How to Choose the Best Outdoor Dining Set For Your Garden

As the dark skies drift away and the bitter winter cold begins to subside, the palette of a vibrant spring appears on the horizon, making it the ideal time to embrace the outdoors and enhance your space with the perfect outdoor dining set. Dreaming of basking in the sun with the newspapers and a freshly brewed coffee? Brighter days are perfect for merging the boundaries between inside and out, creating an outside dining area that echoes your personal interior style. Read on to discover our best outdoor dining ideas to enrich your external sanctuary.

Setting the Scene Outdoors? Here’s What to Consider

Tailor an Alfresco Dining Set to Suit Your Space

Imagine your external haven drenched in sunlight, with the perfect outside dining set gracefully positioned, inviting loved ones to gather in complete comfort. How do you ensure every corner of your available space embraces warmth and togetherness? The answer lies in choosing a dining set that not only fits, but also creates an oasis, where memories flourish as you spend quality time. Our ranges cater to every garden, from sprawling country estates with rambling terraces to cosy courtyards and balconies, where space is at a premium.

Infuse your patio, courtyard, or balcony with the allure of the Riviera using our Carrick Table; a resilient piece that harmonises aesthetics with practicality. Fashioned from raw teak, this round top table effortlessly transforms your outdoor space into a versatile haven. Golden mornings in your garden will be perfectly complemented by this design, which pairs seamlessly with our Carrick Chairs or any folding chair of your choice. The Carrick’s compact design allows for easy storage and mobility, folding completely flat for effortless relocation within your living space. A real dining delight, it invites you to savour leisurely brunches, intimate conversations, or much-needed moments of solitude.

For those who have ample space to entertain, our Chilford Solid Wood Dining Table stands as the quintessential centrepiece, perfectly suited to hosting larger gatherings and grand occasions. Its generous dimensions and sturdy construction exude a sense of timeless elegance, commanding attention and making way for lazy lunches soaking up the sunshine.

Why not add a splash of colour to your garden effortlessly with our French-inspired Rive Droite Bistro Set? Crafted using powder coated steel with fully foldable and lightweight pieces, this collection is tailored to elevate the style and comfort of your joyful gatherings. Available in vibrant cove blue and various other hues, these sets bring a hint of Provencal charm to any living space.

Say Cheers! To Aesthetic Harmony…

Drawn to the timeless allure of classical designs, or the avant-garde elegance of contemporary style? Your external retreat should reflect your interior taste, featuring an outdoor dining set that’s inviting and mirrors the essence of your personal style.

• Contemporary: Contemporary dining sets should marry modern aesthetics with functional design, providing sleek and minimalist options perfect for today’s outdoor spaces. Clean lines, innovative materials, and understated finishes define our contemporary collections, offering a sophisticated touch to any patio or deck. Whether it’s a chic dining table paired with minimalist chairs, or a sleek bar set, like the St Mawes Drinks/Planter Bar Table, every design has a stylish allure that’s ideal for entertaining.

• Traditional: Embrace the timeless charm of a traditional dining set which exudes warmth and nostalgia, ideal for creating inviting outdoor spaces. Rich woods, intricate detailing, and classic silhouettes characterise our traditional collections, evoking the ambience of a cosy garden or rustic courtyard. From elegantly carved dining tables to vintage-inspired seating options, quality traditional sets bring a touch of heritage and sophistication to your outdoor entertaining, ensuring memorable gatherings for years to come.

• Mediterranean: Transporting you - and your guests - to sun-drenched shores, the soft hues, natural textures and organic shapes of our Mediterranean-inspired collections infuse your alfresco dining area with a sense of serenity and tranquillity. Whether it’s a rustic wooden table paired with woven chairs, or a cosy bistro set for intimate gatherings, our Mediterranean furniture designs invite you to savour the joys of outdoor dining, elongating lunches into sundown drinks, all hosted against the beautiful British landscape.

Say Hello to Quality Materials

Within our curated range lies a treasure trove of premium materials, each carefully selected to enhance your outdoor dining experience to new heights of luxury and style. Picture the timeless allure of acacia wood, its natural beauty enhanced by a delicate oak wash, with rustic charm and enduring elegance. Envision the majestic presence of teak, standing proudly amidst the elements, and Polystone, seamlessly blending durability with versatility, casting a spell of contemporary sophistication over your outdoor sanctuary. Consider a material that not only withstands the elements, but also resonates with your style preferences and maintenance needs, ensuring that your outdoor haven remains a source of joy and relaxation for years to come.

