Garden Entertaining

The summer of 2020 is probably one that none of us will forget for a very long time – as our world is turned on its head, more and more of us are staying at home or enjoying simple self-catering holidays in our own beautiful countryside.

The British weather is always a little unpredictable, but when the clouds break, the sky turns blue and the sun shines then there is no better place to be. Now is the time to take a step back and enjoy some quality time with our family and friends. Hosting a lunch, tea or supper party in the garden does not have to mean burnt sausages and soggy sandwiches.

We have an old wooden garden table and chairs which we move around the garden to suit the temperature and the sun position, but my favourite spot is under the cherry and silver birch trees, where you can still overlook the fields that surround us, whilst enjoying the natural shade that the trees provide.  

Outside eating should be relaxed and informal and I like the mix-match of china, glass and cutlery to keep it colourful and simple. I have some ancient cushions covered in a red strawberry fabric backed in a plain denim, which are just perfect for a garden lunch. Wooden garden chairs can soon become uncomfortable, so have plenty of cushions to offer your guests so that everyone is settled. I mix up the Strawberry cushions with other patterns and stripes but all with the same colours for continuity.

For many years I have collected Designers Guild china. The size of the plates and bowls remain the same, but every year they launch a new pattern or colour, but always with the same feel. I use these plates every day, but the joy of seeing them in the garden on the blue and white checked tablecloth, is just perfect for this occasion.

Our Cornish garden is a simple country space with some established trees, a stretch of lawn and low maintenance flowers, which are ideal for picking to make a centre piece to the table. Although on this occasion, the hedgerows local to me in the Southern Tamar Valley were bursting with wildflowers, so I took advantage of this and created a simple arrangement displayed in a handcrafted jug made by my niece many moons ago.

Interior Designer I maybe, but a chef I am not, but I think this sort of occasion warrants simple summer food – grilled salmon, roasted chicken, new potatoes, salads and fresh crusty bread. Even a simple purchased chocolate cake can be enhanced with some fresh local strawberries and of course for us living in the West Country, it has to be clotted cream.

If you are short of garden space yourself then search the Devon and Cornwall Wildlife Trusts websites for wonderful peaceful settings where you can picnic. Making that little bit of effort with cushions, rugs, china and food will turn the simplest occasion into a happy memory.

Wherever you are this summer, look after yourself and all those that you hold dear, but also take this time to just pause for a moment and enjoy a simple lunch under the shade of a tree and just listen to the silence around you.