Here are a few of our favourite designs for dining alfresco...
With the Platinum Jubilee fast approaching, it feels like summer is finally on its way. There is a certain magic to taking the party outside after the grey days of winter. In addition, being amongst nature is proven to have a positive impact on our moods. Therefore, with bank holiday weekends on the horizon and sunshine in the forecast, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the season with al fresco dining. So, with that in mind, here are all the ingredients you need to create the ultimate outdoor dining experience…
The Garden Dining Table Setting
Black Metal Outdoor Table & Chair Bistro Set: £325.00
Firstly, there’s no al fresco dining without outdoor furniture! A must-have piece for any garden, outdoor dining tables and chairs ensure you are ready to entertain. So, whether you are throwing a jubilee extravaganza or mid-summer dinner party, your garden dining table will take centre stage. In addition, smaller bistro tables are ideal for romantic dinners for two. As a result, whatever the size of your outdoor space, investing in gorgeous outdoor garden dining sets is essential.
Left: Green Metal Garden Table & Chair Set: £250.00 | Middle: Black Rattan Outdoor Bistro Bar Stool: £125.00 | Right: Black Butterfly Outdoor Table & Chair Bistro Set: £245.00
Tableware for Al Fresco Dining
Reminiscent of hot holidays, dining al fresco and watching the sunset from the comfort of your garden is magical. Therefore, we recommend marking any occasion with a beautiful tablescape display. For example, why not embrace the trend for coloured glassware on your outdoor table?! With everything from amber-tinted candlesticks to vibrant glass vases, these outdoor dining accessories introduce colour and style to the table. In addition, leaning into a summer theme makes perfect sense. So, look no further than our Mediterranean Lemon Plates & Bowls or Small Fig Side Dish. Ideal for serving up snacks, these playful tableware pieces help capture the spirit of summer.
Dark Green Cabbage Salad Bowl: £38.00 | Small Fig Side Dish: 15.00 |Duo Bubble Amber Candlestick Holder: £28.00 | Rings Smoke Candlestick Holder: £32.00 |Sand Brown Glass Art Ring Candlestick Holder: £18.00 | Mediterranean Lemon Bowl: £18.00 | Mediterranean Lemon Plate: £22.00
Gorgeous Glassware
Left: Set of 6 Twist Water Glasses - Pink & Green: £80.00 | Right: Set of 4 Ribbed Champagne Coupe Glasses With Gold Rim: £63.00
Next up, it’s time to turn your attention to the glassware. After all, no al fresco dining experience is complete without a cocktail… Most importantly with glassware, the key is to plan the drinks you will be serving. For example, if you’re popping bottles of champagne, a coupe will work a dream. Alternatively, highball glasses are perfect for Pimms. Likewise, a martini glass is essential for one of our all-time favourites, the espresso martini. Once you’ve decided on your drinks menu, place the glasses on the table and make sure your booze is chilled to perfection…
Al Fresco Garden Party Picnics
While there’s no denying the importance of a garden table when dining al fresco, we also love a picnic! Quintessentially British, a garden party picnic is a great way to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. In addition, picnics are ideal for lazy summer afternoons with friends. Simply lay down a gorgeous garden rug, add a punnet of strawberries and soak up the sun!
Diamond Key Pattern Reversible Outdoor Garden Rug: £48.00 | Sun Yellow & White Stripe Outdoor Cushion: £48.00 | Black & White Stripe Outdoor Cushion: £48.00 | Geo Pattern Reversible Outdoor Garden Rug: £45.00
Luxe Lighting
Antique Brass Moroccan Solar Lantern: £53.00
Finally, no outdoor dining setting is complete without mood lighting. Taking inspiration from mother nature, our favourite outdoor lighting designs harness the power of the sun and turn on at dusk to create a gorgeous glow in the garden. Moreover, they look super-chic on display and create the perfect atmosphere for al fresco dining. So, this summer, we recommend decorating your table with beautiful solar lights for a dramatic dining display that comes to life after dark…
Left: Set Of 2 Antique Brass Solar Stake Lights: £43.00 | Middle: Climbing Ivy Indoor/Outdoor Solar Light: £45.00 | Right: Dandelion Solar Light: £42.00
For more summer inspiration, keep an eye on the RSG Instagram!
If you enjoyed this blog, you may also like...
How To Choose The Perfect Cocktail Glass