Yes, you can achieve a chic look at a low cost
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As we edge our way into the summer season and the evenings begin to feel warmer, you might be tempted to take your meals outside for al fresco dining, to soak up the most of the balmy weather while it lasts.
I, for one, find any excuse to enjoy a sun-dappled meal outdoors - whether it's a picnic in the park or tea in the garden. And when it comes to finding the perfect garden table for the patio, I believe you don't need to spend a lot to achieve a chic, stylish look. With so many elevated staples available from our high street heroes (including and John Lewis), the proof is in the pudding.
As for decorating your table, you can leave the bare bones of your table as is, simply slipping a few flowers into small stem vases or glass jars to echo a rustic charm. Or, for an effortlessly chic feel, just throw on a pink linen tablecloth. The best part? No ironing needed! The texture of ever so slightly wrinkled linen will being a majestic, Provençal feel to your garden.
For seating, scatter a few cushions onto a bench or drape soft blankets over chairs to stretch your outdoor dinner long into the evening, while bringing home comforts outdoors, too.
The beauty of garden furniture is that unlike indoor dining set-ups – which can take more time and attention to curate – al fresco dining is often at its best when an easy-breezy approach is taken.
Ultimately, don't shy away from mixing textures and tones. Just like your flower patch, when it comes to your garden patio, you really can achieve the best results from leaning into furniture and accessories in all shapes, sizes and colours.
From extendable and folding tables to vintage-inspired pieces (without the posh price tag) and brightly-coloured metals, read on to discover our pick of the best patio dining tables.
This stackable set in sage green will give your patio a sleek, contemporary edge.
Once paired with cosy armchairs, this sweet coffee table will transform your patio into an oasis for reading and hosting friends.
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When the British weather isn't playing ball, bring in the sunshine with this joyful yellow tone. This magic act tucks away to save space, or doubles up as two coffee tables.
With its timeless sage green coating, this classic folding dining table and matching chairs echo café-style outdoor dining.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by choice when it comes to garden furniture. Luckily, Ikea have done the hard work for us with this patio dining table set, which includes a table, two chairs and a bench in one low-cost bundle.
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With its beautiful rust tone, you needn't worry about this metal table aging – the patina will only add to its vintage character.
Complete with four chic armchairs, this dining set looks effortlessly stylish as it is, but to elevate the look further, throw on a white cotton table cloth and place a candle in a hurricane jar in the centre.
No mix-matching different tables here: with its clever extending panel, you can stretch this 6-8 seater patio dining table to accommodate 10 to 12 people. Perfect for family get-togethers and BBQs this summer.
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Perfect for al fresco breakfasts in the height of summer, this three-piece bistro set is easy to swiftly pack away again once you're done.
Bella Evennett-Watts
Homes Editor
Bella is our Homes Editor, covering interiors, décor, gardens, and shopping. Prior to this role, she contributed to Good Housekeeping features. When she’s not writing, Bella can be found scouring second-hand markets for covetable vintage homeware, entertaining guests at home, and exploring art exhibitions.
