As we emerge from the winter months, we’re looking forward to celebrating springtime. We’re ready to welcome the lighter and brighter nights, warmer weather, Bank Holidays, and spending time outside surrounded by the blooms of Spring.
Spring is a time for celebration, renewal, and new beginnings. A great reason why we should start to think about refreshing our outdoor spaces, ready for long leisurely summer days playing, eating amazing food, and entertaining our family and friends (fingers crossed).
Having spent a lot more time at home last year encouraged us to reassess and look at how we use our homes and outdoor spaces. So, while 2020 was challenging for everyone, there was an upsurge in spending and investing in home improvements and renovations, as we all strived to create the perfect lockdown retreats to enjoy inspired moments together with our families.
Our gardens were at the top of this list for the most popular lockdown projects, and as lockdown is easing, the trend for creating an outdoor oasis doesn’t look to be slowing down as we plan to invest in our gardens in anticipation of 2021 party season.
Creating the perfect Alfresco dining experience
We all love to dine outside, and in more recent years, the principles of outdoor dining have been inspired by our indoor dining spaces. We thought we’d take a quick look at a few seasonal trends for alfresco dining in the hope of revitalising and creating the most magical outdoor areas for us to enjoy this Summer.
1.Clean away the gloom of winter
Whether you’re planning a complete redesign of your outdoor space or you want to spruce up and invest in some key party pieces for your garden, start with a good, old-fashioned tidy-up.
By spending time clearing and cleaning your garden, you’ll see an instant transformation, and it will open your eyes to the space you have, allowing you to visualise and design your space how you want.
2.Create a sheltered area
This is great for any outdoor dining area; it helps zone the area from the rest of your garden, gives you shelter from the elements (rain or shine), creates an ambience on an evening, and can simply transform your garden. Use a semi-permanent umbrella or gazebo to create shade as and when needed. Consider your requirements beforehand, as you’ll be spoilt for choice with varying styles, bases, sizes, materials, and features.
If you want a permanent feature, consider a contemporary aluminium patio cover to provide shelter all year round. There are some fantastic options out there with a fold-back roof system, drop-down panels. If you want to re-create a boho or natural Mediterranian feel, use a wood timber frame or rustic steels draped with climber plants to create a sense of nature.
3.Stylish dining
Gone are the days of white plastic furniture. Today we’re looking for a little more luxury, a dining area that is comfortable and stylish and offers an outdoor retreat for us to enjoy and linger. The outdoor dining furniture scene is huge, so if you want to create an elegant space, a Scandi sanctuary, or a fun family space, you really will be spoilt for choice.
4.Lighting
Make sure your alfresco dining and entertaining go on long after the sunset with atmospheric lighting. With outdoor lighting, you can create the most enchanting and magical glow. Add outdoor lights to illuminate planters, ponds, pots, and trees, string pontoon lights above and around your dining area, add a defined twist to your table with a cordless lamp. The list is endless.
5.Creating an inviting space
Take the indoors out and indulge in those little extras to add personality and comfort to your outdoor dining area. Whether you are aiming to create an area of sophistication or shabby chic, introduce linen, cushions, candles, lanterns, and flowers to your table. When the sun goes down and the temperature drops, consider adding cosy blankets on the back of your chairs or in a basket, perfect for snuggling into.
6.Bang on-trend…outdoor kitchens
Don’t miss any fun and frolics, and take outdoor entertaining to the next level with an outdoor kitchen. The outdoor kitchen is growing in popularity, making it easier and smarter to entertain outdoors. You’ll have everything to hand, no more running up and down to the kitchen, lugging plates, food, and drinks, just plenty more time to enjoy making memories with friends and family.
There are a few companies that now specialise in outdoor kitchens. Whether you want a bespoke kitchen or would like a modern, freestanding system, an outdoor kitchen can be incorporated into just about any outdoor space.
7.The final touch, that Je Ne Sais Quoi
You’ve set the scene and covered all bases for dining alfresco. The final and perfect addition (and this year’s ‘must have’) to any garden, balcony, terrace, patio, and outdoor kitchen, is the DeliVita oven.
Our handmade wood-fired oven is the perfect accompaniment to add atmosphere, fun, and fabulous food. Inspired by our Italian roots and made in Yorkshire, it’s versatile, super stylish, and is bound to be the centre of attention, especially if you choose our new Orange Blaze oven. What else could light up your garden (apart from the Summer Sun)?
So, gather round, sit back, light up the oven, and enjoy and share the good times.
If you need a little more inspiration, take a look at some of our partners. We’re really proud to work alongside them. We promise you will be inspired and will find everything you need to create your perfect Summer Alfresco dining experience … garden design, outdoor kitchens, furniture, gazebos, outdoor lighting, plants, and accessories.