Making Your Outdoor Space A Room: Part 4 - Dining & Parasols
The weather here in the UK can be such a tease. Last month, we had two full weeks of solid, Mediterranean style sunshine. We got out our shorts, watered our plants, turned off the central heating and a glass of wine on a sun lounger as the sun went down became a nightly habit. Ah, we said. Summer is here! We laughed in the face of Covid-19, the idea of staying home this summer bathed in sunshine seemed like an excellent idea. Who needs Spain when the sun is out? Not us. Then, of course, the weather changed. One day it was 27 degrees and we were slapping on the sun block; the next the temperature dropped to 12 degrees and we were pelted with hailstones in the socially distanced queue outside Waitrose.
However, as quickly as we piled the jumpers back on and upped the thermostat, the sun has returned and rather brilliantly it’s looking pretty perky for the next week or so. This is good news for everyone in these times of madness. The excitement of being able to meet in socially distanced groups of six within a garden environment was rather dampened (no pun intended) by the torrential rain last week and the prospect of being able to resurrect some kind of social life is making me - and the rest of the UK - extremely happy.
This week, we had a few friends over for a takeaway pizza and it was more exciting than a visit to a Michelin Star restaurant, despite the fact that we were wearing coats with hoods and the rain kept splashing in our wine. The whole occasion felt like one massive treat - I fried some halloumi and chorizo to start, the pizza tasted ten times as good as usual and we drank freezing cold pale rose. Quite a lot of it. Of all the things that I’ve missed over the last four months, having people over for dinner - chatting, gossiping, laughing, catching up - is close to the top of the list.
So with intentions of many outdoor dinner parties firmly in my mind this week, I’ve moved on to the final chapter, Part 4 in my Making Your Outdoor Space A Room series (yes, the most long winded series EVER). I’ve scoured the internet for the best in outdoor tables and chairs plus I’ve also, by popular demand, added in a selection of parasols to brighten up your gardens. I ‘might’ even have been forced into buying one myself. Who can resist a bit of fringing? Not me. Here are my favourites, ranging from brilliant bargains to blow the budget beautiful.
Dining Tables
I’m a big fan of mixing and matching and I've always veered away from buying full matching dining sets, mostly because I like to multi task my outdoor furniture so often bring the chairs in for use indoors in the winter. Here’s a selection of weather resistant outdoor tables that nearly all fit an easy six, plus some round options that would well in a small space.
Rolio Acacia Garden Table, Habitat - £350
Dining Chairs & Benches
A comfortable yet stylish outdoor dining chair is an essential and these ones all tick the box, plus can be left out in all weathers. Benches are also a good investment and are perfect for squeezing in extras. As long as they’re immediate family of course, ha.
Sun Shades
It’s fair to say that I fell down a massive parasol rabbit hole. These are mainly umbrellas fit for the sunshine but seeing as we’re likely to be using our outdoor spaces a lot this summer, I’d say they were worth a purchase. Everyone needs a bit of shade when they’re relaxing with a book and a cocktail.
So there are my top buys that herald the end of my Making Your Outdoor Space A Room series this year. I’ve really enjoyed finding beautiful items that fit all budgets - pop back to my previous blogs for Textiles & Layering, Lounging and Pots & Planters to help plan your space, whether it be a balcony, a patio or a garden. Now all we need is the weather to stick around so we can get out there, whack on the BBQ and enjoy some socially distanced time with our friends. Have fun!