Style mavens, Jane Rockett and Lucy St George, give their tips on how to do alfresco with attitude and elegance.
Having set up the cult online emporium, Rockett St George back in 2007, this creative duo know a thing or two about style, indoors and out. Here they tell us how they do outdoor entertaining..
Perfect Your Priorities
Whether you have a large garden, a rooftop terrace, courtyard, or bijou balcony, no space is too small to enjoy in the summer. Jane and Lucy’s first piece of advice is to treat your outside space as you would with any other room in your home and prioritise what’s most important to you.
Beautiful Black Bamboo Bench Chair, £330, Rockett St George.
‘If you’re anything like us, chances are you’ll want to make the most of the long evenings by entertaining outside, in which case seating is key – whether that’s sun loungers on the lawn, a fabulous hanging chair that makes an eccentric style statement or foldable dining tables and chairs that can be easily tucked out of sight when the party gets going.’
Parisian Style Outdoor Foldable Metal Dining Set, £189, Rockett St George.
Set The Scene
Whether it’s everyday dining or hosting a few of your favourite people, set the scene with linen tablecloths, natural wooden boards, beaded coasters and quirky candlesticks, as well as some showstopping tableware.
Faria Dinner Service Collection, Black from £12.00 for a side plate, Rockett St George.
For smaller spaces, coffee and side tables also look fabulous outside in place of a dining table – just make sure you bring them back in to avoid weathering. Once the table is set, pair with plates of delicious food and plenty of wine for the ultimate alfresco experience.
Set of 2 Black Bamboo Side Tables, £160, Rockett St George.
See these easy ways to refresh your outdoor space.
Tempting Textures
You can be as expressive outside in your garden as you are inside and just like with your interior, texture plays an incredibly important part in setting the overall tone of your space.
Don’t be afraid to blur the boundaries and steal a few key pieces such as rugs, cushions and even mirrors from inside your home to create a flexible outside living space that is completely unique to you.
Natural Moroccan Bamboo Rug With Chevron Pattern – Midnight Blue, £125, Rockett St George.
Light The Way
Consider fixing outdoor wall lights to your house’s exterior to cast beautiful shadows on your wall and across the garden.
St Ives Hot Dipped Up & Down Wall Light, £65, Rockett St George.
For added atmosphere, style lanterns around your seating area, light candles on your side tables and wrap festoon lights around the trees.
Golden Star Glow – Star Shapes Glass Tea Light, £9 each, Rockett St George.
Find cool outdoor living spaces here.
