Styling and accessorising an outdoor dining set for four people will help to significantly enhance the look, comfort and functionality of your outdoor space.
A well-dressed table can elevate the overall feel of a meal, making it feel more special and inviting. Whether it's a casual BBQ or an al-fresco dinner party, taking the time to set your garden table will create a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The way we dress our tables is a reflection of our style and taste. We can select elements that complement our existing patio décor or create a specific mood or theme for a special occasion.
Accessories such as outdoor tablecloths or placemats will help to protect our patio table from any spills, chips and scratches, but they will also create a wonderful focal point.
It shows guests that you care and that you have put some thought and effort into the experience, making friends or family feel welcome and appreciated.
Here are our top 10 tips to help you style and accessorise your 4-seater outdoor dining set this summer:
1. Add seat cushions
Adding cushions to our garden chairs and benches is a great way to enhance comfort and style.
Constructed from a fast-drying weather-resistant fabric they are available in a range of patio-friendly colours that will complement your outdoor decor or add a pop of colour to your dining area.
Our how to maximise comfort on our metal patio furniture article features 12 tips for upping the comfort of our furniture to ensure your outdoor dining experience is a relaxing one.
2. Use a tablecloth and/or placemats
Dress up your garden dining table with tablecloths or placemats for bags of function and style.
Opt for materials that are suitable for outdoor use and easy to clean, such as polyester or outdoor-friendly fabrics.
Our can you make a tablecloth for a garden table without sewing shares some of the best ways to cut and finish without a stitch, while our how to make your own outdoor table placemats and coasters lists some of our fave DIY projects.
3. Include a garden table centrepiece
Create a focal point on your garden table with a centrepiece such as a vase of fresh flowers, a potted plant, a decorative bowl filled with seasonal fruits, or a lantern with candles.
Choose items that reflect your personal style and the overall theme of your outdoor space.
Our how to create the perfect garden table centrepiece article has some wonderful tips, ideas and inspiration to help you create the perfect one for your outside space.
4. Provide shade with a parasol
Pair our outdoor dining set for four people with a 2.5m parasol to provide shade and protection from the sun.
Designed to complement the style and colour scheme of our outdoor dining range, they are water-resistant to withstand the temperamental UK weather, and feature fibreglass inner ribs to provide flexibility and strength in strong gusts of wind.
Pair with one of our strong, cast iron, parasol bases for an extra sturdy foundation. With an intricate lattice design, our bases are available in a variety of finishes to match the colour of the outdoor dining set you choose.
To keep cool this summer, shop our full range of parasols and bases.
5. Illuminate your outdoor space with lighting
Add ambience to your outdoor dining area with outdoor lighting.
Hang string lights overhead, place lanterns or candle holders on your outdoor table, or install solar-powered stake lights around the perimeter of the patio for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Our guide to good outdoor lighting looks in detail at why we feel we all need outdoor lighting in our gardens and we discuss the design fundamentals of a good outdoor lighting scheme.
6. Pair with a side table
Sometimes, especially if hosting guests, you need a little extra table space. Our stylish range of side and coffee tables are perfect for pairing with an outdoor dining set for four people.
Whether you need extra space for side drinks, dishes and salads when hosting, or somewhere to put cooking utensils on when firing up the BBQ grill, we have a wide range of small cast aluminium side tables that are designed to coordinate with our 4-seater tables.
Shop our full range of cast aluminium side and coffee tables for Summer 2024.
7. Pair with a garden bench
Pairing our coordinating garden benches with our outdoor dining tables is a great way to create distinct zones on your patio for dining and relaxing.
Perfect for kicking back or pairing with a coffee table to create an intimate seating area for socialising, they can also be pulled up to our garden tables if you want to squeeze in a few extra guests.
Our pair your garden chairs with a garden bench article looks at how more and more Lazy Susan customers are asking us why and how they can pair our garden tables and chairs with a garden bench.
8. Pair with an outdoor sofa set
If a bench isn’t laid back enough, then you could consider adding alternative seating options such as an outdoor sofa set to again zone the space and create a space for lounging.
We love the classically styled Toscan collection from Unopiu on Made In Design. This beautifully designed range (the 2-seater sofa is pictured above) will pair perfectly with our range of slate grey outdoor dining sets for 4.
9. Personalise your garden furniture with decor
Infuse your personality into your outdoor dining area with decorative accents such as outdoor rugs, throw blankets, decorative trays, or garden art.
Incorporate elements that reflect your interests, hobbies, or travel experiences to create a unique and inviting space for dining and entertaining friends and family.
Our favourite garden table accessories post looks at our top 10 solutions.
10. Warm with a throw, fire pit or patio heater
Much like outdoor lighting, a source of heat is a great way to add ambience when the sun sets and keep any party going into the evening.
Not only can you extend the use of your patio, but you can create a cosy atmosphere, and some of our favourite solutions are fire pits or bowls, draping throw blankets over our garden chairs or a modern tabletop patio heater.
Our favourite fire pits article looked at how they are perfect for providing warmth, atmosphere, and making a statement on your patio.
By incorporating these decor and accessories onto or around your table, you can create a stylish and inviting outdoor dining area for four people that is comfortable, functional, and reflective of your style and preferences.
If you have any photos of your outdoor dining set for four people in your garden or patio, we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
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