Interiors By Katherine Sorrell
Outdoor Dining 1
With comfortable, practical furnishings – and a dose of good weather – there is nothing nicer than eating al fresco What could be more enjoyable than a quiet breakfast, casual family lunch or sundowner barbecue in the garden, on the patio or even on the balcony? These days we are treating our outside spaces more and more as an extra room, ‘furnished’ not only with dining chairs and a table but, increasingly, with comfy sofas and armchairs, coffee and side tables, lighting, exterior-quality rugs, raised bars and even pizza ovens or complete outdoor kitchens. Placing your dining furniture When it’s just a case of a quick cup of tea and a slice of toast, a small perching spot is all that’s required; perhaps a chair, bench, stool or arbour in a quiet corner with a pretty view. But for spending any time dining comfortably outside, a little more planning is necessary. Pick a place that’s not too far from the kitchen door so that you can get food and drink in and out without too much fuss. But think about what the furniture will look like when viewed from the house – will it block your view of
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a favourite shrub, or enhance the overall setting? And there are some specific practicalities. Is there enough space for the required table size (including space to walk around it and pull the chairs out)? Is the ground level and dry? Is the area clear of overhanging branches? Will it be too sunny, or always in the shade? What to choose? The next big question is what type to buy. Consider what works best for your style of property, the overall look of your garden and your lifestyle. It could be: a bar set that takes up little space, ideal for drinks and nibbles; a large, formal table with six or even eight chairs for a classic dining experience; a casual dining set with a cushioned sofa and lower chairs; or a small bistro set for two. Options include dual-height tables that enable you to go from dining to lounging, or a gas-powered fire-pit table that provides warm, flickering flames for entertaining into the evenings. Advances in design, technology and materials
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