What are the best easy meals to serve for garden dining?

There’s something magical about taking dining outside into the garden. When the sun is shining and the evenings stretch out a little longer, the joy of eating on the patio with family and friends is hard to beat. But while the ambience may be effortlessly provided by nature, the question remains: what are the best easy garden dining meals to serve without fuss?

Whether you’re planning a laid-back supper on your patio, a vibrant barbecue with friends, or a small weekend family get-together, the secret lies in keeping things delicious but simple. Pair great food with our stylish garden furniture sets, designed to add comfort and style to your outdoor space, and you’ll have the perfect setting for memorable mornings, afternoons, or evenings.

Why easy garden dining meals matter

The key to great garden dining set occasions is balance. You want to spend your time enjoying conversation, sipping something chilled, and soaking in the natural beauty of your outdoor environment — not running in and out of the kitchen. That’s why we think that easy-prep recipes that can be served family-style at your dining table are the gold standard.

And let’s not forget, the setting matters too. Investing in outdoor dining sets that are as practical as they are beautiful helps create a space where guests can dine in comfort, linger longer, and truly appreciate the moment — which, between our busy lives and the unpredictable UK climate, can feel all too fleeting.

Creating the perfect outdoor space

A thoughtfully designed outdoor space sets the tone for effortless entertaining. Think about the garden seating: are your chairs deep and inviting? Does your table give everyone enough room to dine with ease? With garden dining sets available in a range of sizes and styles, there’s a perfect set for every space, from a petite balcony to a sprawling lawn.

At Lazy Susan, you’ll find outdoor furniture sets designed for durability and style. Built from weather-resistant materials and finished in timeless colours, our pieces are made to withstand the elements while maintaining their classical elegance. A well-chosen garden dining set can extend your home, creating a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors, and encouraging you to dine alfresco more often.

Comfort and style at the table

No matter how tasty your food, guests will only stay relaxed if your furniture provides both comfort and style. That means chairs with the right support, dining sets that don’t wobble, and a table surface large enough to hold generous platters of food.

Lazy Susan’s garden furniture is designed with these principles in mind. You can opt for a range of sizes to suit your party needs — whether it’s an intimate two-seater for romantic evenings or a complete 8-seater set for lively gatherings with friends. And because our furniture comes in a variety of colours, you can choose a style that perfectly complements your garden.

Our Top 5 easy garden dining meals to try

Now, onto the heart of the matter: what to serve. Here are some of our fave easy ideas that bring maximum flavour with minimal fuss.

1. Sharing platters and grazing boards

A grazing board is a perfect option for garden dining sets because it allows everyone to dine at their own pace. Fill large platters with Mediterranean favourites like olives, hummus, cured meats, cheeses, and fresh bread. Add bowls of colourful salads for extra freshness. It’s unfussy, endlessly adaptable, and looks fantastic on the table.

Lazy Magazine favourite – Mezze Board:

You’ll need:

• Hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush

• Pita bread (toasted or warmed)

• Feta cheese & stuffed vine leaves

• Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers

• Fresh parsley or mint for garnish

How to serve:

• Place dips in small bowls.

• Surround with piles of bread, cheese, and vegetables.

• Scatter herbs over the top and let guests dig in and help themselves.

2. BBQ classics made simple

Few things create the same warmth and relaxed atmosphere as a barbecue. Burgers, skewers, and grilled vegetables are easy to prepare and cook quickly. Marinate your proteins in advance to save time, and let guests help themselves straight from the grill.

Lazy Magazine favourite – Herby Lemon Chicken Skewers:

You’ll need:

• 6 chicken breasts, cubed

• Juice & zest of 2 lemons

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• A handful of parsley, thyme, or oregano

• Salt & pepper

How to make:

1. Mix lemon, oil, garlic, and herbs into a marinade.

2. Add chicken cubes and marinate for 1+ hours.

3. Thread onto skewers and grill for 10–12 mins, turning until golden.

4. Serve with flatbreads and salad bowls at the garden table.

3. One-pot wonders

If barbecuing isn’t your style, try a one-pot dish like paella or chilli that can be brought straight to the table. Served with rice or crusty bread, it’s hearty, warming, and great for a garden supper as the evening cools.

