T
here are few simpler pleasures than
dining outdoors in summer. “Having
a space with just enough sun and
shade (or light, if you’re entertaining at
night), comfy chairs and a sturdy table are
key,” says interior designer Chloe Matters
of Sydney firm TomMarkHenry.
Whether you have a compact balcony or
a sprawling backyard, the first step is to
choose furniture that suits the feel of your
home and allows plenty of room to move
around. “Not so long ago, the outdoor-
furniture industry was plagued by heavy,
unimaginative timbers and mass-produced
plastic settings. Fortunately, we’ve come a
long way,” says Susan Tait, creative director
and founder of outdoor-furniture retailerTait. “People are increasingly seeking
unique pieces with beautiful details.”
As alfresco dining becomes more refined,
there’s a growing trend towards adaptable,
modular pieces that suit any lifestyle or
occasion, says Moraima Martinez, business
development manager at Ke-zu. “Classic
outdoor pieces have had a contemporary
update. Colours with warm, subtle tones
that match the landscape – olive greens,
warm reds and greys – are coming through.”
Durable engineered materials such as
synthetic wicker and polycarbonate are in
demand, but there’s a renewed appreciation
for the natural and handcrafted too.
“Rattan is a great example,” says Martinez.
“Our rattan furniture is woven using
traditional techniques, with designers
pushing the boundaries to deliver
sophisticated and sculptural pieces,
moving away from the casual look of rattan
pieces of old.”
The next step is the tableware. “Outdoor
entertaining is all about bringing a fresh,
fun feel to informal gatherings, which you
can achieve with ceramic platters, wooden
servingware and colourful glassware,” says
Renata Puz, head of product developmentat Maxwell & Williams. “Layer the table
with plates and bowls that can be stacked,
overlapped or shared with ease. Go for vivid
colour and bold or ethnic-inspired patterns.”
Matters takes a different view, favouring
organic, handmade tableware. “Design has
moved away from the cookie-cutter
approach into styles that have depth and
variation,” she says. “Crisp white plates
have been replaced with gentler tones and
colours. You won’t find any harsh reds
and greens; rather, just hints of colour.”
And no arrangement would be complete
without beautiful glassware. “Stemless
wineglasses are not only great for wine
and cocktails. They also make any dessert
Instagram-worthy,” says Frances Foote,brand manager at Krosno. “Serving
bubbly and summer cocktails in prosecco
glasses and Champagne saucers is very
much on trend.” Create a sense of occasion
by dotting the table with glassware of
various shapes and sizes, she adds. “Don’t
limit yourself to just one wineglass or
tumbler. People enjoy drinking from
stemless and oversized wineglasses,
whether they’re having wine, punch or
cocktails. Serve mixed drinks in jugs and
carafes filled to the brim with ice and
garnished with fresh fruit: it’s the essence
of an Australian summer celebration.”
Don’t forget the little details that make
a big difference to the overall experience,
such as shading, lighting and music. If
space is at a premium, consider a clever
all-in-one design such as the Heatsail
Dome, available from Rock & Stone, with
integrated infra-red heater, light and
Bluetooth speakers.
Round things off with a few carefully
selected decorative accents, says Matters.
“Flowers will soften the table and provide
an opportunity to add depth, colour and
height. For evening, candles can create real
ambience when used generously.” >SHOPPING HG
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN| 215
TABLE OF CONTENT
Strike theperfect balance between
relaxed informality and a sense of
occasion by editing your outdoor
tableware and linen. Here are
Chloe Matters’ top tips:
✚Depending on the style of your
outdoor table, a tablecloth may
notbenecessary.Ifyoudouse
one, opt for a soft linen in
oatmealordarkblue.
✚Handcrafted plates and
accessories work beautifully to
create an inviting, layered look.
✚Blue is always a good choice for
a sophisticated yet relaxed
setting: seafood and slices of
roast chicken or turkey look
amazing on a deep-blue platter.
✚For a discreet touch of luxe,
consider introducing gold tones
in the cutlery setting.
✚Flowers and foliage add
the crucial finishing touch.
Eucalyptus foliage and native
blooms can look spectacular.THE COMFORT ZONE
When guests will be seated around
an outdoor table for several hours,
comfort is critical. That comes
down to ‘lounge-ability’, says
interior designer Chloe Matters.
“Look for pieces that have the right
amount of cushioning and depth to
comfortably recline or pull your legs
up, coupled with the right fabric so
you don’t feel suffocated in the
seat,” she says. Test pieces in store
to make sure they’re fit for their
intended purpose, advises Susan
Tait of Made by Tait. A dining chair
must support your back, she says,
while a lounger requiresa more
relaxed structure. Also, factor in
your lifestyle and home’s location.
“For example, if you have a coastal
home,you’llwantpiecesthatcan
withstand salt spray and harsh
wind, so they’ll look great
for years without a huge amount
of maintenance.”‘OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING IS ALL ABOUT BRINGING A FRESH, FUN
FEEL TO INFORMAL GATHERINGS.’RENATA PUZ, MAXWELL & WILLIAMS