Gardens

An interior designer shares her garden picnic ideas and shows us how to have a fun and stylish alfresco dining experience

Join Katharine Pooley for a picnic in the garden of her country home where she shares her top garden picnic ideas

An example of garden picnic ideas showing a shepherd's hut with floral window boxes next to an alfresco dining table
(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)

Get set for summer with Katharine Pooley's garden picnic ideas for the perfect alfresco dining experience.

GARDEN PICNIC IDEAS

One of the best things about summer is the chance to spend quality time in your garden. Whether it’s breakfast in the sun, a lazy afternoon with a book, a barbecue for the family or an alfresco meal with friends.

So create an idyllic outdoor space this year by blurring the boundaries between inside and out, and extending your living space into your garden.

1. DINE ALFRESCO

May is one of my favourite times of year. With spring blossoms and new growth all around it is so uplifting.

A close-up shot of an outdoor dining table with glassware and crockery

(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)

2. MAKE IT MEMORABLE

My most treasured place for a picnic is just in front of the shepherd’s hut. It’s a very sunny spot and if there is a sudden rain shower we can dart inside until it passes.

An example of garden picnic ideas showing a shepherd's hut with floral window boxes next to an alfresco dining table

(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)

3. FOCUS ON THE DETAIL

A picnic is by its nature informal but it can still have thoughtful touches. I like to hand-tie linen napkins with raffia and lavender.

A close-up shot of a linen napkin tied with lavender and raffia

(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)

4. ADD PRETTY DETAILS

I have added pretty details to the shepherd’s hut over the years such as flowers to the windows, hurricane lamps to the stairs and duck sculptures sit beside it. They all add a playful sense of whimsy.

A shepherd's hut with floral window boxes and steps with lanterns on them leading up to a stable door

(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)

5. SET THE SCENE

I added cushions, throws and crystalware to this more formal, alfresco dining area in the walled garden.

An example of garden picnic ideas showing an outdoor dining table with a red and white table cloth and pink blankets on the chairs in front of shrubbery and a BBQ area

(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)

6. UTILISE THE COLOURS OF NATURE

Pink and purple accents draw the eye and look so elegant against the verdant green spring backdrop.

A close-up shot of a table place with red and white plates underneath a napkin next to cutlery

(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)

Katharine Pooley, katharinepooley.com

Jennifer Ebert
Deputy Editor (Digital)

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.