Now that daylight has increased and the sun has begun to show its rays, it’s time to embrace the outdoors and enjoy all that the warm weather has to offer. Nothing quite tops a glass of bubbles whilst wrapped up underneath a textured throw around a firepit on a summer’s evening, but what if your garden isn’t quite summer-ready?
Transforming your backyard space into a stylish and highly functional dining area is not as daunting as you may think. With a few furniture and décor additions and a couple of layout tweaks, you can create a welcoming snug outdoor dining area perfect for hosting your loved ones all summer long.
Image: Habitat Malta 6 Seater Steel Corner Dining Set - Natural, from Argos
So, if you have been dreaming of a beautiful space for al-fresco dining and weekend BBQs, then you have come to the right place. Here are 6 stylish garden dining ideas to help you take your dining room to the decking.
1. Take Indoor Dining Outdoors
One of the easiest ways to make your outdoor dining space feel stylish is to mirror the layout and principles of an indoor dining room.
When it comes to shopping for an outdoor dining set, ask yourself the fundamental questions - How many people do I need to seat? What is the maintenance like? Will this easily fit in my space? Does this match my style? Will I be comfortable sitting on/around this for hours?
Dining sets that also double as storage are always handy. Stackable chairs and bar stools are convenient to store away when they’re not in use. Also, with a foldable dining table, you can effortlessly manoeuvre it around your garden whenever/wherever you need it.
Anddd relax! Entertain outdoors with this comfy number. We love its textured cord finish and smoked glass table top. A socialiser's dream, it includes a 3-seater and 2-seater sofa, configured into a corner unit, as well as 2 smart stools. Transform your garden into an elegant sanctuary with Malta....
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- Neutral
- Metal
- 6 Seater
Get your garden summer ready with this Luxembourg chair from Fermob. The perfect pairing to the Luxembourg garden table, this chair combines the lightness and resistance of aluminium and the comfort of curved seat slats with the practicality of a stackable frame. You'll be spoilt for choice when it...
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- Yellow
- Metal
- Single Colour
- H 88 x W 49 x D 57 (cm)
Now: £156.00
Was: £231.00
from Amara
The Chilson Table, Bench and Stool Dining set from Garden Trading is bang on trend with its industrial finish, a great choice for anyone looking to add a touch of style to a kitchen or dining room, or outdoor dining furniture which oozes contemporary design. With tops made from cement fibre, giving...
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- Grey
- Wood
- 4
- H 75 x W 240 x D 100 (cm)
Now: £1,916.00
Was: £2,395.00
from Cuckooland
Do your customers want to eat breakfast on their bedroom balcony? Charm them with the KAFE PRO Black Woven Resin Professional Garden Chair H88. With its modern, elegant look, it will dress up either a coffee shop terrace or restaurant patio. Due to its lightweight aluminium structure and...
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- Black
- Bamboo, Plastic
- Dining, Stackable
- H 88 x W 47 x D 60 (cm)
£108.50
from Maisons du Monde
2. Dine With A View
We don’t all have the luxury of an ocean view from our backyards, but your outdoor surroundings are what you make them. Set up an eye-level focal point in order to dine with a view.
Does your garden feel boxed in with fences? Then why not install a floral trellis to brighten up that drab fence? Additionally, add a calm tone to your dining experience with a water feature - they’re perfect for adding subtle background noise and also a visual accent.
You could even opt for a fire pit to add a burst of character and a spot to gather around in the evenings. Check out our sizzling range of
firepits and chimineas to heat your garden.
3. Roll Out The Rugs
You can’t create the ‘indoor-outdoor’ feel of a dining room without a rug, right? Adding soft furnishings to your outdoor space such as seat pads, cushions and rugs initiates a laid-back atmosphere and ensures that you and your guests feel as comfortable as possible whilst dining outside.
Select a rug that is specifically designed for outdoor use, ideally, one that is crafted from materials like plastic, polypropylene, or olefin as these are weather-resistant and easy to wipe clean any spillages.
This blue geometric rug from Asiatic can be used indoors or outdoors. It features a weather resistant loop pile construction with a silky soft finish and can provide a wonderful contrast to neutral single colour furniture. Woven rug. Wipe clean or lightly vacuum. Weight 4.78kg. Blue Modern...
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- Blue
- Geometric
- Rectangular
- H 160 x W 230 (cm)
Ideal for either indoor or outdoor use, this ANYDAY John Lewis & Partners Medallion Rug in Ivory is great for a subtle boho look. The rug has a flat finish and is hand woven, made from 100% polyester. Product code: 64614224.
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- Neutral
- Polyester
- Medallion
- H 120 x W 180 (cm)
Perfect for either indoor or outdoor use, this monochrome chevron rug from Homemaker is 100% polypropylene and measures 120cm x 170cm. A larger size is also available. Surface shampoo only. Suitable for use in the garden. Bold, geometric design woven rug. 2.94kg. EAN: 5053095195378.
