Eat, Drink & BE MERRY
Spring is here, temperatures are climbing, and while it might not yet be peak season for outdoor dining, this selection of garden furniture to suit any space or style should inspire you to plan your space for socialising
It’s the time of year when thoughts turn to the tantalising prospect of eating outdoors. The weather may not be quite ready, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan and dream of supper outdoors on warm summer evenings, and long, lazy weekend lunches on the terrace.
Every garden, whatever its size, needs a dining table and chairs. For the smallest gardens, a bistro set comprising a table and two chairs is perfect. If there’s a little more room, a larger table with seating for four to six could be squeezed in. However many seats there are, ensure chairs are comfortable or come with cushions, and that tables are the right height. Be wary of tables with wide gaps between slats on the top, which can easily topple a drink.
If metal furniture is desired, select easy-care marine-grade stainless steel, wrought iron or galvanised or powder-coated aluminium that will not rust and can be left out all year round. Depending on design, metal can often be more affordable than wood, but it can also be chilly and hard to sit on, making some good cushions a must. Modern hydro-draining cushions and those covered by waterproof fabrics can be left outside, even during rain, but ensure you have somewhere to store conventional cushions to keep them safe and dry.
For a softer look and feel, furniture in a synthetic wicker weave can also be left outside. All-weather wicker is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing and is popular for its durability. Whether synthetic or real, wicker furniture is lightweight and easy to move – and it requires minimal maintenance.
Wooden furniture complements planting and buildings, and ages beautifully over time to blend in seamlessly. Wood also doesn’t retain the sun’s heat in the same way as plastic or metal. Most timber furniture is made from durable, water-resistant hardwood, commonly oak, teak or iroko. Look for a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate showing the timber is from a sustainably managed source. Some wooden furniture may need protecting with a coat of wood oil or a timber preservative, and while putting it into storage over winter isn’t ne
