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Outdoor Dressing

Summer Entertaining

According to Nadine Finnegan of Cotswolds-based Decurate, outdoor dining spaces should be treated as true extensions of the home – deserving the same level of consideration and creativity. Whatever the size, a thoughtful layout and a mix of fabrics can elevate the setting for summer entertaining. A patterned tablecloth will always anchor an outdoor table, creating a cohesive look that feels both curated and effortless.

Curated by Decurate Interiors

Published 6 months ago

A round, woven jute placemat with a natural tan color, displayed on a plain white background.

Domestic Science

Jute Placemat Round

£7
A folded white cloth with blue paint splatters, tied with a brown twine and a kraft paper tag labeled Tuzizili, on a plain light background.

Domestic Science

Tablecloth / Navy Splatter

£75
A round white plate with a scalloped edge, featuring a yellow and green trim around the rim, set against a plain white background.

Rebecca Udall

Set of 4 Zita Scalloped Dinner Plates, Citrus Yellow

£130
A round, white ceramic plate with a red edge and a decorative red swirl pattern along the border. The center of the plate is plain.

Rebecca Udall

Celia Dessert Plate, Raspberry

£24

Relaxed Table Settings

Mixing rather than matching ceramics brings a more modern rhythm to outdoor dining. Rebecca Udall’s handcrafted pieces offer a layered, joyful sensibility. Her Zita Scalloped Dinner plates in citrus yellow are hand-painted in Italy, while the raspberry-hued Celia Dessert plates, inspired by vintage French designs, are decorated by Portuguese artisans. Together, they bring charm and vibrancy, equally suited to weeknight suppers or leisurely summer lunches.

A translucent yellow glass goblet with a short stem and a wide, rounded bowl, placed against a plain light gray background.

Domestic Science

Bistro Wine Glass

£12
Clear glass carafe with a matching glass cup placed upside down on top. Both pieces are decorated with hand-painted green leaves and lavender sprigs, creating a nature-inspired design. The background is white.

Petra Palumbo

Sky Blue Lavender Carafe And Tumbler

£88
Rectangular wooden dining table with extended leaves, featuring a slatted top and sturdy legs with a horizontal support bar, displayed against a plain white background.

Luxus Home & Garden

Teak Garden Furniture – Rectangle Extending Table

£1,328
A white outdoor patio umbrella with a scalloped edge trimmed in green, supported by a light wooden pole and topped with a decorative finial, shown against a plain white background.

East London Parasol Company

Green Holly Octagonal Parasol

£765
Three green and white patterned seat cushions with ties are stacked on top of each other against a plain white background.

Mrs Alice

Olive Ikat Seat Pad Cushions (Set of 4)

£160
Two wooden chairs are set against a rustic stone wall; one chair is upright with two peaches resting on a napkin on its seat, and the other is folded and leaning against the wall. The ground is covered with small pebbles.

Rowen & Wren

Emerson Garden Dining Chair

£148

Characterful Pieces

Versatile items bridge the gap between everyday living and entertaining, both indoors and out. Matilda Goad’s Tartan Squiggle Jug adds a playful, elegant touch – perfect for serving Pimm’s or displaying fresh flowers. Nadine also suggests layering in furniture usually found inside the home, like these English Oak Ladderback Side Chairs from 1st Dibs, which offer classic silhouette and texture, and would add character and comfort to an outdoor setting.

A small ceramic pot featuring a colorful, abstract floral pattern with vibrant reds, blues, yellows, and oranges on a white background.

Rebecca Udall

Millefiori Murano Glass Tumbler

£48
Square throw pillow with a blue and white plaid pattern and ruffled edges, set against a plain, light background.

Cathy Nordström

Gingham Blue Ruffled Cushion Cover

£155
A wooden ladder-back chair with a woven rush seat, dark brown finish, and turned legs, shown against a plain white background.

1st Dibs

English Oak Ladderback Side Chairs

£2,209
Square pillow with a floral pattern in shades of orange and green on a white background, featuring green scalloped edges.

Birdie Fortescue

The Nasturtium Cushion

£80
Two glossy red candlestick holders, each made of three stacked, spherical segments on a round base, are placed on a plain white background.

Oka

Bobina Bobble Candle Holders – Chinese Red

£80
A ceramic pitcher with a large handle, decorated with a yellow and blue plaid pattern. The background is plain white.

Semaine

Tartan Squiggle Jug

£75