Styling a Summer Garden Party with Maxine @ We Love Home

I have just finished renovating my garden ready for summer, and I can't wait to entertain my friends with an al fresco meal. Today, I want to share my style tips and tricks to you can decorate your outdoor space and dine in your garden in style.

With the weather being warm and sunny, it’s the perfect time for you to make the most of your garden or outdoor space. And what better way other than to throw a summer garden party and dine al fresco with family and friends?

In this post, Interior Stylist and award-winning lifestyle blogger, Maxine Brady from We Love Home blog shows you how to style a summer garden party and decorate your table for al fresco dining.

Your outdoor dining table will be the focal point of the celebrations so dress it to impress. Add colour with vibrant dinnerware and don't shy away from using plastic jugs and wine glasses. You can find some really nice examples on the high street which look much more expensive than they are and the best thing is they are shatterproof - which is handy if you have a paved area me - or are worried about broken glass.

If you want to go to town, then treat your al fresco table to beautiful serving ware. Ceramics with a hand thrown look will give a relaxed vibe to outdoor meal times. And wooden serving spoons not only look good but are great for guests to help themselves to salads. Finish off your table with a beautiful runner in a co-ordinating colour. Look for a cloth with a decorative finish like fringing or embroidery to upscale your outdoor dining table.

Do you love a fresh garnish? Here's an idea for you! Add a chic herb planter filled with mint, rosemary and parsley to the centre of your table. That way guests can pick their herb of choice to sprinkle onto their salad or BBQ meal. Mint is perfect for popping into ice cold water (or a well deserved glass of Pimms) too and brings a wonderful flavour to drinks. Your guests are sure to love the interactivity of this idea.

Although the weather maybe warm and sunny our gardens may not always be in full bloom. My tip? Treat your garden to outdoor plants that you can cluster in corners of your garden to add a pop of natural colour. Why not gather potted trees and a basket of plants to breathe life into your garden. Patio roses, flowering ceanothus plants and bay trees are all wonderful ways to enhance your outdoor space, no matter how big or small it is.

Make your al fresco

Make your al fresco dining table comfortable and relaxed with lots of squishy outdoor cushions to pad on your benches and chairs. Keep a cosy throw to hand that you can snuggle under when it get a bit chilly when the sun goes down. That way the party never has to go indoors, and you can enjoy your garden late into the evening whatever the temperature.

dining table comfortable and relaxed with lots of squishy outdoor cushions to pad on your benches and chairs. Keep a cosy throw to hand that you can snuggle under when it get a bit chilly when the sun goes down. That way the party never has to go indoors, and you can enjoy your garden late into the evening whatever the temperature.

Enjoy your garden late into the evening by lighting up your outdoor space with pretty decorative lighting.

Look out for solar powered fairy lights that you an entwine in the branches of your shrubs and bushes to bring sparkle to your garden at night time. String up festoon lights from your garden walls and fences. Make sure you invest in a set that is suitable for outdoor weather. They are perfect for dining late into the evening and give off an intimate glow.

Another top tip for dining al fresco is to place scented candles on your table. Not only do they create a beautiful ambience when lit, those scented with citronella will help keep pesky bugs away.

When our al fresco mealtime has finished and your dining table cleared of plates, it’s time to bring out a floral table centre piece – and a bottle of fizz to celebrate good times. If you’re invited to a summer garden party to enjoy an al fresco meal, don’t forget to bring your host a beautiful bouquet of thank you flowers. Your thoughtful gesture if sure to be appreciated and is guaranteed to keep you on the guest list for the next get together!