around the dining area itself and the areas you’ll be cooking in. If you have a path leading up to your dining area, adding lighting here is also a good way to make sure guests can see where they’re going later!
With the sun already making an appearance this summer, the season of dining alfresco is officially upon us. Follow these tips on how to make the most of your garden for outdoor hosting, and have a great summer you won’t forget for a long time.
