GO FULL-ON FESTIVAL

wooden table and chairs, a linen runner and napkins, and plenty of lanterns and candles. Don’t forget to cater for chilly nights by putting a throw or a blanket on each chair.

“I live on a farm in the glorious West Country, so I really enjoy the chance to make the most of time outdoors with friends and family. And come the summer months, there is nothing I love more than a picnic or eating al fresco,” says Liz Earle, founder of Liz Earle Wellbeing magazine (lizearlewellbeing.com).

“Picnics and meals outdoors are a great way of enjoying the great outdoors and making the most of nature’s beauty, but they don’t just have to be daytime affairs.

“There’s nothing nicer than lingering over a meal on a sultry evening and pretty lighting will transform a setting.”

Battery-operated tea lights, which will twinkle into the night, are a pretty and safe way to add enchantment, Liz says. “Perch them atop jam jars or logs Pom pom garlands, assorted colours, currently reduced to £22.40 each from £32, Bohemia

to give them a bit more height, or use them in hanging glass lanterns above a table to turn it into a focal point.”

The closer you get to echoing your Croft Collection garden dining table bench, £220; Camden garden bistro table and chairs set, currently reduced to £63 from £79; Sol pouffe multi, £120, John Lewis

indoor taste outside in your garden ‘room,’ the more successful the result will be. Opt for accessories that would look just as good in a living room as on a terrace.

GO FULL-ON FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL season has arrived. No tickets – no problem! Simply give a table setting a boho, laid-back vibe, turn on the sound system, and have your own ‘feastival’ – without the mud, wellies or sagging tents.

This look is all about personality – pops of colour, mismatched china, and lots of freshly cut flowers and foliage.

Don’t take it too seriously – there’s no room for formality here – just give it a bit of hippy-dippy character that makes it kick-offyour-shoes relaxing.

Feel free to pile on the paper lanterns and garlands – use solar lights for when the sun has gone down – and add jewel-coloured glassware for a dash of glamour. Two-tier ‘coloured glass’ chandelier, £55, Boutique Camping

John Lewis is a brilliant destination for homeware that will ramp up al fresco style, including a brilliant range of tableware and furniture.

Its Croft Collection garden dining Raspberry and amber crystal tumblers, £42 each, Joanna Wood

table bench, £220, is ideal, while the Camden garden bistro table and chairs set is currently reduced to £63 from £79. A Sol pouffe – multi, £120, makes a great finishing touch.