Outdoor Entertaining: How to Style Your Garden for Summer Parties

Elevate your tablescape 

Dial up the drama at your next garden party with a tablescape that sets the scene for a decadent lunch or dinner. Layer on the luxury in placemats that add texture and interest – Mandalay are hand-woven from rattan in an antique-brown finish that adds a rustic look – beautiful cutlery for each course (we love our bestselling Pompadour set featuring a faux shagreen pattern), dyed linen napkins such as Elias with hand-embroidered detailing around the edges and statement crockery. For something classic, plump for the delicate pieces in our hand-painted Kraak collection – a near-exact replica of Ming and Qing period pottery in traditional blue and white – spanning everything from dinner plates to soup bowls and cups and saucers. Otherwise, the playful Kintaro range featuring irregular crimson stripes and indigo rims adds a pop of colour. Finally, provide glasses for all eventualities – from refreshing aperitifs to paired wine – with our beautiful etched Ranelagh range inspired by the glamour of the Regency era. And remember, there are no rules: mix-and-match pieces for a gloriously eclectic aesthetic and think outside of the box when it comes to finishing touches. A bowl of shells as a centrepiece over a vase of flowers, for example, or oversized ribbons as napkin rings. Have fun and get creative.    

Illuminating ideas 

Next, layer your table with different sources of lighting for gatherings that can carry on long after lunch or dinner are done. Combine a couple of decorative candle holders such as Barley, Lakadema or Chianti to cast a flattering, ethereal glow with a pair of portable lamps like our Mini Grisewood to provide functional illumination for eating, drinking and socialising. A string of fairy lights draped over fences or wrapped around trees adds extra twinkle and magic.  

Wrap up  

Whether wrapped around shoulders or draped over chairs, cosy wraps mean the celebrations can continue even when it gets chilly. Alternatively, why not roll them up, tie with bows and pop in a basket such as Fairfax for guests to help themselves? Go textural with our Faux Fur Throw in Grizzly Bear or Seal Grey, or choose something lighter with our Liena Throw in Mocha or Moss colourways, both finished with a thick fringe of loop tassels bordered by a woven trim.  

Raise the bar  

Nothing is nicer than providing an al fresco bar for guests to mix and muddle drinks themselves, while it makes hosting completely effortless, too. Simply wheel out your bar trolley from inside – our 1920s-inspired Arnold in oak and cane is a real conversation-starter – or style up an outdoor table with the Talasa Tray and the Emsworth barware including a leather ice bucket and tongs, cocktail shaker and utensils. Add bottles of spirits, mixers and wine (Provencal rosé, English sparkling and Pinot Noir for summer parties), prepared garnishes (lemons, limes, mint, rosemary) and gorgeous glassware. Our mouth-blown Pulcinella collection has every vessel you could possibly need, from wine and Champagne glasses to tumblers and cocktail glasses. Sure to help you raise a toast in style.  

Digestif, anyone? 

To complete the look, why not create a Moroccan-style lounge for unwinding with a digestif or two after dinner, including a ceramic stool for placing drinks – Rander comes in a number of colourways to complement all schemes – several of our Saule Outdoor Floor Cushions for relaxed seating and an outdoor rug or two such as Limonium for zoning the space? Our Large Faux Bay or Olive Trees will add a tropical feel.  

Three more ideas to try  

1 Make it personal by handwriting invitations on crisp card using beautiful calligraphy. Nothing is nicer than a note from a loved one dropping on the doormat with news of a forthcoming soirée.   

2 A garden party doesn’t always have to be about lunch or dinner. In fact, drinks and nibbles can be an easier way to get everyone together without much fuss, while hosting afternoon tea gives you an excuse to dig out your best chinaware (we love the colours and patterns on our Florya mugs).  

3 Bring out the games after dinner to stoke competitive spirits and keep the conversation flowing, from backgammon to dominoes.