One of the greatest joys of the warmer months is eating al fresco. Simply put, food tastes better outside. A balmy breeze, the smell of a BBQ and warm dappled sunlight dancing on the table gives dining a magical quality.
Savvy al fresco entertainers know that a sparkling summer bash doesn’t just happen. It takes preparation to create an outdoor event to remember, so read on to discover 5 top tips to enjoy al fresco dining in style.
Dining outside: how to get it right
Let’s deal with the all-important practicalities first. If you’re setting up an outdoor kitchen, then it’s crucial to factor in where you will prepare food and store equipment, ingredients and drinks. A multi-purpose area will serve as a practical solution.
We love the Garden Pizza Oven Table from outdoor living expert Zest, who specialises in stylish, quality furniture. A substantial top surface provides 360-degree access to the oven and is sturdy enough to hold a pizza oven. Two shelves hold plates, cutlery and drinks, while the fold-up sides flip up to provide areas for preparation and serving. When practicality meets style we’re always first in the queue and the Garden Pizza Oven Table is ticking all the right boxes for an outdoor celebration.
“Everyone loves outdoor entertaining in the summer,” says the team at Zest. “We have a collection of products to suit every size of garden. The Freya range of seating and dining sets has a host of different combinations. A perfect way for your guests to enjoy the Zest Garden Pizza Oven Table, the Zest Garden Bar & Two Stool Set or the Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Range.”Zest’s BBQ side table is also high on our summer wishlist. Two thick shelves create an area to stash all the BBQ essentials, alongside drinks and servewear. The solid wooden top measures in at 0.91m – plenty of space for crafting a culinary masterpiece. As with all Zest products, both tables are made from PEFC-certified wood sourced from sustainably managed forests.
How to style a garden party
Outdoor spaces in the summer season are all about colour. Vibrant red, sunset orange, dazzling pink, azure blue – flowers with deeply saturated tones attract pollinators and provide a party backdrop.
If nature needs a boost, hang brightly coloured bunting and paper lanterns. Use tablecloths, cushions, throws and tableware that pop with brights, rich jewel shades and pastels to emulate the shades of summer.
Themes for a summer event
Just as you would with an indoor party, an outdoor gathering will benefit from a theme. You’re creating a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Here are three of our favourite ways to style al fresco fun.
*French chic: vintage servewear, linen napkins, white or cream tablecloth
*Boho: pretty glass jugs filled with wildflowers, mix and match tablewear, colourful lanterns
*Tropical: gold cutlery, bamboo place mats, bold and bright flower displays
How to light a garden event
As dusk falls on your party, guests may want to stay and talk into the night. Outdoor fairy lights strung among the foliage will provide magic sparkle, while tea lights in glass jars are a cheap way to brighten the table. A row of solar powered stake lights can illuminate the pathway. Scented candles not only add ambience but also help ward away pesky insects that may want to join the party.
Top tips to entertaining outside: comfort
You’ve provided a banquet, created a visual treat with a theme and sprinkled a little summer magic with colour and lighting – the checklist looks good! But don’t forget comfort. Seating your guests somewhere they can relax for hours will ensure maximum enjoyment of all your hard work.
Zest’s Lily Relax range is perfect for the job. We discovered the Relax Rocking Chair is as comfortable as it is stylish. This chair has been designed to support posture with an angled back, strong armrests and low seating, it looks and feels like a dream. The ultimate accompaniment to a successful al fresco event!
Zest products are stocked by garden centres nationwide. To find your nearest stockist click here.
