Clodagh's Top Tips for Dining Al Fresco
COMFORT
Comfort and being warm are the two most important aspects of dining outdoors. Pillows on everyone’s seats and blankets on the backs of chairs are a must. My new addition is a hot water bottle (if it’s cold), for everyone to place on their laps, it makes such a HUGE difference. I also always have firepits lighting, a few small ones dotted around the table so that the smoke isn’t too overpowering from one big fire.
HOW TO CREATE ATMOSPHERE
A table flooded with candle light will create a beautiful calm and magical atmosphere. I also have a candle lanterns hanging over my table outdoors to create extra light and also the area surrounding your table, such as the side tables, and on the ground. Floods of tealights in brown paper bags or glass jars at the entrance or around the garden can look gorgeous, but remember to put out quite a few either dotted in a line or bundled together to make an impact. Pop stones into the paper bags so they don’t fly away in the wind.
A good playlist is essential something jazzy or Motown (Nina Simone is a favourite or nothing beats the Buena Vista Social Club) for cocktails upon arrival, something more folksy such as Hozier for supper, and post-supper, the playlist should be either fun sing-alongs or for dancing—Tina Turner is always on my list.
MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF
Get really organised the day before – create a menu that you can cook ahead, bring everything outside the day before too (except for things that might get damp like blankets, linen, and cushions). Set up one table beside our dining table that is for desserts, cheese, drinks, teas and coffees and have this fully stocked before guests arrive. If you are new to entertaining then I would suggest to create a small buffet, they everything can be set up ahead of time and you can relax and enjoy the occasion.
STYLING THE TABLE
I love soft fresh colours on natural linens. Lots of stem vases with two or three wild garlic flowers, white aluminum flowers, or white halabours and peach or other soft coloured tulip stems speckled in between running down the table. I also love decorating the table with seasonal vegetables. At this time of year fresh radishes with their long green leaves look fabulous dotted along the table, or placed on each napkin. Set on a soft sage green linen, soft pink or our white and blue pin-striped. Velvet ribbons always look so lovely when wrapped around napkins or cutlery
INVESTMENT
A few things have been game changers for me when it comes to dining outdoors – an outdoor electric socket for lights, music, charging. It’s not as complicated as it might seem to get this done, most electricians will be able to do it for you. Also a Bluetooth chargeable speaker to link to your spotify if you don’t have an outdoor electric socket. And lastly hurricanes for your candles, the stop the wind blowing out the lovely glow of candles and also the wax going everywhere.
ENTERTAINING IN SMALL GARDENS/BALCONIES
It is so much easier to create a magical atmosphere in a small space than a large space. I would clear everything that is not needed for the event and plan everything around the table. Plants moved closer to the table in groups for more impact. Hang lights and candles from above to create a feeling of space.
RAIN?
There is a saying in Ireland, it’s not the weather that’s bad it’s how your dressed! It’s very uncomfortable if you get wet, so if you have a garden shed that you can deck out, or an umbrella that will properly cover the table and your guests.
