Styling for Alfresco Dining

Take it outdoors

Alfresco entertaining is one of the simple joys of summer. Longer evenings and warmer weather signals easy entertaining outdoors. Alfresco is Italian for ‘in the fresh air’. Embrace the alfresco ethos and take your dining outside to the garden or the deck. Read on to discover our easy to follow steps and tips for creating a beautiful alfresco experience.

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Step 1: Set the Table

Elevate your alfresco dining table with a beautiful tablecloth, the perfect base to style to impress your guests. From durable cotton in classic blue and white stripes to timeless relaxed linen, pick a tablecloth that suits your outdoor space. Choose a tablecloth large enough to offer a generous drape which subtly suggests luxury.
Top tip: place a table runner down the centre of your table for a contrasting styling layer.

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Step 2: Tableware

With your tablecloth ready on the table, add a fabric napkin and a fabric or seagrass placemat for each place setting. Choose napkins in matching or contrasting fabrics or designs depending on your occasion. Mismatched, colourful napkins are fun for a relaxed BBQ or for a more formal evening, try matching napkins for an elegant feel. Put out plates, cutlery for every course and glassware including a water glass for each setting.
Top tip: style table napkins by tying in a knot and placing on the plate or use a napkin ring to keep tidy.

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Step 3: Finishing Touches

With the essentials in place, complete your alfresco table setting with beautiful accessories. We recommend using candles, vases of cut flowers, greenery or fresh herbs from your garden and seat pads to keep guests comfy. Have a basket of cosy throws or blankets to one side ready to offer people if your evening fun lingers long into the night. Consider a music play list appropriate to your alfresco occasion and set up or charge portable speakers before guests arrive.
Top tip: a citronella candle will help keep the pesky mozzies away.

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Step 4: Kitchen Essentials

To help prepare your alfresco dining menu, make sure you have all the kitchen essentials ready. Treat yourself to a beautiful and practical apron to wear for food prep, while you are BBQing and while making and serving cocktails. Choose stylish oven gloves perfect for handling and transporting hot dishes to your alfresco table. For cleaning up, pick tea towels designed for doing the dishes in style.
Top tip: try using our dish covers for storing leftovers – if there are any!

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