Garden and BBQ Accessories for the Perfect Alfresco Dining Experience
As the days are longer and the nights continue to get warmer, elevate your outdoor dining experience with the perfect garden and BBQ accessories. Whilst your kitchen and dining room is stocked and equipped with all the utensils you need all year round, when it comes to bringing the dining experience outdoors having the right tools and accessories can make all the difference. From stylish and functional patio furniture to durable cookware and utensils, dining alfresco requires several key garden and BBQ accessories to invest in to showcase your culinary skills and impress your guests.
The Timeless Appeal of Dining Alfresco
Alfresco dining has always been a popular way to entertain friends and make the most of outdoor spaces. As entertaining has become more of a relaxed occasion, and more and more households invest in garden and BBQ accessories, alfresco dining has become increasingly popular in recent decades.
As the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to take your cooking outside and enjoy a meal in the fresh air and sunlight. There’s something special about dining in the great outdoors, whether you’re enjoying a lazy Sunday brunch, a family BBQ, or a romantic dinner for two. It’s a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy good food and good company, with a cooling breeze and plenty of fresh air.
Garden Furniture
One of the most important aspects of alfresco dining is having the right garden furniture for a comfortable and stylish dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, robust wooden table and chairs, or a more contemporary, lightweight rattan set, there are plenty of options to choose from. When selecting your furniture, consider the size of your outdoor space and how many people you’ll be entertaining, as you don’t want to end up with a table that’s too big or too small for your needs. Similarly, make sure that the materials you pick are suitable for your needs, as a large wooden table will be able to hold large quantities of good food and all the utensils you need, whilst a wicker table may not suit your requirements.
In addition to a table and chairs, you may also want to consider investing in a sofa or a couple of armchairs. This will create a comfortable and inviting space where you and your guests can relax after a meal, and that encourages your guests to stay and enjoy the evening in the garden, rather than immediately returning indoors. Combine these sofas with a low, wicker coffee table or smaller garden table for an inviting set-up that encourages conversation and means that you and your guests can enjoy drinks and snacks before or after dinner. If you’re planning on entertaining into the evening, or adding the finishing touch to a beautiful, inviting garden set-up, then a fire pit is the perfect choice. Not only will it keep you warm on chilly nights, but it will also create a cosy atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the evening to its fullest.
Table Supplies and Accessories
When it comes to alfresco dining, a beautifully set table can make all the difference. Simply purchasing some outdoor furniture is not enough to create the relaxing, well-curated space that will make your alfresco dinner the success that you deserve.
Start with a tablecloth or table runner in a neutral colour, then add some colour and texture with placemats and napkins. Having a staple neutral colour that you can then add pops of colour to is the best way to create a subtle, yet inviting colour palette that best showcases your outside space. Once you have the basic settings for the table, add a set of designated outdoor cutlery and a durable set of crockery. This should include enough plates, bowls, and side dishes for each of the chairs at your table, but also serving bowls and dishes. One of the staples of outdoor dining is large batches of food that can be dished out as desired, such as salads, cold meats, and bowls of pasta, so make sure that you invest in a few large serving dishes and platters to fill your table. As you will need to bring supplies to the garden from the house, invest in some designated outdoor salt and pepper shakers and condiment holders that mean you won’t have to run back and forth between the garden and the house to bring out sauces as and when they’re needed. Choose a set that complements your crockery and cutlery, and don’t forget to add some glasses for drinks.
Look for items that are durable and easy to clean, as well as stylish, and if you are looking to maintain a neutral, cohesive aesthetic, then opt for utensils and supplies of the same colour. However, if you are looking to create a visually-stimulating, interesting tabletop, then choose as many bold, patterned dishes and accessories as you like, and don’t be scared to mix and match colours to create an environment that is truly your own.
Garden Accessories
Once you’ve arranged your staple pieces of furniture and set up your table supplies, it’s time to think about the finishing touches and accessories that will create the perfect ambiance and make all the difference.
One of the easiest ways to add some colour and texture is with cushions for your furniture. Choose cushions that complement your furniture and add a pop of colour to your outdoor space. Prioritise comfort and visual appeal in equal measure, as these cushions will be keeping your guests comfortable for hours on end and must offer good support. You may also want to invest in a few throws or blankets for when the temperature drops. Keep these in a basket next to the door or drape them over the backs or sides of your furniture to add an additional layer of comfort and warmth, as well as adding a sense of cosy, relaxed informality that is often not present at indoor dinner parties.
If you’re planning a picnic or an outdoor feast during the daytime, then a good quality picnic blanket is a must-have. Perhaps you will have more guests or plus-ones than expected, or you’re aiming for an even more informal, relaxed event, with some of your party gathered around the table, and others on a picnic blanket. Look for a blanket that’s large enough for your needs and made from durable, waterproof material to keep your guests dry and comfortable whilst sitting on the ground. A picnic blanket is also an excellent supply to have if many of your guests have children, as the adults can enjoy a more formal, structured dinner on the table, whilst the children are kept entertained with a separate, exciting picnic.
Styling Your Outdoor Space
Once you have all your accessories and supplies, it’s time to style your outdoor space. Lighting is key when it comes to creating a cosy atmosphere. Consider adding some string lights or lanterns to your outdoor space to add some much-needed ambiance, and the classic alfresco touch of strings of lights in bottles adds light to the table and functions as a cosy centrepiece during the evenings. You may also want to add some candles to your table or surrounding areas to create a warm and inviting glow.
During the day, bunting or flags can add a touch of whimsy, and create a relaxed, peaceful summer atmosphere. Be sure to bridge the gap between the garden and the dining area by adding some vases of flowers to the table or decorating the place mats with a few sprigs of home grown flowers. Finally, don’t forget to pack a few outdoor games to keep your guests entertained once dinner has ended but the summer evening is just getting started.
Top BBQ Accessories
No alfresco dining experience is complete without a BBQ. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or interested in hosting your first BBQ, there are a few essential BBQ accessories that you’ll need to make your alfresco cookout a success. First and foremost, you’ll need a good quality BBQ. If you are planning on having your BBQ be a staple feature in your garden, and hosting many evenings, then look for one that’s large enough for your needs and is durable enough to last for years.
Next, you’ll need some cookware and utensils. This includes everything from tongs and spatulas to skewers and grilling baskets. Look for items that are made from stainless steel, as they’re easy to clean and won’t rust, and can be left outside. You may also want to invest in a BBQ cover to protect your grill from the elements.
The Perfect Alfresco Dining Experience
Alfresco dining is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space and enjoy good food and good company. By investing in some key garden and BBQ accessories, you can create a comfortable and stylish outdoor space that’s perfect for entertaining.
Click here to view the ultimate guide to hosting the perfect BBQ from Roxtons, the online retailer, and make the most of the summer months with their top tips for alfresco dining.