• Acacia Wood: Renowned for its durability and resistance to weathering, acacia wood offers longevity and strength, ensuring your outdoor dining set withstands the elements while retaining its natural beauty. Indulge in delightful garden gatherings with the Porthallow Rectangular Dining Table, exquisitely designed to comfortably accommodate up to eight guests. Crafted from acacia wood and adorned with an oak wash finish, this charming wooden dining table radiates warmth, making it ideal for embracing sunny days. Pair it effortlessly with eight of our Porthallow Dining Chairs or armchairs for a sophisticated ensemble, or opt for a more relaxed ambience with two benches, for a touch of casual chic styling.

• Polystone: Robust polystone embodies modern sophistication and resilience, crafted to endure the harshest outdoor conditions, without sacrificing style. Its versatility allows for intricate designs and finishes, providing endless possibilities for creating stunning outdoor dining ensembles. Gather in style with the exquisite Burford Round Dining Table, a sophisticated addition to any garden or patio setting. Versatile and beautiful enough to grace outdoor - and indoor gatherings - this table is crafted from a sturdy blend of solid acacia wood legs and features a durable polystone top. With its signature criss-cross leg design, it perfectly complements other pieces in our sought-after Burford Range.

• Teak: This classic material is a favourite amongst outdoor furniture enthusiasts, boasting unparalleled durability and natural resistance to moisture and decay. Its rich, golden hue and smooth texture brings an air of luxury to any external space, while its minimal maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for those seeking both good looks and practicality in their outdoor dining sets. Indulge in cocktails with friends or share a relaxing bottle for two with our Harlyn Bar Table, the perfect outdoor dining table for compact garden areas, where space is at a premium. Crafted from slatted teak, this elegantly refined design comfortably seats four and pairs beautifully with our Hampstead, Lymington and St Mawes Bar Stools, all comfortable additions to any table style.

Whether you prefer the rustic allure of acacia wood, the contemporary resilience of Polystone, or the timeless beauty of teak, each furniture material offers unique qualities that promise to elevate your outdoor dining experience to new heights of comfort and style.

Accessorise Mindfully

Before you take a pew, consider your scene-setters. From super-plump seat cushions and opulent tableware to ethereal lanterns casting a soft, ambient glow, adorn your dining set with finishing touches that captivate the senses and elevate every moment spent outdoors.

The addition of warm, golden festoon lighting casts a gentle radiance above your elegant tablescape. Such lights infuse your space with a touch of whimsy and enchantment, creating an ambience that beckons guests to linger longer in the garden after dark. Whether twinkling softly under a starlit sky or casting a soft glow against the backdrop of dusk, festoon lighting transforms your garden dining experience and keeps conversations flowing well into the night.

Prepare to Protect Your Pieces

To ensure your quality furniture remains in pristine condition for years to come, we recommend storing it under cover during colder, wetter months. This simple precaution helps shield your outdoor sets from harsh weather elements, preserving their beauty and longevity for years to come.

By taking proactive measures, your outdoor dining set can be enjoyed season after season. If yours currently lacks weather resistance, safeguard it with specially designed furniture covers, which provide comprehensive protection against rain, snow, and other environmental factors. Such covers function as protective shields, extending the life of your furniture and safeguarding your investments.

Embrace the Splendour of Spring 

As springtime approaches, its arrival brings the promise of new beginnings. Outdoor dining sets typically take centre stage during long weekend festivities. Looking to step out into nature with your nearest and dearest, extending the warmth of your hospitality to the great outdoors?

Crafted in a rustic style and built to withstand the elements, our St Mawes Table, fashioned from exquisite teak, is a testament to enduring quality. Meticulously crafted, each table undergoes a meticulous process of kiln-drying, waxing, polishing, and bottle-rubbing to accentuate its natural oils, resulting in a charmingly weathered appearance that only enhances with age. Measuring an impressive 3 meters in length, it serves as our longest dining table, perfectly suited for expansive patios, terraces, and decking areas, providing ample space for joyful springtime dining.

With spring blossoming on our doorsteps, embrace the great outdoors in the company of an outdoor dining set that offers that unique blend of form and function. Coveting a compact and classic French set for intimate moments, or larger modular pieces for gatherings with all your loved ones? Either way, investment in the right garden dining furniture will transform your space into a slow living sanctuary you’ll be very reluctant to venture out from.