Brigid Arnott
Dreamy thoughts of summer entertaining is in the outdoors with days and nights around a bountiful dining table, the twinkling of lights overhead in trees and the sounds of laughter and friendship ringing long into the night. Home Beautiful Editor-in-chief Wendy Moore gives us her 6 secrets to getting it right outdoors.
1. Set the scene
Creating a theme for your outdoor space helps you define your look and your colour palette. Here, the rustic Australian setting inspired the blush-tones of Australian natives, bringing them in as a table setting as well as motifs for the decorator items (below). A lower table can carry a higher centrepiece and draws attention to the setting without interrupting conversation.
Tip: look for flowers that match the tones of your accessories for a calming effect.
2. Create the welcome
An outdoor dining area should inspire long, lazy meals. setting a table under the dappled light of a tree is instantly inviting – and comfortable for hours. A tree also allows lighting to be woven into the branches – meaning these meals can go long into the night.
Tip: keep the centerpiece on a dining table nice and low so it doesn’t interrupt conversation.
3. Make it last
Long lunches on a beautiful deck are all about comfort. Upholstered chairs invite guests to stay for hours, and a simple wrap keeps the evening chill out.
Covered areas make your outdoor space a room for year-round enjoyment – especially when you introduce heating into the zone.
Tip: a decorative screen provides privacy without shutting out the natural light entirely.
4. Bring the indoors out
For a true outdoor area, treat your furniture and decoration choices as you would for the interiors. Covered spaces allow for lots of comfy cushions, statement lights.
Tip: a touch of luxury such as an upholstered armchair make for instant comfort.
All the comforts of the interior can be transferred to a luxury outdoor room. curtains add a softness as well as a practical shade option, and rugs delineate the lounge area perfectly. A mix of materials creates interest, but choose a theme to bring them all together.
“Not only will a fan circulate air – it’s a great way to keep the summer bugs at bay.”
Wendy Moore, HB Editor-in-chief
5. Balance your look
Create atmosphere with furniture choices that set a theme. However, decorative furniture calls for simple accessories to avoid an overly busy result. Create balance with your furniture choices.
Tip: a curved coffee table softens a modern entire setting.
“A consistent texture creates a sense of calm.”
6. Keep it simple
Keep your table simple: a cohesive colour scheme matched with a minimal centrepiece keeps the focus on the food and family. Permanent table decorations are a great low-maintenance option for an outdoor table.
You might also like:
4 ways to get a stunning outdoor room
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