From a simple cup of coffee with a view to a candlelit dinner on the patio or a garden party, a dedicated al fresco dining area will transform your home. Given the unpredictability of the British summer, it is always best to design a space that will work for you even when it rains. Here are our tips on how to create a functional yet cosy outdoor dining area.

The perfect location

You can either set up a dining area on the patio next to the main house or in a more secluded part of the garden. The former option blends the indoor and outdoor areas together and offers the convenience of being close to the kitchen. A remote location feels more intimate and shows off your garden in all its beauty.

Find or create a spot in your garden that offers shelter and a great view. A large tree or parasol will protect you from the sun, but if you also want shelter from the rain, consider a summer house. There are countless models to choose from that not only have spacious lounges but also covered terraces or canopies. You can

host parties well into the winter if the walls are thick enough to keep the heat in. Have a look at the Summerhouse24 online shop for expertly crafted summerhouses like the one pictured above, that will transform your garden into the perfect place to entertain.

Bring the cooking outside

Instead of lugging heavy dishes to your outdoor dining area, take your cooking outside. BBQs are an easy and inexpensive option, but you could also build an outdoor kitchen as part of a covered patio or summer house.

For barbecue enthusiasts, there is even a way to extend the barbecue season into the winter. BBQ huts are a Scandinavian invention that has become a smoking hot trend in the UK. These round huts are fitted with a grill in the centre, integrated into a round table and surrounded by benches. A powerful exhaust fan prevents smoke from building up inside the hut. BBQ huts can be used in all weathers and seasons and allow you to barbecue and eat together. Well-known manufacturers such as Summerhouse24 fit their huts with granite tabletops (like the one above), which are more durable than the wooden tables commonly used.

Create a cosy atmosphere

To make your space work in the evening as well as during the day, install ambient lighting over or near the dining table. This is particularly easy to do in a garden shed or on a covered patio, but there are also many options for solar lighting that avoid wiring in the garden.

Although outdoor furniture is expensive, invest in quality furniture for your outdoor dining area. Not only will it create a luxurious atmosphere, but it will also last much longer than cheaper alternatives. Combine your furniture with soft cushions and perhaps even an outdoor rug for a homely ambience.

Ideas for special occasions

Elevate your garden party with a linen tablecloth, DIY place names and freshly cut flowers from your garden. If you do not have a large piece of outdoor furniture, consider using your indoor dining table outdoors for a special occasion.

For a barbecue, simple but impressive recipes include Bulgogi, grilled asparagus with poached eggs, homemade burgers or kebabs and kofta. To cut down on the amount of cooking you have to do on the day, prepare grazing boards with various dips, salads, and flatbread or baguette. Drinks that can be prepared ahead of time include sangria and margaritas.