Classic COUNTRY GARDEN
Traditional country style translates effortlessly from house to garden, so creating an elegant space for outdoor entertaining is just a question of reimagining your dining room in the open air. Spread a cloth of embroidered white linen or floral fabric over the table, draw up a few chairs and benches topped with cushions for comfort, and add place-name flags to small vases of spring blooms, one for each guest. Then set the table with pretty china, etched glasses to catch the candlelight and a bundle of silver cutlery at each place, tied with ivy or twine. Aim for graceful informality – nothing too obviously functional. Perhaps include the odd piece of pastel-coloured enamelware, but keep the overall effect French farmhouse rather than practical campfire.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A wild-flower meadow or an orchard with mown paths makes a wonderfully romantic setting for a picnic party in the day or night, and presents good opportunities to decorate with lanterns or bunting; elegant vintage cutlery and floral china complements a garden setting; gilded crockery heightens the sense of occasion; the delicate blooms of sweet peas placed in a collection of clear glass bottles are a beautifully simple, stylish and ethereal table centrepiece