Summer 2026 is calling, and for Lazy Susan, it smells like cast-aluminium tables and chairs, charcoal, fresh herbs, and the first smash burgers (other types of burger are available) of the summer season.
And if you are planning to host family feasts, relaxed get-togethers with friends, or long, lazy afternoons in the sunshine, then our secret ingredient is not just what’s on the grill; it’s your BBQ furniture!
The right style and type of patio furniture will transform a simple patio into a welcoming outdoor space made for good company, laughter, drinks, good food, and stories that stretch into the evening.
For UK gardens in particular, where the weather can turn from bright sun to surprise rain in a matter of hours, your choice of garden furniture matters more than ever. Of course, it has to look great, but it also needs to function.
Today, the Lazy Magazine team are exploring how you can set up the ultimate garden dining set for stress-free hosting this summer, with practical advice, family-friendly ideas, and plenty of inspiration for outdoor living done proper.
Why does BBQ furniture matter for summer hosting?
When you think about the perfect BBQ, you might picture sizzling sausages, colourful bowls of fresh salad, and a cold beer in a frosted glass. Look a little more closely, and you'll notice that the devil is in the details to really make it tick.
A table large enough for serving platters and full place settings. Chairs that feel sturdy and supportive wish cushions for comfort. A parasol for shade. Guests sitting comfortably, rather than on a sofa-style seat, balancing plates on their laps. No awkward spills, no hunting for somewhere to put a glass down.
It is about easy, laid-back hosting. Food within reach. Conversations flowing naturally. Seating that bridges the gap between relaxed garden gathering and elegant outdoor dining. It is formal in style but relaxed in application. It is the kind of patio setup that makes everyone want to stay outside and enjoy what you're grilling.
Good BBQ garden furniture should provide the stability you need for dining and serving, the comfort required for hours of relaxed entertaining, the durability to withstand unpredictable UK weather, and a sense of style that enhances and elevates your outdoor space.
Cast aluminium outdoor furniture is particularly suited to British gardens and patios. It will not rust in the rain; it stands up to changing weather and keeps its timeless elegance season after season. Unlike wood, which can warp or require regular treatment, cast aluminium is crafted for longevity with very little fuss. That means more time enjoying your garden and less time maintaining it.
If you want hosting to feel effortless, your furniture should be the thing that does all the heavy lifting for you. On the patio. Ready to go.
Choosing BBQ furniture that suits your garden and your life
Before you start shopping, take a moment to think about how you really like to use your outdoor space. Are you hosting big family barbecues with family or are you planning smaller al fresco suppers with drinks for a few close friends?
Here's a quick table to help you find the perfect match in our range:
|
Garden Size |
Ideal Dining Set Sizes |
Hosting Style |
Key Features to Look For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Balcony/Very Small Patio |
2-seat bistro set |
Morning coffee, drinks for two |
Foldable or stackable chairs, compact footprint, lightweight yet stable |
|
Compact Patio |
4-seater round |
Intimate, relaxed |
Slimline chairs, easy access, stackable options |
|
Medium Garden |
6-seater oval or round |
Family BBQs |
Generous table space, parasol hole, sturdy base |
|
Large Garden |
8 to 10-seater |
Big summer parties |
Extension options, wide chairs, central lazy Susan |
Round and oval shapes are particularly good for BBQ furniture because everyone can see each other. Conversation flows naturally, and sharing dishes becomes part of the fun. Add a central serving feature like one of our trademark Lazy Susans, and those bowls of salad, sauces, dips, drinks, and sides can be passed around with ease.
When exploring our range, always check the dimensions carefully. It is not just about whether the table fits. It is about how the space feels once everyone is seated and moving around. As a general guide, we recommend around 75 to 90 centimetres behind each chair so guests can slide back comfortably when they get up for another burger or to top up drinks.
