A guide to alfresco entertaining this autumn
Guest blog by stylist and content creator Pandora Maxton
There’s something lovely about the first hints of autumn that makes me want to gather everyone around a table, light the fire pit, and cook something comforting. The evenings might be getting cooler and darker, but I’m not ready to retreat indoors just yet.
Our pergola is a well-used space throughout summer and winter. Being sheltered means we can continue eating outside long after summer disappears, especially with a fire pit going, a few blankets and plenty of warm lighting.
Navy blue seagrass basket, £24.95
This autumn table is relaxed and inviting, and I use as much as I can from around the garden. By September, many of the flowers are past their best, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still look beautiful. Dried hydrangea heads are one of my absolute favourites. Their faded, muted colours are perfect for autumn and they last for ages. Here, I’ve added a roll of hessian, which I love.
Leaf seagrass placement mat, £12.95
I mix the hydrangeas with dried foliage, seed heads, bits of grass and whatever else I can find. I’ve popped everything into a few of these lovely retro storage tins to create a table arrangement. Using dried and foraged foliage is much cheaper too. I actually think the slightly dried, imperfect look works far better at this time of year than anything too pristine.
'Honey' Medium storage tins (set of 2), £8.95
Mini pumpkins and squash are also a perfect way to add a seasonal touch to the table. You can eat them afterwards too.
Lighting is probably one of the easiest ways to completely change the feel of an outdoor table, especially now that the evenings are drawing in. I love using little battery-operated lamps dotted along the table amongst the dried foliage. They create gorgeous warm pools of light without having to worry about cables or plug sockets.
Green hurricane LED lantern, £19.95
A battery-operated touch lamp is particularly handy. With a simple tap, the light comes on as the evening starts to fade, and suddenly the whole table feels much cosier.
Fawn dimmable mushroom lamp, £19.95
Amber retro glass tumbler (325ml), £5.95
I like to mix the lamps with candles and lanterns, while festoon lights add an extra warm and cosy feel. Different little pockets of warm light make the pergola feel intimate and inviting, especially with the flames of the pizza oven in the background. I’ve also added these pretty seat pad cushions on our chairs for extra comfort.
Green blockprint seat pad cushion (37x37cm), £9.95
The pizza oven is brilliant for entertaining because nobody is stuck in the kitchen. Everyone can get involved, pizzas can be made and cooked as you go, and standing around a hot pizza oven with a glass of red wine in your hand feels exactly right for autumn.
I love these gorgeous retro wine glasses with the lovely amber stems.
Amber retro roemer glasses 350ml (set of 2), £19.95
For a seasonal twist, I added squash to the pizza, topping it with mozzarella, a little goat’s cheese or blue cheese, crispy sage and some toasted walnuts. You could add pancetta or prosciutto too - it’s a lovely combination. I serve everything on wooden boards in the middle of the table so everyone can help themselves. No formal courses, no complicated cooking and definitely no need for everything to match.
Mango wood chopping board, £14.95
Then keep the red wine flowing. I’ve used these really cute fish carafes to serve the wine, while the water is served in the larger fish bottle.
Green fish glass jug 350ml, £6.95
Green fish glass bottle 500ml, £8.95
I think we can be too quick to pack our gardens away once September arrives. With a little shelter, some warmth and good lighting, there are still so many evenings to enjoy outside.
Green fish glass candlestick (12 cm), £4.95
Looking for some accessories for the perfect autumn alfresco setting? Be sure to take a look at Rex London’s colourful tableware, home decor, and garden gifts.
