SUMMER LOVING

We’ve reached peak entertaining season, so embrace the beautiful weather and gather friends and family for an alfresco get-together.

The secret to creating an inviting outdoor area is to approach it much as you would any room within your house: ensure the furniture you choose is comfortable, stylish and a good complement to other pieces inside your home. Durability, size and price are important considerations, too. Keeping things casual is key – outdoor furniture should encourage your guests to relax and settle in. Just add beautiful tableware, napery and decorative touches and you’re set for summer.

Size matters

Consider scale when you’re selecting outdoor furniture. A round bistro table with folding or stackable chairs may be perfect for a balcony but could look a bit lost in a larger space. Conversely, allow enough room around a bigger dining setting for guests to access their seats with ease.

Style and substance

From classic timber settings to low-maintenance aluminium and powdercoated metal, today’s outdoor furniture is available in a wealth of great-looking materials. Durability matters, so embrace weatherproof, UV-resistant outdoor fabrics, toughened glass tabletops and supremely sturdy synthetic wicker.

Look for flexibility

Lightweight, lowmaintenance and flexible in its functionality: ideally your outdoor furniture should tick all these boxes. A great outdoor table can be dressed up with candles and lanterns for an elegant dinner just as easily as it will serve you for a casual barbecue or as a spot to read the Sunday paper.