Outdoor dining, minus the faff

We’re very much of the opinion that everything tastes better outdoors, and that eating outside shouldn’t just be saved for the peak of summer. Plenty of fresh, bright days turn up throughout the year that are well worth making the most of. So unless it’s actively pouring with rain, pop on a jacket or grab a blanket and get yourself out there!

The key is making everything convenient. When the mood strikes, you want to be outside in minutes. Keep your cushions in a storage box close to the furniture so they can be thrown on easily and you don’t have to deal with a lengthy negotiation with the shed. And if it’s cushions that are the thing keeping you indoors, choose a set that doesn’t need them. Many of our designs can be given a quick wipe down, materials like teslin and rattan are made to be sat on directly. Even our aluminium sets are perfectly comfortable without cushions. Dining outdoors should be as easy to set up as it is to clear away (crumbs brushed onto the floor… we consider that a wildlife initiative)

A proper place to put your feet up 

A lounge set does the obvious, allows you to lounge. But it’s also a fantastic spot for entertaining guests too, from comfy seating for your family barbecues to a place to sit with drinks in the evening. Lounge sets tend to have a lower, coffee style table which suits drinks and more casual dining. If you don’t have room for both a dining and lounge set, some can double up. Take our Orchard lounge set, it has a table that you can adjust the height of so one set can do the work of two.

Here comes the sun... wait, get back here

We’re more than aware here in the UK that sun doesn’t take requests, but unless it’s very cloudy and out of view, it does keep a regular schedule. If your garden has different sunny spots throughout the day and throughout the year then have a think about how to make the most of them. A sun lounger gives you the flexibility to move as the light changes, so you can chase around the warmest spot for an afternoon read or into the shade when the sun gets a little too enthusiastic. When it comes to permanent seating, it’s worth watching how the light moves across your garden for a day if you have a bigger space. If there are multiple potential spots then this will help you to work out where it should go. 

A seat for the spot nobody uses

Every garden has those annoying awkward corners, empty patches and little stretches of patio that haven't been given a job yet. But instead of filling them with yet more planting or decoration, consider whether they could become somewhere to sit? A compact bistro set can turn a forgotten spot into your favourite place for morning coffee (or an evening tipple), a quick lunch or how about a slow weekend breakfast? A garden bench is another good option as it can be tucked into nooks that would otherwise go unused. Have a think about how you’ll ideally use the space. A small table makes all the difference if you want somewhere to put a book, cup or plate. If you’re just after a spot to watch the birds and admire the garden then a bench might be all you need.

Fit for purpose, fit for the patio

As much as you want your furniture to look good on the patio, how you’ll use it matters as well. If you plan on following the sun around the garden then lighter furniture gives you more flexibility. Something like rattan wrapped aluminium would be a good choice over say wood which is a lot heavier. If you enjoy hosting then consider how many seats you regularly need, and whether your seating can take an extra guest with a spare chair or two at the table if it’s needed. If your space is limited then folding furniture can give you somewhere to sit without permanently claiming floor space. Think about the practicalities, too. Do you need armrests for comfortable reading? A garden chair that swivels? A material that needs very little maintenance? 

A room with a view (it’s the kitchen)

One last thing that’s easy to overlook is how your garden looks from the house. If you have the option to position a bench, bistro set or dining area where it can be seen from the kitchen or living room then it can be a great feature look at while you do the washing up. It also helps the garden feel more connected to your home as instead of it being tucked away, your furniture becomes part of the view.