Last-minute tips to elevate your al-fresco entertainment this Easter

With a potential Easter heatwave on the way, it’s time to get your garden ready to spend more time outside. Al-fresco dining ideas set the scene for many of the most memorable meals and celebrations that you will have with your family and guests. With these last-minute al-fresco entertaining tips, you can effortlessly improve your Easter celebration and summer experience. 

If you are celebrating Easter outside, and you are looking for last-minute tips on how to elevate your al-fresco entertaining, then check out our top recommendations.

Taking dinner from the dining room to al-fresco does not mean you should lower your aesthetic standards. Put as much care and attention into your dining area and surroundings as you would for any indoor dining.

Move your dining table outside

Using your dining table outside is a great last-minute option, especially if you haven’t yet purchased a garden dining table. 

A cozy courtyard for al-fresco entertaining tips features a round dining table set with plates and glassware surrounded by elegant chairs. The space is enclosed by arched windows and doors, each adorned with climbing ivy. Warm lighting from lamps and wall fixtures creates an inviting ambiance.

Moving your indoor dining table and chairs outside temporarily will elevate your outdoor setting, bringing your garden entertainment setup to the next level. If you plan to entertain al-fresco through the summer, make sure you choose outdoor furniture that is designed to resist the elements. Teak garden furniture is a great choice for the outdoors; it weathers beautifully and is highly durable. This way you don’t store it away when summer is over. 

Landscape your al-fresco dining area with our Design Course

If you would like to design your garden layout, or any room in your home, sign up for our next expert-led
Design Course starting in May. Nominated “One of the best online interior design courses” by Livingetc, the highly requested course by Juliettes Interiors embraces a unique approach that has proven to be highly successful.

A workspace with interior design materials, including a sample book of fabric swatches, a roll of wallpaper, architectural plans, tile samples, and a golden leaf decor piece. Perfect for planning your dream space with al-fresco entertaining tips—"Sign up now" to get started!

Particularly loved by students mainly for its live lesson, the Juliettes Interiors design course is for complete beginners who want to create their own interior design project like a professional.

Unlike others, our course involves live, interactive classes with your own specialist interior designer lecturer. You can ask questions along the way in a small group session, enabling interaction with other students, as if you are in a classroom. 

Create an intimate atmosphere with lighting

Entertain al-fresco this Easter for as long as possible through the evening, by using lighting that creates an intimate and cosy atmosphere. Again, bring your table lamps and floor lamps outside to illuminate the dining area.

Lights with a warm, white, ambient glow create a magical twilight atmosphere that is ideal for illuminating outdoor parties and celebrations.

An outdoor dining area with an elegant oval table set for a meal, featuring ornate chairs and tableware. The surrounding courtyard, ideal for al-fresco entertaining tips, has lush greenery, vintage armchairs, a sofa, a side table, and ambient lighting from a floor lamp, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Use indoor tableware for al-fresco dining

Make an effort to style your outdoor dining table as you would for any indoor event. Dress your table with white runners and bring out your china and glassware. It will look sophisticated with glass twinkling brightly in the moonlight. If you want the space to feel considered and comfortable, place a rug under your table. This adds a touch of style to your al-fresco experience. 

Elegant table setting with fine china plates stacked atop a lacy white tablecloth. Silverware and crystal glasses surround the plates, with a white napkin in a silver holder on top. A floral centerpiece with white flowers adds a touch of sophistication—perfect for al-fresco entertaining tips.

Glow up your al-fresco with candlelight

Candlelight is the easiest and most affordable last-minute idea to elevate your al-fresco entertainment this Easter. Dining by candlelight adds a romantic and elegant atmosphere to outdoor dining. Use candles on the tables as well as on the floor, in the area around your table, to create an intimate feel. 

A beautifully set dining table outdoors during the evening. The table features elegant dinnerware, glassware, and cutlery on a light gray placemat. Soft, decorative lighting and white flower arrangements add a warm, inviting ambiance to the scene—perfect for al-fresco entertaining tips.

Create seating zones

Adding a bench, or additional chairs into your garden gives you and your guests the perfect place to sit back and socialise. Dividing the garden into areas with different purposes can make the space feel more organised and welcoming. Create various seating areas in one space by making them all feel distinct from one another.

Easter flower arrangements

Adding flower arrangements throughout al-fresco settings at Easter reminds us that winter is in the rear-view mirror. Include either a generous bouquet or a selection of bud vases overflowing with seasonal blooms. You can choose your favourite spring blooms from a florist to create a table centrepiece. Choose colours that match your Easter table’s theme to create a coordinated palette. For a decadent look, incorporate tapered candles of different heights as well as tea lights, which create interesting accents. 

A stylish evening table setting with elegant, muted-tone chairs around a wooden table adorned with white flowers in vases, crystal glassware, and fine china. The backdrop features large windows, a painted mural, and soft lighting, offering al-fresco entertaining tips for an inviting ambiance.

Create the illusion of space with a mirror

As the trend for taking interior style outdoors continues to grow, garden mirrors are becoming increasingly popular. Mirrors are great to add an extra dimension to any garden, with the power to totally transform the space. Use a window-style mirror leant against the wall among the foliage, to create the illusion of a secret garden. 

A decorative black-framed mirror leaning against a beige wall outdoors reflects lush greenery and a hanging wicker chair, creating an inviting scene. For al-fresco entertaining tips, place a potted plant with green foliage and white flowers in front of the mirror to enhance the ambiance.
Image credit: Rockett St George

Design your garden with us

Investing in the right garden furniture elevates your entire outdoor and entertaining experience. We would love to help you design your al-fresco setting, patio area or small terrace. Get in touch or visit our London Showroom.

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