Table manners!

Now the air is warmer and we are seeing more of the sun, the weekends beg for BBQs and parties! Whether it is a lazy brunch or cocktails and nibbles on the patio, there is nothing nicer than eating alfresco, so here are a few ideas to make the most of the sunshine and eating outside...

Choose a corner of the garden that will give you and your guests the best view of the garden, make sure your planters are full of colourful bloom and the lawn is neatly cut.

Decorate your table with a fresh linen table cloth and arrange clusters of colourful glass lanterns all along the table, it is a good idea to use a few citronella tea lights to keep those annoying little garden bugs at bay! Create a table centre piece with an arrangement of garden flowers, large, bright, colourful blooms or maybe just a few clusters of lavender tied together by garden twine and scattered along the table. Just above the table tie some bunting and for the evening, wind fairy lights through the trees and dot clusters of larger lanterns near steps or door entrances.

Provide some comfortable seating with a range of brightly coloured summer cushions, here the conservations and much laughter will flow; remember to add a little shade for that midday sun and for the evening, when the sun goes down provide a few throws to snuggle under and keep you and your guests nice and warm.

Stay away from using plastic or paper tableware, there is nothing worse than your guests trying to cut through delicious BBQ food with a plastic knife and fork on a plate that is bending under the weight. If you don't want to use your best china and understandably so, opt for colourful wine glasses and fresh, bright white stoneware plates that can be decorated with the use of colourful summer napkins and cutlery. Enjoy!