Bits and peices for eating Alfresco!

The great British summer is all about variety – as in rain, wind, cold and then suddenly a sunny day comes along and everyone rushes outside (with a coat just in case). The cover comes off the BBQ, an impromptu dinner is arranged and boom! we are eating al fresco. Debra Barnes has selected some bits and pieces for that special day.

John Lewis mosaic bistro dining set, iron table and chairs

£299

Cooking outside is the ultimate summer dining experience. If BBQ’s are not your thing then what about this fabulous cast iron grill by Mørso which cooks the meat in its own juices rather than roasting it.

£895 www.morso.co.uk

BBQ’s can be messy so protect your table with a designer oilcloth from BoConcept, available in a range of funky designs.

£19 per square metre and cut to size www.boconcept.com

Ice-cream is easy but looks more impressive served in retro sundae glasses Available in gold, lemon or turquoise.

£14  The Royal Academy of Arts https://shop.royalacademy.org.uk

Strahl Vivaldi Plus Pitcher

John Lewis £29

Salad is a no-brainer for summer dining. Whether it is a trendy kale, strawberry & avocado salad or crunchy coleslaw you will need something to serve it. These Monsoon Home butterfly and hummingbird serving spoons are bang on trend.

£8 from the Royal Academy of Arts shop.

Nordic Deck Chair

John Lewis £15

Washing up takes up valuable sun worshipping time (assuming there is any) so use disposable plates and cupss.

This strawberry range won’t break the bank at £1 for a pack of eight at Tiger.

Colourful bowl as seen on the cover available from the Pols Porcelain range starting from £7

Fish Plate

John Lewis £10

Summer palm stacking glassses from

John Lewis £8

Quintessentially British summer drinks like Pimms or homemade lemonade will taste even better sipped through a rambling rose windmill paper straw.

£3/95 for 12 from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

Dining tables need to be durable as well as stylish. Teak is ideal for outdoor use as it naturally has a very high oil content and dense grain which is highlighted by the characteristic black wash of this York range. The accompanying chairs are made from Ecolene outdoor rattan and both items can be left outside all year round with little risk of rotting, splitting or cracking.

From a large selection at www.gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk