Spring Refresh: How to Prepare for a Season of Elegant Entertaining

With spring finally here and a long, wet winter behind us, the first burst of sunshine in the UK feels like a sigh of relief. It’s that time of year when we emerge from hibernation and begin to dream of summer gatherings, Long lunches, drinks with friends, and evenings that stretch blissfully into night.

During the warmer months, your garden becomes an extension of your living space. Designing it is much like designing a room, without having to worry about moving any walls. Light is one of the key factors. A south-facing garden is wonderful, but dining in full sun at midday can quickly become uncomfortable. Pay attention to how sunlight shifts throughout the day and consider how planting or parasols might provide natural shade and atmosphere.

When planning your outdoor space, think about your activities and how you’ll use it. For instance, we divided our terrace into zones. One side, perfect for evening drinks, and next to the children’s play area, allowing everyone to unwind together. Later, we’d move to the dining table for a meal, before returning to the relaxed seating area for a final glass of wine under the stars. This type of flow gives structure to your evening while keeping things relaxed and sociable. Think about how you want your guest to flow through your space or if there is a change for a hidden relaxation space.

Then, it’s time to choose your style. Will you follow this year’s trends, or lean into timeless themes? Perhaps you’re drawn to the soft nostalgia of an English Rose Garden or the elegance of the French Riviera. Maybe you prefer the bold spirit of the Caribbean, the laid-back charm of surf culture, or the lively energy of an Italian summer gathering. I tend to float between the relaxed buzz of Italian-style dinners and the understated luxury of a Riviera, and some nights, we just sit outside simply because we can.

Each scheme brings a different mood and palette, offering endless inspiration.

An English Rose Garden is a traditional and can be formal formal in a beautiful setting . Picture wild meadows , the warmth of a British summer, and a vintage tea sets. Table settings are elegant but avoid anything too twee. Layer soft neutrals with a statement Wedgwood pattern and delicate lace linens borrowed from your Grandma.

The French Riviera is all about white and deep navy blue. Think wrought iron furniture, plush white cushions trimmed in navy piping, and linens that flutter in the breeze. It’s formal but relaxed, cool without trying, and complete with silver champagne troughs and crisp wine glasses that glisten in the sun.

Italian alfresco dining is pure joy—vibrant, noisy, and a little bit chaotic in the best way. Natural elements used everywhere, jugs of wine on mismatched tables, and a sense of celebration that invites everyone in. It doesn’t need to match; it just needs to feel like home.

If beachside bliss is more your pace, lean into surfing vibes with soft blues, whites, and sun-faded yellows. Furniture should feel weathered and welcoming, the kind of space where seafood platters are devoured with sandy toes and a breeze on your face. Don’t forget a firepit to keep the evening glowing long after the sun sets.

And then there’s the Caribbean. Bold, colourful, and completely infectious. This scheme brings sophistication with a pop of playfulness to your gathering through food that speaks of sunshine and celebration. It’s a confident, joyful style that guarantees a good time.

However you choose to celebrate the season, your garden can become a beautiful backdrop for memory-making. With a little thought and design, you can turn your outdoor space into a setting worthy of the best kind of entertaining, warm, welcoming, and utterly unforgettable.