Time to step outside and embrace summer living with plush patio furnishings and decorative dinnerware, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
New Furnishing Ideas for Outdoor Living
Making the most of our gardens or patio and hosting in the open air is nothing new, but with the recent trend for indoor-outdoor living and creating a seamless flow between the home and outdoor space, the spotlight this summer is firmly on seating – and re-imagining your exterior space.
Especially if you have set the groundwork this spring by mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, and planting bulbs – here is how to get started for summer soirees and socialising in the open air.
Portmeirion Bloom Garden Collection
With a focus on florals, bringing your tablescape to life with a bouquet of colourful chinaware is a joyous way to put the table in bloom. This new Bloom Garden Collection, with its choice of brightly coloured flowers, pretty petals, and fab foliage, is a must-have. There are coffee, latte, and espresso mugs available to complement the plates.
George Santorini Natural Curve 5 Piece Outdoor Sofa Set
This versatile sofa set blends function with flair and can be styled to suit your outdoor space. The set is split into three curved sofas which can be placed together to create an attractive feature or separated into individual seats, depending on the size of your setup. With semi-circular coffee tables that can sit at the side of the sofa or as a centrepiece, it is a chic addition and makes a big impact.
Bellwood Bar & Storage Cart
Planning the perfect party means having everything to hand – or should we say on two wheels. This contemporary bar cart is your best buddy when it comes to serving drinks in the sunshine. The removable top shelf doubles up as a serving tray, and its spacious surface means it can hold all your barware, garnishes, stemware, snacks, and nibbles. Cheers!
John Lewis Terra Teak Wood Garden Lounge Collection
An investment piece for sure, and tailor-made for a larger entertaining area with its solid teak frame, generous cushioning, and chunky coffee tables. Moreover, a real focal point – we love the mix of timber frame on the seating and glazed finish on the tables – and its considered design is perfectly placed for a conservatory or garden room.
Gisela Graham Garden Living Collection
Think leafy greens, fresh veggies, and simply dressed tomato salads, and cue this Garden Living Collection made from stoneware. Think a tomatocore tablescape topped with fragrant herbs.
John Lewis Marcy Sling Garden Chairs
Playful and colourful, put a spin on dopamine decor with these sling chairs to spruce up your happy place. Roomy and comfy with a backrest for support, chances are you will want to snap up two for maximum impact… and team with a funky patio table in a vibrant hue.
Forest Wooden Fold Down Garden Wall Bar
Even the teeniest of terraces can come to life with the help of this brilliant fold-down bar. Its wall-mounted design means you can store spirits, mixers, soft drinks, and glassware on cubed shelving, with a pull-down tabletop to serve brunch, snacks, and anything you fancy. All that is left is to pull up a bar stool and toast the lazy, hazy days of summer.
George Grey and White Stripe Cotswold 5-Piece Outdoor Dining Set
With trendy grey striped upholstery, dining chairs and table in a contemporary steel frame with simple curves and lines, this chic dining set lends itself beautifully to a white tablescape scheme… and a scented, seasonal centrepiece of gardenias and lily of the valley.
Lights4fun Set of Lucena Tassel Solar Lanterns
Decorative and mood-boosting, these tassel solar lanterns can be hung from a garden pergola, branch of a tree, or strung across a terrace. And just the ticket when twilight falls, you are relaxing outside and serving sundowners.
