Outdoor oasis

Create a wonderful outdoor oasis to enjoy with family and friends with our pick of the very best buys

Carve a space to enjoy with family and friends out in the sun or under the stars

PREPARE A FAMILY FEAST

A garden dining set that combines chairs for the adults with benches for the kids is a winner. Lanterns hung from a pole above the table not only look stunning, it frees up table space and keeps candles and tea lights safely out of reach.* Elba six-seat dining set, £1,799, Ikat striped cushion in teal, £12.99, Sundown throw in natural (130x180cm), £24.99, Viseo windlight lanterns,

£14.99 each, Elfyn chimenea, £149.99, Aquarel blue porcelain vase, £9.99, all dobbies.com

DINE WITHOUT THE DRAMA

This stylish monochrome tableware is big on style and is shatterproof, too, so there’s no need to stress if it gets dropped accidentally.

Black wood serve board, from £10, Arlo side plates, £12 for a set of four, Arlo bowls, £16 for a set of four, Arlo salad bowl set, £18, Arlo serve board, £12, Arlo medium serving platter, £10, all next.co.uk

SELECT A SHADY SPOT

This cotton shade with its natural tassel fringing will instantly enhance your outdoor living space with its romantic boho style. Little ones will love it as a den, while the grown-ups can enjoy its laid-back vibes. Fringed canopy in antique white, £360, coxandcox.co.uk

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

When the sun begins to set, outdoor lighting comes into its own, creating a magical atmosphere. Layer up solar lanterns and strings of festoon bulbs, combined with battery-powered candles that won’t blow out in a breeze. Canberra slatted lantern duo, £64.99, TruGlow outdoor candle trio, £26.99, 15-drop bulb solar festoon lights, £27.99, Fes Moroccan solar lantern duo, £39.99, Temara Moroccan solar lantern, £39.99, 50 warm white outdoor fairy lights, £12.99, all lights4fun.co.uk >>

GATHER ROUND THE FIRE

For when those summer nights aren’t quite as warm as expected, this stylish lounge set features a corner sofa, two stools and a firepit table, providing a glow for your gatherings. Stockholm corner lounge set with firepit, £2,750, coxandcox.co.uk

COCKTAILS ARE GO

This chic bar set has all you need for the perfect grown-up get-together: a bar with an integral ice bucket, two stools, an outdoor kitchen cabinet and a handy drinks trolley.

Palm outdoor garden bar and bar stool set £1,825, danetti.com

SIT BACK AND ENJOY

With its all-weather rattan-style frame and cosy shower-proof cushions, this corner dining set is perfect for those long, leisurely summer lunches that slide late into the evening. Chester sofa set, £1,599, Weaver throw in grey (130x180cm), £29.99, Mikasa Julie white wine glasses, £12.99 for a set of four, BarCraft stainless steel doublewalled wine cooler, £22.99, all dobbies.com

CREATE A FOCAL POINT

Outdoor rugs are hugely popular this season. They are soft underfoot, create a focal point and can disguise an unsightly patio or dodgy deck. Terracotta garden side table, £54.50, Copacabana garden coffee table, £54.50; Sao Antao multicoloured garden armchair, £140, Marian outdoor rug, £131, all maisonsdumonde.com >>

SAIL AWAY

Create some welcome shade on a small patio with a sail. Available in wall-hung or free-standing models in an array of colours and shapes.

Ecru 3m sun sail shade, £299, pastel sling chairs in yellow, pink, green and blue, £39 each, Gardenia bamboo fibre dinner plate, £6.99 each, Gardenia bamboo fibre bowl, £6.99 each, all dobbies.com

PICK PRACTICAL TABLEWARE

Acrylic glassware and unbreakable tableware allows you to create stylish table settings without the worry of breakages.

Urban wilderness picnic blanket,

£5, black wine glass, £2, black tumbler, £1.50, square dinner plate, £3, platter, £3, all bmstores.co.uk

SMALL BUT STYLISH

This bistro-style set oozes Parisian cafe style. Lightweight and timeless, it is completely foldable, allowing you to move and store it with ease.

Rive Droite bistro set small in clay, £150, gardentrading.co.uk

SMALL SPACE DINING

Having a bijou balcony as your only outdoor space needn’t prevent you from dining al fresco. This compact wooden dining set has nifty bench seating which fits neatly under the table when not in use.

Wooden dining set, £229, stripe floor cushion, £14; leaf water-resistant cushion, £8, all Elements collection, dunelm.com >>

DIAL UP THE DRAMA

Nothing makes bright colours pop in the garden more than a dramatic, dark background. Paint your wall or fence in a shade of deep grey or black to make your furniture and plants stand out. Darwin four-seat set with chairs, £350, Jambi chair, £120, stripe pasta bowl, £3.75, stripe dinner plate, £3.75, recycled glass jug, £10, recycled glass, £10 for a set of four, Brighton satin 24-piece cutlery set, £95, all habitat.co.uk

PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD

Have fun mixing and matching the latest shatterproof tableware designs.

Homespun large plate, £3, Homespun small plate, £2, Homespun small bowls, £1.50, Homespun chip and dip tray, £6, Homespun napkins, £1 for a pack of eight, placemats, £4, wooden tray with metal handles, £8, clear outdoor gin glass, £4, all wilko.com

MIX IT UP

Create a funky seating area – make retro-style string seats more comfy by piling them with showerproof cushions. Salsa mini chair, £49,

Salsa coffee table, £120, johnlewis.com

ADD BRIGHT ACCESSORIES

This season’s hottest shades are sunshine yellow, spicy paprika and zingy coral combined with turquoise blue. If you don’t want to replace your existing furniture, simply inject some fresh colour with cushions, throws and lanterns.

Karu four-piece conversation set, £599, Balboa iron lantern in antique gold, £19.99, Colene bamboo windlight, £17.99, Mardi Gras cushion in fuchsia and tangerine, £19.99, Ikat striped cushions in spice, teal and mustard, £12.99 each, Musa Cavendishii dwarf plant, £12.99, Lenja rose stoneware vase, £7.99, Inka throw (150x180cm), £29.99, Hilary yellow stoneware vase, £6.99, Grusha champagne glass tealight holder, £4.99, all dobbies.com