How to Create a Stylish Outdoor Summer Table Setting

As the days get warmer and the nights longer, the lure of BBQ’s and long dinners sharing bottles of wine under the stars is upon us.  However, when it comes to entertaining, picking the menu, deciding on the guests and securing a date is the easy part, creating a gorgeous inviting table setting can often be a bit daunting. 

British interior designer Benji Lewis from Zoom That Room has got you covered.  With his clever advice, you can transform your garden into an oasis to rival any restaurant setting.

1. MAKING AN EFFORT -“It’s important to make an effort when you invite people into your garden, even if the backdrop has a more unconventional feel, the fact that you dress your table sets a scene and shows that you care about the time your guests will spend with you”

2. MIXED STYLES – “Whilst a starched white tablecloth and matched napkins are unquestionably terribly smart, a mismatched set of table linen suggests a friendly informality that is perfect for any garden table. Consider coloured glasses and don’t be afraid of mixing these up with antique pieces.”

3. FLOWER VS PLANTS- “A combination of potted plants randomly positioned on a table are charming and understated.  Consider plants that can afford you the additional luxury of scent – jasmine or a geranium that has a lemony smell when you squeeze the leaves.  Potted plants like lavender are a good summery addition. Plants that flower can be used to accessorise with your table linen or crockery.  Lemons as colour interest are sensible, they not only look good, they also suggest a freshness and of course handy for the gin and tonic.”

4. DAINTY TABLEWARE - “Tabletop accessories are so worth thinking about – napkin rings, coasters, decanters. Instead of ‘supermarket own’ cutlery think about buying antique sets of flatware – French 1920’s for example.”

5. IT’S SHOWTIME - “For your bar, go the extra mile with how you present things - bring out an ice bucket with tongs, have lemons at the ready with a chopping board and a selection of glasses (highballs, lowballs, champagne flutes and wine glasses”