If your patio doubles as the main walkway into the rest garden, it is wise to allow a little extra breathing room so guests can pass through comfortably without squeezing behind chairs, etc. On the other hand, if your table is positioned against a wall or fence, you may be able to reduce the clearance slightly on that side. In that case, seating can be arranged so people simply sidle in and out, making the most of the space without compromising on comfort.
Above is a simple layout diagram for our best-selling June as a starting point. Think of it as a rule of thumb rather than a strict blueprint. Every patio is different. Walls, doors, planters, steps, and lawns all change the flow.
Lazy Magazine Tip: A brilliant trick we like to use is to mark out the footprint of your chosen set directly onto your patio. Use chalk, masking tape, or even some old flattened cardboard boxes to outline the table and chairs. Walk around it. Pretend to pull a chair out. Imagine carrying a tray of drinks through the space. It only takes a few minutes, and it gives you a much better feel for the fit and flow than any measurements on a screen ever can. A little planning now makes hosting effortless later.
Garden furniture with timeless elegance for every season
Let us talk about style. We’ve got oodles of it. And it is timeless!
Your garden furniture should feel like a natural extension of your home. Think of it as an outdoor dining room with a touch of natural charm. Our cast aluminium designs feature intricate detailing, elegant shapes, and a choice of classic colours that suit both traditional and contemporary gardens.
Timeless elegance does not mean fussy. It means furniture designed to look just as good in five summers as it does today. No fast fashions, fads, or latest so-called-must-haves, just investment in effortless style, durability, and practicality.
We recently looked at our top patio furniture trends, but to summarise, for 2026, we’re seeing:
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Soft neutrals that reflect the sun beautifully
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Deep bronze and anthracite tones for contrast
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Cushions in earthy greens and warm terracotta
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Subtle patterns that enhance rather than overpower
The beauty of aluminium is that it pairs easily with other materials. Add wooden serving boards, woven accessories, and linen napkins to create warmth and texture. The result is a layered outdoor living space that feels inviting at first glance.
Creating the ultimate outdoor kitchen and grill zone
A great BBQ setup is about more than just the outdoor dining table, though. It is about flow. We use the term a lot when in our Magazine, and for good reason. We would define it as:
“The seamless, intuitive movement between spaces. Where layout, pathways, furniture, and views guide people naturally and comfortably from one area to the next without obstacles or confusion.”
A great way to achieve it, if you have the space, is to consider creating a simple outdoor kitchen area. This does not need to mean a full renovation with a built-in sink and gas line. It can be as straightforward as a dedicated grill station with prep space and storage for tools and utensils.
For charcoal lovers, the Big Green Egg remains a favourite for slow cooking and smoky flavour. Its ceramic design retains heat beautifully and suits everything from burgers to pizza. If convenience is your priority, a gas grill offers quick start-up and easy temperature control.
Whichever grill you choose, position it so that it offers easy access to the dining area, provides enough clearance for safe and comfortable cooking, and includes a nearby surface for plates, bowls and utensils to keep everything conveniently within reach while you entertain.
If possible, add a small side table or BBQ table. This keeps sauces, tongs, and serving dishes within reach and saves you countless trips back to the kitchen.
Outdoor furniture layout tips for easy entertaining
When hosting, safe and comfortable movement really matters. You want guests to circulate naturally between the grill, drinks station, and dining table without feeling cramped. A well-planned layout will create space for both mingling and seated dining.
Here are a few of our top tried and tested tips:
-
Keep Walkways Clear
Leave at least 75cm between furniture pieces where possible. -
Anchor the Dining Set
Position it centrally on the patio to create a clear focal point. -
Position Shade Thoughtfully
A parasol or pergola can protect from strong sun and light rain. -
Create Zones
Dining area, cooking area, relaxation corner.
Adding a separate bistro set or bench can offer extra seating during larger gatherings. It also gives guests somewhere to retreat with a cup of coffee while others finish eating. Remember, good hosting should feel relaxed because everything has its place, and the patio is laid out just so.
