Sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates on Interiors news. Start your mornings with a myFT Daily Digest email that covers all the latest news in the world of Interiors. With summer approaching, I have plans to host some alfresco dinner parties. How can I ensure they are a success?Recently, we had some friends visiting from the country with their two young daughters. I had organized a picnic at our favorite Arcadian garden for Saturday and had everything planned out. The weather would be just right, we would relax by the river on our favorite blanket enjoying cheese and strawberries, while the children entertained themselves. It was the perfect idyllic scenario. However, on Saturday morning, we realized that the temperature was too hot for a picnic. I still had to prepare lunch and make ice cream from scratch for the girls. Additionally, we found out that the garden we wanted to visit didn’t allow dogs or children under 15. My picnic plans were completely ruined. But then, we remembered that we had a beautiful garden of our own and suddenly everything fell into place. We threw some cushions on the grass, set up the outdoor dining table, and had an amazing time. This experience made me realize that sometimes staying in your own garden can be just as enjoyable as going elsewhere for a picnic. There are many advantages to staying put, such as avoiding soggy food and lukewarm drinks, and being able to sit at an actual table with comfortable chairs. That being said, there are still ways to make outdoor lunch and dinner parties more exciting. We like to set up furniture in different areas of our garden to create new views and surprise our guests. For this, we keep a large and light trestle table in the garage that we can easily bring out wherever we want. Eating under a canopy also adds an element of excitement. I personally love the feeling of eating under canvas, it reminds me of exotic and mysterious places. A few years ago, I purchased a yellow-and-white striped awning that we put up in the garden. We hang festoon lighting inside and set up the trestle table beneath it. It creates a magical atmosphere. Lighting is also important in a garden setting. I love the sight of guests chatting and enjoying dessert in a warm glow against the dark blue sky. Consider installing exterior wall lights and path lighting to create a cozy ambiance. If fixed lighting is not an option, you can use tealights in glass holders placed on rusty iron stakes strategically placed around the garden. Battery-powered lamps can also be brought out for the dining table. Finally, keeping the menu simple is key. As summer calls for barbecues, we like to grill beef and fresh vegetables, and serve them with a selection of salads that can be prepared in advance and easily passed around the table. This way, we can enjoy the company of our friends and not be tied to the kitchen. While I appreciate the simplicity and joy of dining in our own garden, I still have dreams of experiencing wild and rustic locations. I remember buying a giant flask and vintage enamel mugs for a trip to Cornwall last year, envisioning sipping spiced hot chocolate during a bracing clifftop walk with friends. There might even be a swim in the freezing sea. Sometimes, half the fun is in the anticipation and preparation of a romantic and adventurous idea. If you have any questions about design and stylish living, feel free to email me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Instagram @lukeedwardhall. Stay up to date with the latest stories by following @FTProperty on Twitter or @ft_houseandhome on Instagram.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
