Home Base Furniture

Make the most of summer with some great alfresco dining ideas

Entertain in the garden

Even the simplest table settings can look really special if you add a few personal touches

Check out our step by step guide to setting a gorgeous outdoor dining table.

Lay the perfect table

How to do it:

Step 1

Make place settings with a difference by placing a napkin or mat on the table and laying a different coloured one over it at right angles, to form a star shape.

Step 2

Give each place its own set of glasses, tea-light and an olive bowl, to make each guest feel special.

Step 3

Keep the table settings symmetrical with a central area for condiments and place any table decorations along the middle of the table.

Step 4

Potted plants make pretty decorations, try wrapping the pots in brown paper tied with string.

Get the look:

For similar furniture try Homebase; try Waltons & co. for similar table linen and Bhs for similar crockery and cutlery.

Make individual menus

Add a personal touch to every plate and let everyone know what’s for dinner.

How to do it:

Pop a single bread roll into a pretty paper bag, then write out a menu for each of your guests and clip them onto the bag.

Create a table centrepiece

Ready in minutes, this simple centre piece is really eye-catching.

How to do it:

Just place glass votives around the edge of a simple cake stand with a taller one in the middle. Fill each one with water and add a fresh floral sprig.

Outdoor Decorations

Give your garden a touch of glamour with these easy-to-make paper decorations.

How to do it:

Take a sheet of paper and fold it into a concertina, pinch in the middle, then open out into a circle. Secure the edges and staple a ribbon near the edge to hang.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Day