Lazy Magazine favourite – Summery Paella:

You’ll need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion & 1 red pepper, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 300g paella rice

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 150ml white wine

• 750ml chicken stock

• 200g chicken pieces, 200g prawns, 100g peas

• Lemon wedges & parsley

How to make:

1. Fry onion, pepper, and garlic in oil until soft.

2. Stir in rice, paprika, and wine.

3. Add stock gradually, simmer until rice is almost tender.

4. Stir in chicken, prawns, and peas. Cook until done.

5. Garnish with lemon and parsley; serve straight from the pan.

4. Fresh summer salads

Salads don’t have to be boring. Think roasted beetroot with feta, watermelon with mint, or a classic Caprese. Bright, seasonal colours add vibrancy to your outdoor space, and most recipes can be prepared in advance of your garden get-together.

Lazy Magazine favourite – Watermelon & Feta Salad:

You’ll need:

• ½ watermelon, cubed

• 200g feta, crumbled

• Fresh mint leaves

• Olive oil

• Black pepper

How to make:

1. Toss watermelon and feta in a large bowl.

2. Scatter over mint leaves.

3. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with pepper.

4. Serve chilled for maximum freshness.

5. Sweet endings

Don’t forget dessert! Keep it light with fruit skewers, lemon tarts, or ice cream bowls that can be passed around your garden dining sets. Again, presentation is key — bring out your sweetest treats on stylish platters to match the style of your garden furniture.

Lazy Magazine favourite – Fruit Skewers with Chocolate Drizzle:

You’ll need:

• Strawberries, melon, pineapple, grapes

• 100g dark chocolate

How to make:

1. Thread fruit onto skewers in a colourful pattern.

2. Melt chocolate gently, then drizzle over fruit.

3. Serve immediately, or chill for a refreshing summer twist.

Dining sets that suit your lifestyle

Choosing the right dining sets isn’t just about looks — it’s about lifestyle. Do you need a small bistro table for coffee in the morning sun, or a large, complete garden dining set for regular gatherings?

Lazy Susan’s range of outdoor dining sets is designed to suit every space. Thanks to clever use of high-quality materials, each piece is built for durability and long-term comfort. And with sizes to match every requirement, a host of coordinating accessories and set add-ons, you can find the perfect match for your garden’s status and your hosting style.

Extending the joy of outdoor living

One of the greatest pleasures of investing in quality garden furniture sets is that it encourages you to use your outdoor space more often. Instead of saving your garden dining sets for special occasions, you’ll find yourself carrying your morning coffee outdoors, enjoying weekday lunches in the sun, and hosting impromptu suppers just because you can.

This is where we feel our collection truly shines. With a wide range of garden furniture sets to choose from, you can find a perfect setup that complements the natural beauty of your surroundings while offering the practicality to use it every day.

Our Final thoughts: Food, furniture, and fun in the sun

When it comes to easy garden dining meals, the formula is simple: keep the food unfussy, focus on fresh materials, and set the stage with garden furniture that brings both comfort and style. Whether you’re serving our colourful salads, sizzling skewers, or indulgent desserts, the right garden dining sets will make your al fresco meals shine.

So take the time to shop for a perfect set of garden furniture that reflects your taste, creates a welcoming outdoor space, and invites you to dine under the sun more often. Because in the end, the best meals are the ones shared outdoors, around a table filled with laughter, delicious bites, and the people who matter most to you.

We’d love to see how you bring these ideas to life and create your own perfect outdoor dining space. Share your favourite garden dining set moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture.

You can also support our Do Some Good campaign by uploading photos of your beautifully styled tables — because every shared snapshot helps us spread the joy of outdoor living.