We’ve had a few days of sunshine here and there, as well as a couple of deluges too, but let us try and keep up the enthusiasm for ‘outdoor living’ with some glorious ideas for outdoor dining, entertaining and relaxing… Hot on the heels of our outdoor kitchen suggestions, naturally!

THE CUBIC OUTDOOR BAR FROM GARDEN HOUSE DESIGN

If you’ve run out of steam after perfecting your indoor kitchen, and like the idea of sprucing up your outdoor space with a bar, consider the CUBIC Outdoor Bar Cupboard from Garden House Design. It can be left outdoors all year round, once in position, and is constructed from weather-resistant materials, can be specified in eight colours, and has six ceramic work surfaces options which have superb heat and scratch-resistant qualities.

ULTIMATE OUTDOOR FURNITURE BY LIGNE ROSET

Outdoor furniture requires as much consideration as pieces that will be used indoors, in terms of comfort and durability, as well as the necessary weather-proof qualities. The Murtoli Settee from Ligne Roset is designed for outdoor use, but of course, is so beautifully designed that it looks equally as good indoors. There’s also a matching footstool, along with side and occasional tables and outdoor lamps.

OUTDOOR OVEN BY MORSO FROM DIRECT STOVES

If an entire outdoor kitchen space isn’t possible, then a multi-functional outdoor oven is a very worthy alternative. Consider the Morso Forno Outdoor Oven from Direct Stoves. It can be used as a standard grill, or as a pizza oven. It’s made from double-coated cast iron, and comes with a wide selection of accessories available, including pizza paddle, cutters, tongs, spatulas, smoking tools, and a flue-pipe if required.

HARD-WEARING OUTDOOR DESIGNS FROM LAGOON

All garden furniture is an investment, and these Talenti Ever Outdoor Coffee Table designs are constructed from teak and stone, so they will definitely tolerate everything our unpredictable weather can produce. Available in natural and dark teak options, with two ceramic and two lava stone tops. See the full Talenti collection here, all available from Lagoon.

A PORTABLE PIZZA OVEN FROM DOBBIES

A portable pizza oven is the best of both worlds if you’re looking for something smaller that doesn’t need a dedicated, permanent corner or surface. The Gozney Roccbox Green Olive Portable Pizza Oven from Dobbies has a detachable gas burner and built-in thermometer. The 19mm stone floor/base ensures excellent heat retention, so making multiple pizzas will be a doddle, rather than a stressful cooking experience. A detachable wood burner is separately available for chefs who want to create the full wood-oven pizza experience.

LUSCIOUS GREEN TABLE LINENS FOR INDOORS AND OUT BY JOE BROWNS

Stick to a green outdoor theme with the Victorian Garden Room Collection from Joe Browns. It encompasses bedlinen and lighting, as well as wall art and frames, and of course, a plentiful selection of table linens and cushions. Just a perfect choice for an indoor-outdoor theme that will enhance an outdoor dinner party, and easily transfer to interior themes as well. There’s also an opulent Let The Soiree Begin outdoor garden rug for an al-fresco finishing touch.

BEAUTIFUL PALE STONE EFFECT PORCELAIN FROM QUORN STONE

There is definitely a very good argument for choosing pale, discreetly patterned stone or porcelain tiles for outdoor areas … they make any area look more spacious, and provide a calm and neutral background for interesting foliage, furniture and other garden accessories. These are Provence Creme Stone Effect Porcelain Pavers from Quorn Stone, with a tumbled effect in ivory and soft grey, recreating the look of natural limestone.

ELEGANT OUTDOOR SEATING FROM GARDEN TRADING

If the layout of your garden and kitchen doesn’t lend itself to a sweeping opening between kitchen and garden, a different approach is required. Try positioning the seating area at the other end of the garden, and perhaps having a separate semi-covered area instead. Add decking and rustic panelling for a country-style look. Comfortable outdoor furniture is a must, of course! This is the Colwell Sofa Set from Garden Trading, constructed from acacia wood and polyrope.

CLEVER CORNER OUTDOOR DESIGNS BY MARKS & SPENCER

An outdoor seating area can be defined by an outdoor rug, or perhaps by the placement and design of different coloured slabs or tiles. It can anchor a scheme, allowing furniture to be placed logically, creating a sense of an ‘outdoor room’. A corner sofa is particularly helpful when defining a space; shown here is the Lois Corner Sofa Set in Natural from Marks & Spencer, in faux rattan. It includes a coffee table, and there is also a matching Lois garden chair available, sold in a set of two.

THE INDOOR-OUTDOOR VIBE WITH JOHN LEWIS DINING FURNITURE

This elegant dining table works beautifully in a kitchen-dining space with a conservatory or sun-room feel. It’s the Trestle six-seater Dining Table Dark Oak finish, also available in a lighter Oak finish. Shown here styled with the Drift Dining Chair in Dark Oak with Moss Green upholstery, also in a lighter Oak and Mink upholstery version. All, including table accessories, from John Lewis.

MINIMALIST METAL CHAIRS AND FOOTSTOOL BY NEST

Smaller outdoor spaces need sleek, elegant furniture that can sit out all-year round, without giving a cluttered look to the area. These chairs are the Hay Palissade Lounge Chairs in the ‘Low’ version, available in Olive, Anthracite, Iron Red and Sky Grey, and also with dining chair, table and ottoman versions. See the whole collection here, from Nest.

MID-GREY PORCELAIN TILES FOR A PRACTICAL OUTDOOR SCHEME BY TILE MOUNTAIN

For a mid-grey slate look, with the ease and practicality of porcelain, look at Slatestone Grey Matt Porcelain Outdoor Slab tiles, from Tile Mountain. They have a matt finish and riven texture to replicate real slate, rectified edges for seamless installation, and there are 16 different ‘face’ finishes to provide installers with a natural, mixed pattern look.