Get your outdoors in shape for entertaining

We're only a week or so away from spring, and that means the warm weather is on its way. What better time to get outdoors and start preparing for entertaining in the warm months ahead.

 

Buying a whole new dining set for your garden can be rather expensive. Instead, next time you have guests over for an outdoor dinner or brunch, bring your casual indoor dining set outside. A full service of china looks elegant on a dining room table, but outside a more casual atmosphere inspires an uncontrived look. Easy to find at flea markets and auction sales, contrasting plates and bowls add a dose of fun, and take the pressure off keeping the set together.

Here in South Africa, we are blessed with a climate that is perfect for spending time outdoors in the garden, and whether you have a pokey little courtyard or a large garden, you want to make the most of the space that you have so that you can relax and take time out - outdoors!

Spring and summer are the seasons for get-togethers of all shapes and sizes, and there's no better place to entertain than your own garden. With longer days to take advantage of and the relaxed attitude that summer encourages, spending time outdoors is a must.

A children's mid-morning tea break becomes an engaging outdoor ritual before the sun gets too strong. The scene reflects a simple, nostalgic feel of 1930s halcyon days, when a summer picnic occupied the whole day. Set a picnic table, softened with an array of fluffy cushions made from vintage fabrics, with a posy of quintessential English garden flowers, a tea set and some sweet treats all in the same pretty pink tones to bring the look together.

An outdoor kitchen is a luxury that will reap benefits, not only as an investment, but also by increasing the living space of your home by extending the indoors outdoors. Outdoor kitchens can be built with a variety of features, like side burners, warming drawers, refrigerators, beer taps and beverage/cocktail centres designed for entertaining.

A gap between the house and garage provide the perfect spot for a shady pergola. The hardwood deck made of thick scaffolding planks and the meranti pergola is supported on thick gum poles.

We love the idea of enjoying the sky above, but outdoor living areas must be shielded from the elements for maximum service year-round. A pergola can provide shade but not rain protection; a permanent roof offers both. Full sun or shade is possible with a retractable awning.

designer jamie durie

This built pergola not only provides a shady retreat for dining and entertaining, the top of the structure features a roof garden, with casual seating to enjoy the view.

 

Since flooring defines a space, put down some kind of hardscaping, whether it's a deck or a stone floor or a concrete slab. Concrete flooring can be stamped to resemble flagstone or brick, or stained in myriad colors. Plus, it's less expensive than a stone floor. Try choose materials that coordinate with those use in the house.

This year instead of a boring patio table with paper plates and store-bought serviettes, get your craft on and start exploring secondhand shops, auction sales and the classifieds for inexpensive furniture and accessories that you can transform into stylish options for the garden.

Breezy eyelet drapes add whimsy to this casual outdoor setting. The whitewashed pergola and rattan furniture, with a lightly distressed dining table, all combine to set the tone for entertaining family and friends for an al fresco lunch.

Decorate a boring table with raffia and colourful ribbon, tie down the tablecloth at the corners to keep them from flapping. For a tablecloth you can use muslin or consider using other inexpensive fabrics or even fabric remnants. Similarly, tie fabric around your picnic benches or chairs or wrap foam squares to create seat cushions and tie them down with ribbon.

Decorate your outdoors spaces as you would your indoors. Durable fabrics serve as false drapes in this outdoor area, making the space seem more connected to the indoor rooms. Shade and comfort are probably the two most important elements when linking indoor and outdoor rooms.

Decor accessories can be used outdoors just as much as indoors to create an additional living area. The savvy hostess knows that successful and stylish entertaining is all in the details. So don't overlook your serving pieces when you're coordinating your tabletop decor.

A built-in fireplace will make the space usable during cooler days and evenings, or have a patio heater on hand for as and when required.

Instantly transform your backyard seating area into a cozy retreat with an attractive outdoor rug. Just as a rug in your living room defines your space indoors, an outdoor rug can easily do the same when placed under your patio furniture or centred in a comfortable seating area. Comfortable seating with luxurious fabrics and pillows blurs the lines between the indoors and outdoors.

Size doesn't count in this teeny tiny courtyard. The homeowners have transformed the small space into a comfortable place to relax at the end of the day and on weekend.

style at home - hgtv

 

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