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Ideas for organising a meal in the garden

If you're lucky enough to have a terrace or garden at home, when the warmer weather allows, you probably move most of your meals and dinners outdoors. To make the most of this space at home from now on, we'll show you some decorating and planning ideas so that you can organise the best meal in the garden. Get inspired and take note!

A dining room in the garden  

When we invite people over to our home, we break out our best finery in the dining room to wow the guests. Why not do the same thing in the garden? If you have enough space outdoors at home, it's a great idea to set up a dining room as you would inside. So, a large table for when guests come around, chairs that can be stacked for six or eight diners, a kitchen or barbecue area and a shelving unit to keep the cookware handy or display decorative items.

Oh! And don't forget to provide some shade over the table with a parasol and enough lighting in case the meal goes on into the evening. Outdoor solar lamps will do the trick and you can also add some string lights or candles to give the space that beautiful, cosy vibe. 

Outdoor barbecue furniture

So that you have everything at hand and don't need to go back and forth to the kitchen, the ideal is to have everything in the garden, kitchen and sink included. If space and finances allow, it's a great idea to fit a small cooking corner on your terrace or in your garden.

There are now plenty of multifunctional furniture options specifically designed for outdoors that will meet all your storage and cooking needs. From coal barbecues, gas barbecues, portable induction hobs and gas cookers to sinks. Don't forget, you'll also need some shelving or a trolley to keep your utensils and trays on!

A parasol is a must-have item for outdoor dining

With a gazebo, parasol or awning, you'll be able to keep the sun and rain at bay. It's always annoying when you have to eat with the sun in your eyes or when a summer storm spoils an outdoor celebration, making you run for cover.

A canopy might be a more affordable and equally practical and useful solution for sheltering you from the sun, wind or rain. And you can also place it sideways to give you more privacy on your terrace or in your garden.

Finishing touches for your terrace

The final thing to remember is that we need to feel like we're in a natural and relaxed setting for a space to be cosy. To achieve this feel, we can use decorative elements such as plants and accessories made of natural fibres (pots, baskets, utensils etc.).

Tableware, table linen and glassware also play a special role in providing maximum enjoyment at the table. Mix different styles and colours to fit with the decor of your space and show off your best pieces! You will make everyone feel special!

If we're going to while away the evenings around the table, the chairs need to be as comfy as possible. Cover your chairs or benches with outdoor cushions and you're all set! 

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We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return them.