Dune four seater dining set with rope detail 

With plenty of mild, sunny afternoons and lots of seasonal colour, autumn is a fantastic time of year for entertaining outdoors. The British weather may be unpredictable (as it always is), but that means it’s all the more important to make hay when the sun shines and get yourself outdoors. And with a bit of planning, you can be ready whenever the opportunity crops up. From spontaneous autumnal barbecues to afternoon tea in the garden, sunny Sunday dinners with the family or taking a dinner party outside, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season. 

Keep the barbecue ready to go

Who says barbecues are just for summer? Autumn is perfect for outdoor cooking, and there's plenty of food options to try beyond just burgers and sausages. Try seasonal veggies like corn on the cob, grilled squash and sweet potatoes. Add mushrooms, peppers and chicken to skewers, or you can even barbecue fruit. Roasted apples or pears, a little honey and cinnamon with a scoop of ice cream make a surprising pudding. If you have fruit trees, an allotment or grow veg in your garden then these can provide you with a whole load of options for things to cook in ways you might not have considered. Keep a good supply of whatever barbecue fuel you use, and give the barbecue a clean after each use so it's good to go for next time. A few easy accompaniments in the fridge, like chutneys, salads and sauces mean that you're never far from a lovely outdoor lunch.

Make outdoor seating easy and inviting

Taking the hassle out of hosting makes it so much more enjoyable. One simple way to do this is to think about cushion storage for your outdoor furniture. Instead of dragging them into the shed or garage after every use, pop them into a garden storage box that's close to your furniture. It makes the job so much quicker and easier, and it keeps your cushions at their best. It’s worth keeping a few outdoor blankets in here too.

Orchard rattan corner dining set

Stay on top of your autumnal garden jobs

Hosting doesn't have to mean a perfect home, but keeping on top of the little jobs means you're ready for guests at the drop of a hat. Sweep up fallen leaves, especially from patios and paths where they can become slippery. Keep drains clear, tidy away gardening tools and equipment, put wellies away and replace any dead flowers with a bit of colour, cyclamen, pansies and chrysanthemums are great this time of year. That way you’re prepared to host without the stress of a huge cleanup beforehand!

Consider light and heat

The sun sits lower in the sky during autumn, so your favourite summer dining spot might not be the sunniest choice anymore. It might be worth moving your furniture to a different part of the patio depending on where the sun hits at this time of year. Think about lighting too. If you know you’ll be out later into the evening then you’ll need to go further than a motion detection patio light. Go with something that gives a steady, comfortable light and add festoons and outdoor lanterns for ambience. If you're keen to enjoy the garden later into the year, a firepit or chiminea is a worthwhile investment. It gives you a focal point for your guests to gather around and can bring warmth to outdoor get togethers as the temperature drops.