Outdoor Dining
Ideas To Brighten Up Your Table
We are all hoping that the weather picks up a bit so that we can enjoy meals in the garden. The long summer evenings are so magical and we always seem to have children running around in pyjamas so it’s never a quiet affair.
Our garden dining set is looking a little sad so I am always looking for ways to improve it so I thought they might be worth jotting down in case anyone else was feeling the same.
Fun Table Cloths
You might think that this is just more washing, but it really lifts the feel of the table if you put a jazzy cloth on. Sometimes I like it to be simple, like a stripe of plain linen, and other times I like lots of pattern. Their are some great high street ones available, as well as some more extravagant options. No one needs to know where you bought it.
Colourful Glasses
We bought ourselves some beautiful coloured glasses on a holiday last year, and spent great care getting them back, but they were so worth it. I feel so special having an evening cocktail or event just water at a dinner party in them.
Vases & Flowers
These are always essential on the table, whether indoors or outdoors, summer or winter. Flowers make everything better.
Parasol
This isn’t for everyone, but it is worth having for shade from the sun, or even a shelter from the summer drizzle. We were researching some fun designs for a photo shoot recently, and realised how much joy they brought to the table, rather than the usual green or ecru umbrellas.
Placemats & Napkins
These are again, useful all year around. You can play around with colour, material, pattern to make this to your taste. We try and buy linen ones to avoid the wastage, but sets of these can be a beautiful addition to the table, both inside and out.
Candles & Candle Holders
More for the evening than a lunch event, but these add atmosphere and ambiance, as well as keep away the midges. Some people like them all matching, and others like the more mismatched approach.
Rechargeable Lamps
Another option instead of candles is rechargeable lamps. They ‘zone’ a bigger space and make it feel more intimate.
Potted Plants
Finally, you may not want to pick the flowers from your garden and instead, want to add potted herbs or plants to the table. I find this a quick an easy way to add interest and brings the garden to the table, which I always love.
I hope this brings a little inspiration to your meal in the garden.