As the warmer months draw closer, outside dining is once again something to look forward to. There is nothing quite as relaxing as enjoying a wholesome meal, whilst basking in the sunshine, appreciating a beautiful view or watching the sun go down.

Keep these five trends in mind, for effortless alfresco dining this season:

Comfortable seating

Optimal comfort should be top of mind when planning your outside dining space, with seating being the best place to start. For a less traditional take on a dining room chair, opt for the comfy African-inspired Malawian chair, which can work well both at a table or as part of a lounge. Similarly, the Gozo chair is perfect for relaxed lounge-style eating moments. For a typical dining room chair that is also durable and easy to clean, opt for the Sylvester dining chair (available in four fun colours) or the contemporary Stack-away chair.

Complement your seating choice with a selection of beautiful scatter cushions, for added comfort and colour. Early Spring evenings can still be quite chilly, so be sure to have a few cosy blankets close by.

Table Top

It all happens around the table. So, make sure your table is spacious, sturdy and in line with the overall style you want to create. We love the natural and laid back feel of the Corsica dining table, available as a 6, 8 or 10 seater.

Keep it natural

Blend in with your surroundings by using natural tones and textures. Opt for light shades of nude, white and stone for your table linens, incorporating wood and woven pieces where possible. For an added sense of luxury and comfort underfoot, invest in our popular organic hemp woven carpet.

Inside Outside

Make the inside-outside transition as simple as summer, by investing in a clever storage space for all your alfresco dining essentials on your veranda or under-cover outside area. Items such as candles, table cloths, cutlery, glassware, blankets, extra cushions, mosquito spray, sunscreen and board games can then be safely stored, whilst remaining easily accessible.

It serves as a sideboard or drinks table whilst hosting, and a beautiful display unit for fresh flowers during the day. We love the natural, yet mid-century modern look of the Verlo high board, as well as its ample storage space and attractive features. The Fossil sideboard, which is suited for slightly smaller spaces, is another favourite, with its warm patina and organic texture.

Colour this season

Summer is the season to have fun with colour and patterns. An easy way to do just that is to add unique and colourful serving dishes or glassware to your table. You’ll love our exquisite selection of moroccan-style snack bowls and mini platters, and bright blue tumblers.

The colours to look out for this season are soft blush pantones, saturated shades of teal and rich hues of blue.

At the end of the day, outside dining is about relaxed time with friends and family. Enjoy the best of what this season has to offer and make sure you keep things simple, light and full of fun.