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
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.
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.
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.
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.
5. SET THE SCENE
I added cushions, throws and crystalware to this more formal, alfresco dining area in the walled garden.
6. UTILISE THE COLOURS OF NATURE
Pink and purple accents draw the eye and look so elegant against the verdant green spring backdrop.
Katharine Pooley, katharinepooley.com
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
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.
-
Here's all you need to know about Sherwin-Williams' December Color of the Month – a 'soothing warm beige' that adds 'understated elegance'
Return to the timeless appeal of neutrals with this calming shade
By Emily Moorman Published
-
7 things to clean before going on winter vacation for a fresh, sanitized and pest-free space when you return
Cleaning pros share the spots they never forget to clean before heading off
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
Trees never to plant in a small backyard – 7 varieties that will overwhelm a limited space
It's best to avoid planting these trees in a compact space if you want the rest of your yard to thrive
By Gabriella Dyson Published
-
The best British gardens that you can visit this summer
Britons staying at home this summer are being encouraged to head outdoors and explore the stunning public gardens on their doorstep.
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
How to grow organic fruit and vegetables at home – David Domoney shares his four top tips
TV gardener's expert tips on growing your own organic produce...
By Ruth Doherty Published
-
The common mistakes when growing in planters –and how best to avoid them
It is easy when you know how.
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020: Top tips for growing vegetables
Medwyn Williams, 11-time Gold medal winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, gives his top growing tips.
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020: Five sustainable gardening tips from Bosch's Markus Rekittke
Bosch's garden expert Markus Rekittke shares his simple eco steps...
By Ruth Doherty Published
-
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020: The best performing plants for urban gardens
Rethinking tricky gardens with Charlotte Harris.
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020: Sarah Eberle shares her top summer gardening tips
A gold medal winning designer, Sarah Eberle, talks about naturalistic ways to garden – from playing with planting, using natural features and taking inspiration from your surroundings.
By Jennifer Ebert Published