Wicklewood top tips to make the most of the last of al fresco dining

Last of the summer: dining alfresco

With August coming to an end, the days of alfresco dining are drawing to a close. We’re secretly hoping for an Indian summer that brings a balmy September filled with evening BBQs, so we’ve put together our top tips for making the most of those final long outdoor lunches and dinners under the stars. And if the weather gets too chilly? These all work for inside dining, too.

Embrace colour

Late summer sun and a greenery-filled space are the perfect backdrop for a table that’s filled with colour. How you use colour is entirely up to you - pick a palette and choose flowers and table linen that coordinate, or opt for a riotous mix. Our colourful tabletop collection is the perfect starting point.

Shop Wicklewood colourful handwoven Guatemalan placemats and hand block printed tablecloths now

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Mixed Set of 4 handwoven striped placemats

Layer textiles

We love mixing prints - choose a printed tablecloth, then add colourful placemats. Coasters, napkins and vases all add texture and interest to your table. When it comes to plates and glasses, keep things simple, or layer in more colour and print, depending on your mood.

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Zig Zag tablecloth and Set of six striped handwoven placemats

Garden to table

Nothing feels more summery than vases overflowing with the fruits of your garden. If you’re lucky enough to be green-fingered, cuttings from your beds make the perfect finishing touch. Or choose your favourites from your local florist - we love anything locally picked and in season. Then fill your home with flowers long after the party’s over.

Shop Wicklewood blue and white hand thrown and hand painted ceramics

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Triple layer dash vase, Double layer arrow vase, Dotted dash fan vase and Small dot stripe fan vase

Picnic style

If you’ve got a house full, or a gaggle of small people who won’t be at the table for long, create a colourful chill-out area. Throw out a couple of quilts and pile up the cushions to create a relaxed picnic-style setting. And the perfect place to lie back with a glass of rose when lunch is finished...

Wicklewood reversible quilts and cushions are perfect to tranform your home or garden

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Mali Kahala quilt, Ikat Colebrook cushion, Oakleaves cushion

It’s all in the details

Tiny details can make all the difference to the mood and atmosphere. Make use of a selection of mix and match ceramic bowls to fill with delicious salads and our layered vases double as characterful water urns. Colourful decorative trays are perfect to fill with glasses, collected ornaments can add character and quirk to a unique table setting

 

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                        Wicklewood hand-thrown and hand-painted South African bowls

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