As the weather warms up, outdoor entertaining transforms into a delightful experience. With more opportunities to host family and friends in the open air, it's time to elevate your gatherings with style, whether you're selecting high-quality outdoor furniture or adding elegant touches to your dining setup.
'Despite unpredictable weather, we've learned to enjoy our gardens and external areas more creatively,' notes designer Henriette von Stockhausen. 'Designers are rising to the occasion, crafting innovative solutions to enhance comfort and fun, from stunning furniture to vibrant canopies and warming options.'
Originally from Germany and raised across Europe, Henriette now resides in Dorset, working on country-house projects throughout the US and the UK. Her designs reflect her passion for color, pattern, and antiques, and here she shares her insights on outdoor entertaining.
1. Establish a Framework for Your Table
'An ideal setup includes a covered area, like a pergola or loggia, adorned with fragrant climbing roses or lovely clematis. This way, you can stay outside even if it rains.'
'At home, I invested in a handcrafted Indian tent from the Raj Tent Club. It's stunning inside, with stars painted on the canvas ceiling, and you can remove the sides for warm evenings.'
'If a canopy isn't available, a table set beneath a tree creates a defined space, with tree branches acting as natural partitions. A sun umbrella can serve as an alternative; I particularly admire those from Barcelona-based Lobster's Day, which allow you to customize colors and trims.'
'In the future, I'd love an outdoor kitchen featuring a sink and built-in barbecue. Italian designers Officine Gullo offer stunning options that perform like restaurant kitchens, using marine-grade steel to withstand any weather.'
- See: Outdoor dining ideas – discover beautiful ways to dine outside all year
2. Choose Quality Outdoor Furniture
'Investing in quality outdoor furniture pays off, especially if you lack indoor storage for winter. Cheaper pieces deteriorate quickly when left outside for extended periods.'
'While teak is popular, it's heavy. Synthetic rattan furniture has improved significantly, with my favorite collection from Domaine Life. Their stylish, weather-resistant designs are perfect for outdoor use.'
'For clients preferring metal, I recommend the Hevingham Collection. Custom-made in Britain, these pieces are crafted from robust iron and come with comfortable cushions.'
'I also cherish antique garden furniture, often available at auctions or online. Lorfords is a great place to start.'
'Regardless of choice, I suggest off-white or pale gray cushion covers. This allows you to add colorful accents through table decor without clashing.'
3. Embrace Color
'I love incorporating green and soft pink when entertaining outdoors. Starting with tablecloths adds softness and texture, and I prefer them to touch the ground. My favorite designs are from Birdie Fortescue, inspired by Iznik tile patterns.'
'Instead of using melamine plates and outdoor cutlery, I opt for elegant china and real silverware. My go-to is colorful glassware from William Yeoward. It may seem extravagant, but it looks lovely, and I trust my friends to handle them with care!'
4. Select a Theme
'Consider how your menu contributes to the aesthetic. Choose a theme to simplify your decisions. For example, if I'm serving Moroccan tagine with couscous, I'll decorate with lemons and colorful tealights.'
5. Ensure Warmth for Guests
'Firepits are fantastic for cooler evenings. I recently visited Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, where a massive firepit warmed the space. I plan to get one, but I always recommend caution with children around.'
'Placing a rug under the table keeps feet warm as dew forms on the grass. Jennifer Manners offers a collection of attractive, durable rugs made from recycled plastic that feel as soft as wool. I also like to keep throws in merino wool or cashmere on the back of chairs: Johnstons of Elgin has a lovely selection of colors and styles.'
6. Illuminate Thoughtfully
Smart outdoor lighting can create a warm atmosphere as night falls.
'Stringing fairy lights in tree branches adds a magical touch. If there's no power source, battery-powered LED lights work well. I've seen friends hang antique chandeliers with candles from branches for a romantic atmosphere.'
'Real candles and candelabras can be used outside; just invest in glass covers for safety. I also love using alabaster bowls from Robert Kime for tea lights, creating a beautiful glow on the table. Storm lanterns are another favorite, and Ralph Lauren offers lovely options.'
7. Gather Flowers from Nature
'Gathering flowers from your garden is the best way to enhance your table. Simple blooms, like cow parsley, look stunning in a large vase. I also fill various goblets and silver cups with small roses or whatever is blooming.'
'For seated dinners with a plan, I like to use leaves from the garden and write guests' names in gold pen instead of name cards. More often, I keep it casual, letting kids create daisy chains or using seashells if we're by the coast.'
8. Keep It Easy
Photo by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash
'There are no strict rules for outdoor entertaining, and it doesn't need to be extravagant.'
See: Garden party ideas – inspiration for outdoor gatherings, from family barbecues to dinner with friends
'I've always dreamed of hosting a birthday party with an outdoor cinema showing classic black-and-white films. It would be a perfect opportunity to use my collection of blankets and rugs from my travels, featuring Navajo, Nepalese, and South American designs, all adding cheerful tribal colors to the lawn alongside picnic baskets filled with treats for my guests.'
