7 wow-factor outdoor entertaining areas
Inspiring country-style garden spaces for every home
The sun is shining, the flowers have bloomed, the smell of barbecues is wafting through the air...it's almost summer! And it's time to invite guests over for a spot of outdoor entertainment, so check out these gorgeous gardens and dining sets for some inspiration...
1 Gather round
This sleek, curved garden set by Next is perfect for a social gathering. Circular tables are a fantastic way of ensuring an intimate atmosphere and an equal seating arrangement, and the large parasol provides shade for all of your guests in the mid afternoon heat. We'd love to get involved!
2 Loud and proud
IKEA are renowned for their fun, funky accessories, and this quirky picnic scene is perfectly suited to their signature style. Bold colours and clashing patterns alongside casual seating plans on floor cushions...we'd love an invite to this party.
3 Rustic retreat
This beautiful seating area is our idea of heaven! A covered space such as this is ideal for family barbecues, or perhaps an evening with friends putting the world to rights over nibbles and wine...rustic walls and garden furniture with a modern twist, John Lewis have ticked all of the boxes.
4 Water feature
There's nothing quite like being beside a swimming pool in the warmer months... this furniture set from Garden Trading fits in perfectly with the country-chic surroundings, and the wine cooler built into the table is a great talking point for your guests to enjoy.
5 Picture perfect
This inviting garden scene is so picturesque we can almost hear the bees buzzing and feel the sun on our faces...the pretty pink accessories by Susie Watson add a lovely summery touch, and hanging bunting in the trees is the ultimate accompaniment to an English country garden!
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6 Bold & Bright
This lovely outdoor scene is brought to life using Hot Mustard by Sandtex paints to add a touch of sunshine to the furniture! Accessorising your entertaining area using splashes of co-ordinating colour is a fantastic way of opening up a space as well as creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
7 Botanical haven
Sainsburys have created a stunning selection of outdoor entertaining accessories, and the botanical theme is bang on trend. The leafy prints add texture, and the different shades of green work wonderfully well against the rustic wooden furniture and metallic accessories. A perfect combination!
Like this? For more ideas and inspiration visit the Country Homes & Interiors homepage.
Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.
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