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- Black & White
- Polypropylene
- Geometric
- H 120 x W 170 (cm)
Add some colour to your indoor or outdoor space with the John Lewis & Partners Salsa Rug, 170 x 240cm. Perfect for conservatories, decking, or hallways this rug features a multicoloured striped design and is made from 100% PET polyester. Weight: 6.12kg. Product code: 64611202.
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- Multi-Coloured
- Polyester
- Striped
- H 170 x W 240 (cm)
If there is one thing you can rely on whilst experiencing a summer in the UK, it’s the changeable weather. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the season!
With the assistance of pergolas, parasols, sun shades and garden pods, you can keep your guests (and also your meals) protected from any sudden sun showers. Choosing an outdoor dining table and chairs set with a parasol included is a fantastic way to cover all your bases.
Or, if you want to take your garden styling up a notch you could even invest in a garden pod. From styles such as transparent domes, sphere summer houses and bubble tents, you can create a magical mealtime right from the comfort of your own home.
Be the envy of all your friends with this multi-purpose dome for the garden! Use it either as a stylish conservatory, somewhere for the kids to play, greenhouse, or even a jacuzzi/hot tub cover - it’s entirely up to you. The Garden Igloo 360 Dome is portable, weatherproof and rust-resistant -...
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- H 220 x W 360 x D 360 (cm)
Unavailable
from Cuckooland
A new concept to the garden seating and resting environment, the rotating sphere lounger can be used for dining, relaxing, study and even a camping area, with the added advantage of rotation, to position the entrance into the sun or shade or out of a chilly wind! The earthy, waterproof interior...
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- H 2.4 x W 2004 x D 1003 (cm)
£10,599.00
from John Lewis
The main body of Alvantor Bubble Tent is made of sturdy super transparent PVC that allows 360° clear view. The double side silicone zippers are extra smooth and durable, allow quick access from the inside and outside. EASY SET & DOWN - Pop up in a second, no tools needed. Detachable support...
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- Clear, Beige
- Fabric, Metal
- H 244 x W 366 x D 366 (cm)
With the Astreea Igloo 360 Dome with PVC Weatherproof Cover, you can easily create additional outdoor space you can enjoy all year round. The ingenious design will allow you uninterrupted 360 views of your garden without having to worry about that winter chill. Crafted from aerospace-grade...
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- Clear
- Metal
- H 230 x W 303 x D 303 (cm)
£1,426.00
from Cuckooland
5. Create An Ambience
You have the furniture, you have the guests, you have your food and drink options, but the key ingredient you’re missing is the ambience! After all, summer isn’t really summer if there isn’t a summer vibe, is it?
Create a cheerful outdoor set-up with the help of colour. If your garden falls short when it comes to greenery, then using bright flowers as a centrepiece on your dining table or displaying a series of plants within wicker planters around the area is an effortlessly impressive way of adding a fresh feel.
To get the summer vibes flowing, why not charge up a portable Bluetooth speaker so you and your guests can enjoy a spot of music whilst you eat (remember to keep the volume soft enough for everyone to talk over!).
6. Gain A Glorious Garden Glow
Sunlight may be shining for more hours of the day, but what about when the evenings draw near, and the starry night appears? Don’t dine in the dark, give your garden dining area a warm glow with the help of outdoor lighting.
Accessories such as solar lights, string lights, lanterns and candles are just what you need to add style and functionality to your dining table. Not only do these types of lighting add a warm radiance to your outdoor space, but they are also inexpensive and easy to set up.
TIP: When opting for candles, always consider citronella ones first. Not only do they provide a comforting glimmer to your dining table, but citronella is said to be a natural insect and bug repellent (nobody wants a creepy-crawly joining them for dinner!)
Give your garden a wonderful ambiance with the LED Festoon Outside Lights from Garden Trading, available in 2 sizes offering either 10 or 20 bulbs. These outdoor lights are easy to hang, having a circular hole above each bulb fitting, which can be clipped onto hooks, branches or fence screws; use...
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- White
- W 750 (cm)
Why keep the romance of candle light indoors? For seriously chic ambience, line up or dot these statement lanterns by Culinary Concepts in your loveliest outdoor spaces. Available in multiple sizes, the modern design of this lantern looks fabulous in any living space. Brand: Culinary Concepts....
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- Silver
- Metal
- Glass
- H 51 x W 17 x D 17 (cm)
This battery powered Gabe pendant lamp is a very unique vintage "glass jar" lighting piece. Fantastic for hanging in the garden, the shed and in many different areas inside the house. These lamps have one special attribute - they don't appear to require a light (electrical) source, and that is...
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- Glass
- Industrial, Vintage
- H 32 x W 22 x D 22 (cm)
Set the mood to retro with our small bamboo lantern. Pop a candle into the glass holder and strike a match for an instant cosy glow. See how the cylindrical bound rattan frame throws dancing shadows onto surrounding surfaces. Coming in from the garden or moving from kitchen to lounge? Just pick...
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- Natural
- Bamboo, Glass
By Keleisha Simpson – Interiors Writer, BA (Hons) Interior Design