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Styling your outdoor dining space with Cox & Cox…

Styling your outdoor dining space with Cox & Cox…

July 5th, 2024

Little Greene

With the arrival of summer, we long to move our living spaces outdoors so we can relax with family and friends, surrounded by the beauty of nature. From a sociable open-air kitchen to an intimate balcony breakfast space, there are many ways to create a dedicated outdoor dining setting that will transform the way you host this summer.

We caught up with Cox & Cox to provide inspiration for your garden refresh. Discover ideas to style your outdoor dining space, alongside expert practical tips for choosing garden furniture.

You can also enter our joint giveaway for the chance to win the ultimate summer exterior makeover, with £250 to spend at Cox & Cox and £250 to spend at Little Greene …

Creating the perfect outdoor dining setting to suit your lifestyle…

“Ideal for spontaneously moving family dinner outside on a warm weekday evening, or gathering around with a few friends on a weekend, outdoor dining areas can be designed to suit any space. Bench seating feels more sociable, whereas dining chairs will allow everyone to sit back and relax comfortably after a delicious meal. Choose bar furniture to keep the party going, straight through from cocktails to food and back again."

"Create an intimate atmosphere for your alfresco dining, whether it’s an early morning coffee or an evening meal, with a bistro set. Available in a variety of materials, these two-seater arrangements are an ideal solution for smaller gardens or balconies, or for positioning in a secluded corner of a larger garden.”

Top tips on how to style your outdoor dining area

“When designing an outdoor dining area, your priority will be a versatile outdoor dining set with a table that’s a good height for eating comfortably and enough seats to fit everyone around. Bench seating is super versatile around a rectangular table as it allows people to squish up when necessary.

A tablecloth will always make an outdoor meal feel more celebratory, and even though you may be surrounded by flowers in the garden, you can still choose a table centre – small posies in bud vases are charming. LED candles are a lovely fuss-free touch if you are eating in the evening and add more atmosphere to the scene with path lights and festoons for a real party atmosphere."

"If you don’t have the luxury of an outdoor kitchen, position your outdoor dining area within easy reach of the house for convenience. Even then, an additional side table is handy as a makeshift bar area to save repeated trips indoors. The shelter of a good parasol is also a must, especially as lunchtime usually falls when the sun is at its hottest.”

Cox & Cox’s favourite outdoor dining schemes

“We love an outdoor dining scheme that draws on holiday memories. Choose warm-toned rustic wooden pieces such as the Acacia Dining table with its statement base, which – when combined with our Tove Dining Chairs – offers the inviting warmth of a Tuscan Courtyard.

Another favourite look is inspired by enduring cottage garden scenes. Our Malmo table in combination with faux rattan dining chairs offers country cottage charm perfect for dining against a backdrop of freshly mown lawns and well-tended borders.

Along with natural wood tones and sympathetic wicker look pieces, most of our outdoor ranges feature warm neutral toned cushions to offer a good backdrop for vibrant planting and can be dressed from one season to the next with throws and cushions in more trend-driven shades.”

Explore inspiring outdoor colour schemes

Paint can provide a wonderful backdrop for your outdoor dining scheme, helping you to create a sense of atmosphere. To combine harmoniously with wooden furniture pieces, choose colours with a soft, earthy quality, as these will blend in beautifully with the surrounding nature.

Consider comforting warm hues like Lute, Nether Red or Scullery for a sophisticated setting that invites guests to gather round. Tuscan Red can instil an alluring Mediterranean feel alongside natural finishes, while Celestial Blue is a timeless choice for a classic country garden look. Gentle and soothing muted greens like Windmill Lane feel truly effortless in outdoor settings – a natural accompaniment to flowers and plantings.