After Hours Alfresco

It's that time of year with the evenings drawing out & with luck, some warmth to bask in. You don't have to have a large garden or terrace, it's possible to create a special & intimate dining setting in the smallest of areas, with a little thought & attention to detail. Here are some ideas to get your home or terrace, 'alfresco' ready... If your space is limited, add an outdoor mirror, they not only make your space feel larger, they also reflect your lighting, amplifying the magical elements of your setting. Bring some colour to your setting with some of the season's pastel ceramics, teamed with spring blossoms and some colourful seasonal recipes. Or, for a simpler colour scheme, try using vegetables, fruit and herbs as seen in some of the pins here. Green, white & wood, are always beautiful together & it's amazing what you can put together using some simple greenery from your garden and some candles... Lighting is always important for creating atmosphere, so bring a warm glow to your evening as the dusk arrives, by hanging tea lights overhead, or a string of battery powered fairy lights and have plenty of hurricane lamps with candles on your table or placed around your gathering. For a quirky twist, try hanging an elaborate chandelier, as in some of the photos here, to lend a sense of drama and add instant impact. However, simple decorations will also lift your scene from the everyday to something special, from wreaths decorated to complement your scheme or some simple paper lanterns...be creative, have fun & enjoy the preparations. It really is possible to make magic from the mundane, & you, & your guests will be thrilled with your efforts!