Under a canopy of flowers

Event designer Keith Robinson shares his ideas for a special garden dinner party

Ideas for a special outdoor dinner party

Eating alfresco can involve more than teak tables and melamine tableware. Designer Keith Robinson reveals the secrets of the gorgeous outdoor dining setting he’s created in his lush garden – just perfect for a special summer gathering.

He’s chosen a lush, sun-dappled clearing in his established plot and turned it into an enticing dining space, fringed with box, and an arbour covered in a riot of fragrant Cécile Brunner climbing roses.

Inspired by the surrounding flora,

Keith picked out a pastel palette for the understated but elegant table, with a linen tablecloth in a delicate celadon shade, lavender napkins, moss-green glasses, and a hint of sparkle from gold-rimmed plates. He then surrounded the table with plushly upholstered chairs from indoors to add texture, comfort and an element of surprise.

At the heart of the table sits a grand bouquet of snowy white viburnum, with its subtly sweet scent, while smaller vases of dainty purple phlox with heads of viburnum sit alongside each place setting.

‘There’s something lovely about the juxtaposition of the delicate arrangements with the dramatic centrepiece,’ he says.

‘But since it’s tall, it doesn’t get in the way of conversation. You find that you’re talking under a canopy of flowers.

‘I love having my guests explore the garden and then discover the table,’ he says. ‘To turn the corner and suddenly have your sightline filled with this beautiful centrepiece – it takes your breath away.’

Each guest has a delicate posy of purple phlox with viburnum. Simple lavender napkins and green glassware contrast with the ornate cutlery. For similar see Ikea and Heal’s for glassware, and John Lewis Croft Collection napkins

Mint from the herb garden adds a fresh touch to icy lemon spritzers

Rich greenery surrounds Keith’s white clapboard home