TAKE advantage of the warmer days and lighter evenings by enjoying dinner outside.
And you don’t have to make a meal out of it.
Discover how to create an al fresco dining experience on a budget . . .
SET THE SCENE: Put your dining area out of direct sunlight. Ideally, position the furniture to make the most of any views. If you are restricted, try creating your own beautiful backdrop.
For example, give concrete walls a lick of paint in a bright or pastel shade. Or cheat and use a shower curtain printed with rustic scenery to cover any eyesore areas — these start from around £3.35 on Amazon.
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A few solar lights won’t add anything to your energy bill but look pretty after dark. You can get five metres of solar fairy lights for £6.99 at B&Q and they look great hung above your dining area.
STYLE IT OUT: Eating outdoors should be relaxed and comfortable. Cover metal seating with lots of old blankets or cushions. Old curtains or sheets can work as a tablecloth.
Get inspired by your surroundings and cut some flowers, or just greenery, for easy decorations — just pop in old jam jars. Place cutlery on napkins, if it is a little windy, to stop them blowing away.
And serve up easy sharing meals or platters that guests can help themselves to so you are not running back and forth to the kitchen.
BUG BEAR: Biting insects can be an issue, particularly around dusk. Lighting a couple of candles infused with citronella can help ward them off, plus it helps to create a nice atmosphere.
Try a couple of mason jar citronella candles, £1.50 each from Poundland. You can also try used, dried-out coffee grounds. Just light them as you would incense.
And keep flies and wasps off food with the help of mesh or net food covers, £1.59 each from Robert Dyas.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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