Al fresco dining ideas the whole family will love
Al fresco dining should be fun and easy. It is about slowing down, enjoying the weather, and making the most of those (sometimes rare) long summer days.
To keep things family-friendly, set up a self-serve drinks station with clearly labelled jugs and cups, offer a mix of grill options including vegetarian and lighter choices, and lay out colourful bowls of salads and fresh bread to create a relaxed buffet feel. As the evening draws in and the temperature dips, having a few blankets on hand will ensure everyone stays comfortable and can linger a little longer.
You can even involve the children. Let them help decorate the table with simple garden flowers or choose music for the evening. When everyone feels included, the atmosphere becomes effortlessly warm. For special occasions, add small touches such as personalised place cards or themed accessories. A Mediterranean night, complete with olives, grilled vegetables, and bright tableware, can transport your garden to sunnier shores.
Weather, durability, and protecting your investment
The UK climate certainly keeps us on our toes. One minute sunshine, the next a light shower. That is why durability should sit at the top of your checklist.
Our cast aluminium BBQ furniture offers excellent resistance to rain and fluctuating temperatures. It does not rust, and it retains its structure and stability over time. Cushions should be stored when not in use or protected with covers to extend their life.
To protect your furniture and keep it looking its best, use breathable covers during prolonged wet spells to keep everything clean and dry, store cushions in a dry place or a dedicated storage box when not in use, and clean frames each season with mild soapy water to remove dirt and prevent build-up.
This small amount of basic TLC will help you save money in the long run and keep your outdoor furniture looking fresh year after year.
Smart accessories that enhance comfort and convenience
Accessories can elevate your BBQ furniture from purely functional to truly fabulous.
Consider adding a central lazy serving feature to make sharing effortless, outdoor-safe table runners and placemats to introduce colour and texture, parasol heaters to keep guests comfortable on cooler evenings, and sideboards or storage benches to provide practical space for extra tools and serving pieces.
Do not forget practical touches. A sturdy parasol protects from intense sun. Outdoor cushions in weather-friendly fabrics enhance comfort. Lanterns and candles create ambience without complicated wiring.
When you explore your options in store or online, look for accessories that match the style and colours of your dining set. Cohesion creates that polished, designed feel without losing natural charm.
Budget, brands, and making the right choice
Investing in quality BBQ furniture is about more than one season. It’s about choosing pieces that last, giving you years of enjoyment. It’s about creating a space where life happens: birthdays, anniversaries, and spontaneous weeknight dinners in the sunshine.
When considering your budget, focus first on durability and quality materials to ensure long-term value, choose a size that genuinely suits your space rather than stretching for something impractical, and check what is in stock and ready for delivery ahead of peak season to avoid delays and disappointment.
Reputable brands will clearly explain materials, features, and care instructions. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Our knowledgeable team can help you choose a dining set that perfectly fits your garden and hosting style. If you have any questions about our range, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Customer Service Team.
Bringing it all together for summer 2026 with Lazy Susan
Hosting a good BBQ is not about perfection. It is about preparation, comfort, and creating a space where people love to gather. With the right BBQ furniture from Lazy Susan, your garden becomes more than just an outdoor area. It becomes the heart of your garden. A place for relaxed afternoons, lively evenings, and those golden moments that linger long after the plates are cleared.
Choose materials that suit the UK weather. Opt for timeless elegance that will not date. Create zones for cooking, dining, and relaxation. Add thoughtful accessories for convenience and comfort. Then light the charcoal or fire up the gas, call your friends and family, and enjoy the season. Because when your outdoor furniture is designed for real life, hosting becomes simple. And that is when the magic happens.
We would love to see how you are styling our summer BBQ furniture and bringing outdoor hosting to life in your garden. Whether it is a laid-back family lunch or a full al fresco feast with friends, share your garden gatherings with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture. Every post helps support our Do Some Good campaign, so you can enjoy beautiful outdoor living and spread a little sunshine at the same time.
