4 Fun ways to handle outdoor entertaining this summer

Summer is here and there is no better time to embrace outdoor entertaining than a late afternoon sunset

1. Time to blanquette

The updated version of a picnic, blanquetting is to the humble garden spread of what glamping is to camping. This summer trend is ideal for lazy afternoons spent outdoors - eating, relaxing and conversing with loved ones. Simple outdoor rugs and blankets do the job, along with low-slung chairs and cushions for comfort. Pretty picnic baskets (stocked with charcuterie and wine) and great company are all you need to make this trend work for you.

Outdoor rugs serve as the perfect picnic blanket in a pinch, with low chairs, like this ‘Mila foldable chair from Coricraft, Image supplied

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2. Happy hour

Eschew over-priced cocktails and madding crowds with your own outdoor bar setup. Stock up on locally handcrafted accessories and comfortable outdoor bar stools for a space that is sure to be a family favourite. Whether creating a more luxe finish or a casual tiki bar, the convenience of having a setup in your back garden cannot be overstated.

This outdoor ‘pretty in pink’ bar setup by Happinest Custom and Happinest Hire makes for the perfect summer hangout, Image supplied

3. Paint with pastels

While summer is a great time to embrace seasonal brightness and rainbow colours, this might be the best opportunity to invest in a pastel palette for the holidays. These shades offer the same pops of colour but in a more subdued approach to outdoor furniture and dining. Providing an airy and comfortable space, they lend themselves to the calmer side of the colour palette while still maintaining the freshness of a mint green or softer rose-quartz pink.

Softer shades such as mint green and coral are available in the ‘Cha Cha’ collection by Haldane, Image supplied

4. Neutral and natural

As out shift to indoor-outdoor living continues to integrate seamlessly, natural material furniture and home decor fit well with the outdoor dining experience. From linen tablecloths to wicker chairs and stone tabletops, the neutral colour palette, with its natural materials, remains a focus for homeowners as it organically blends into its surroundings.