How To Style A Summer Outdoor Setting

It is safe to say an Australian summer is perfect for taking lunches and dinners outdoors, after all isn't this what summer is all about, only right on your doorstep.

If you have a beach, bay or swimming pool view then catching sight of glistening water on a blue-sky day as you sip on your choice of beverage and food, is without a doubt one of the best feelings.

I enjoy creating situations that make life feel effortless, even if it is just for one afternoon or evening, and we all deserve to recharge and take timeout with our family and friends. My aim is to bring in lifestyle designs that are relatable to anyone with an outdoor space, so you do not need to have a swimming pool, or an expansive water view to appreciate this, all you need is to let it unfold and allow yourself to be open to new concepts.

If you delight in entertaining and looking to refresh an outdoor space, avoid becoming predictable and re-imagine it instead by mixing it up every now and then. Maybe you are considering a new outdoor table setting and chairs, or something as small as a new table cloth or runner. Every so often, by just adding simple homewares like new coasters or table linen can make all the difference.

For a creative and visual effect for your outdoor luncheon or dinner party, begin with the largest item for your table and work from there. Grab a vase and display some handpicked branches or blooms from your surrounding garden, or source from your local florist or markets.

Drink ware is important too, so why not embrace the idea of rich coloured glassware (lead free please) by choosing a hue that will complement your alfresco area. Bring your own touch and individuality and don’t be afraid to be different. It’s a brave new world out there, with plenty of colour options for tableware (inexpensive and expensive) it doesn’t matter, so don’t limit yourself.  A tablecloth that has a blank canvas is great, but keep it for your formal occasions. I prefer a stripe or floral base to avoid getting ‘lost in transit’ and engages the eye to focus on the area where you will be gathering.

If eclectic is your style, create a tropical or vintage vibe for a moody yet fun space. Oh, and don’t let the sun go down without candles, a must have for every space of your home.

For those who are obsessed with 'Hamptons' nothing screams fresh bright lines more than blue and white. However, in Australia the colour palette for this design can range differently to the Hamptons in the US, so you need to fit in with the location and opt for muted greens and blues, which may be more suitable. Hamptons style homes are still found in rural areas in Australia, but are not necessarily always perched above the coast or ocean, and are more along the lines of 'coastal country'.

When sourcing white and blue you will be spoilt for choice. I admit I have a soft spot for blue, even so, I like to explore different concepts by mixing this versatile colour, especially when it comes to homewares or Art. Incorporating blue with bright white glassware in a nautical design and some fresh green foliage for your table, will definitely capture all the elements of a Hamptons or coastal vibe, and is the perfect antidote for any event, as it encourages light and laughter! Introducing new colour and interest when entertaining will add value and transform a layout, resulting in guests never wanting to leave (not always a good thing, but you get the picture).

We are sitting nowadays with a spectrum of homeware designs to suit all tastes and budgets, largely an array of different prints and colours, textures and manufacturing options.

So next time if you are feeling a little bored with your tableware, furniture or decorative items, take your alfresco area to new heights and watch how it will make it feel like summer is never going to end. It will define your space, guarantee to inspire more entertaining with the special people in your life, and you get to keep polishing up your culinary talents too! Which most consider a labour of love.

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Article written by Marina Mura exclusively for MoodBlogs

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Image credit:

Fenton & Fenton

Lighting Collective

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