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The great outdoors...

Take a tip from the Continent and eat alfresco when the sun is shining. From breakfast outdoors to casual barbecues with family and friends, it’s time to celebrate the summer.

Article by: Charlotte Barber
Publish date: 4th June 2009

Whilst we might not always be blessed with a hot summer, one thing us Brits do enjoy is celebrating the sunshine season with great gusto. A seaside picnic is a traditional pastime that’s always a fun day out for the family and what better way to enjoy a day by the coast than with a hamper filled with finger sandwiches and fizzy pop?

When it comes to the heady months of our treasured English summer, they just wouldn’t be complete without some sort of alfresco entertaining. Family-friendly barbecues are the ultimate relaxation, but balmy evening suppers are just the ticket for outdoor enjoyment with friends and loved ones.

So, whether it’s taking pleasure in the simple things in life, like breakfasting outdoors or hosting garden parties that go with a swing - consider your outdoor entertaining style for the months ahead. From child-friendly picnics to sophisticated twilight suppers, it’s time to prepare to be the perfect hostess...

Dress your space
No matter what outdoor area you’ve got - be it a rambling estate which is capable of hosting formal midsummer parties to a bijou courtyard that can just about squeeze space for a set of garden furniture - it’s what you make of your area that’s important. As Zoë Brady, Buyer for Outdoor Living at John Lewis, confirms: “The indoors/outdoors trend continues unabated this summer. It’s all about people maximizing their space and using their gardens as a ‘fifth’ room of their home for relaxing and entertaining in style.”

For a casual barbecue or light brunch, the basic necessities are really all that’s needed, but a few little added extras won’t go amiss and can make all the difference. Pretty bunting doesn’t take up any room at all, and can enhance a relaxing atmosphere when it comes to simple outdoor meals. Consider flickering tea lights too, which can be placed in jam jars for a whimsical touch, and brightly coloured crockery will keep the mood fun. A casual posy of country flowers, such as cornflowers and poppies, will add the perfect finishing touch to your table.

For formal affairs it’s wise to consider a colour scheme or overall theme when planning ahead. Neutral shades of greens, browns and sand will blend effortlessly in every outdoor scheme, but bright white or cool ebony will make a grown-up style statement. Crisp table linen will set the right tone, as will a dazzling display of seasonal flowers.

Hanging lanterns carefully placed around the shrubbery won’t just add to the atmosphere, but will highlight specific areas of your garden too. Matching crockery is a must for entertaining on a grand scale, but a separate set for eating alfresco isn’t always necessary when it comes to formal outdoor dining.

Food for thought
Aside from doing some detective work and finding out which guests are fish or meat eaters, there are several rules of etiquette which come into play for eating alfresco. Remember that not all guests will be able to tolerate the heady sun as well as others, so it’s essential that you always have jugs filled with fresh, iced water scattered about the table. Wine, be it red or white, should be kept light, and be sure to prepare plenty of dishes which will cater for all tastes such as vegetarian nibbles and bowls of mixed salad.

A serving station for food and drinks will make mealtime run like clockwork, and guests will appreciate being able to help themselves to side dishes. Small accent tables are a great idea too - they are ideal for standing drinks and bowls of nibbles on. Clare Price, Founder of The Contemporary Home, continues: “Summer is the one chance you get to spread out into the garden and extend your dining room to accommodate friends and family and a few simple checks beforehand will ensure that everyone enjoys their meal. Make sure you have plenty of non-breakable glasses for children and ample food covers to keep bugs away from the dishes on offer.”

Practical matters
As much as we don’t want to admit it, the English summer has a habit of being rather unpredictable. So, although fingers will be crossed for a dry day, it’s always wise to prepare for a downpour. After all, nothing will dampen your party more than shower-soaked guests! Some shelter is important and, luckily, you have a variety of options to choose from. Individual parasols will look charming at a casual lunch, but if your guest list is rather long, you might need to consider something a bit more substantial, such as awnings, large table umbrellas or even a gazebo.
At the opposite end of the scale, constant sun beating down on guests will soon take its toll, so be sure to provide ample shelter.

The finishing touch
If you’ve got time to spare, you can incorporate several added extras into your plans. Place settings are always a thoughtful touch, and token table favours, such as streamers, will create an ice-breaker for guests. At any party, background music is always a welcome addition, but if you can’t decide between jazz or classical, sounds of nature or instrumental music are always complementary. And now that the preparations are all taken care of, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the party!