Latest Interiors: Al Fresco
Latest Interiors goes outdoors
Eating outdoors is the new dining out. Sultry August evenings are the perfect time to pack up a picnic or set up the barbeque. Whether you’re heading outdoors to a balcony, yard or garden, or simply making the most of our marvellous municipal spaces, pack up some dips, some strawberries, and a bottle of something cold, and come outside with Latest Interiors.
Outdoors ‘brights’ accessories, from £5, www.johnlewis.com
Space
Plan your outside space carefully – small spaces need careful design. Try different floor finishes – decking, tiling or even gravel work well in contrast to lawn or concrete – or different levels, to mark out your area.
Plants and structures can be used to make an open space seem cosy and private. If your patio or garden has an obvious feature – a lovely old tree, or a natural bamboo screen, make the most of it.
‘Hampton’ lanterns, from £14.99, www.johnlewis.com
Light is an essential part of entertaining outdoors, and to get it right you need the perfect combination of task and ambient sources. You need low-level, warm and welcoming– use strategically placed fairy and wall lights (colour works well) to create the right ambience. We also love lanterns – John Lewis’ Hampton range are sleek, pretty and robust enough to last for more than a season (from £14.95).
Shade is another factor to consider. Trees and plants may provide some natural cover for daytime entertaining, but a parasol can be very handy when the sun comes out. If you have the space, garden canopies are perfect and they also provide shelter from the glorious British summer rains.
Comfort
Don’t underestimate the importance of your table and chairs. They should be big enough for purpose (space allowing), solid, and above all comfortable. This year, Latest Interiors loves Habitat’s chic resin tables and benches – very understated. Be liberal with cushions and throws to entice your guests outside, and consider additional heat sources. Avoid patio heaters if you can (unless you want a yeti-sized carbon footprint) – opt instead for an outdoors fireplace, firepit or woodburning stove.
Kit
If you’re picnicking, invest in a proper picnic hamper and set, including a good quality blanket (with waterproof backing), cooler bag, and a couple of folding stools or chairs (try camping chairs – you’ll thank us, you really will). For garden entertaining, you can’t really beat a traditional kettle-style charcoal bbq. Well, we say that – we’ve tried the gas-fired variety, and it feels, well, too easy. No faffing around with lighter fuel, no Russian roulette with the old salmonella…perhaps we should ease up on the British stoicism this year. A wine cooler will save trips back in to the fridge, and incense (we love nag champa) or a citronella candle should keep those pesky mosquitoes away. Just add some good company!
