We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Up and down the country, the temperature is rising. This can only mean one thing – it’s time to dust off your outdoor furniture and make the most of the sunny weather while you can. It's also the perfect time to entertain in the garden, whether that’s catching up with a friend over a coffee, or a fully-blown garden party for multiple guests.
Whether you choose to go large or keep things intimate, there’s never been a better time to overhaul your alfresco dining essentials. After all, what’s summer without a jug of something chilled to share or a platter of treats to enjoy?
The House Beautiful Marketplace has an expertly-selected assortment of outdoor essentials, and in particular, contemporary serveware, guaranteed to receive compliments. Keep reading for our top picks.
Crafted from mouth-blown hammered glass in an eye-catching orange shade, this striking vase is just the thing for entertaining. Fill to the brim with Pimm's and let it take pride of place at the centre of your table.
Your tablescape options just doubled with this reversible table runner, made from 100 per cent cotton and featuring two pretty prints. Choose stripes for a classic look, or flip to reveal a green, leafy print. We think this would look best styled with plenty of wooden tableware.
There's nothing to bring down the party atmosphere like lukewarm wine. Keep things chilled with this sleek wine cooler, featuring durable stainless steel and mother of pearl inlay. Your bottle of rosé never looked so good.
A real feast for the eyes, this large salad bowl combines rustic wood with an abstract glaze for a unique look. Pair with the matching salad servers and you’ve got an unbeatable serving set that is as pretty as it is practical.
Much like their matching bowl, these unique salad servers feature a mix of sturdy wood and abstract glaze. At only £11, they’re an absolute bargain, too.
A handy multipack of four ultra-soft cotton napkins in a soft blush pink hue – what’s not to love? Washable napkins such as these are a great option if you’re looking to cut down on unnecessary waste.
Simple yet striking, this Scandinavian-inspired carafe from Broste Copenhagen is an elegant way to serve drinks and elevate the dining experience. The tapered shape and bubbled glass make this a truly unique piece.
Created from sustainable olive wood, this rustic serving board has a traditional yet contemporary appeal. We love the organic shape and useful serving handle. Use to serve up your favourite canapés.
The perfect companion to long, hot lunches in the sun. This tall vase features a curved handle and ribbed finish for a rustic effect. Fill to the brim with something chilled and stay hydrated no matter what the weather is doing. Matching glasses are also available.
Expertly carved from olive wood, this serving dish features a trio of compartments for all your favourite snacks. Fill up, then bring out at cocktail hour to cement your title as host with the most.
Hammered glass and a stand-out silhouette make this set of four matching glasses that little bit more special than your day-to-day set. We love the textured finish and sturdy base.
You can never have too many chopping boards on hand when hosting. Whether you need them for preparing food or serving up, the more the merrier. We particularly like the natural wood finish of this board, it gives off a decidedly Scandinavian feel.
Coffee date in the garden? Elevate the experience with these speckled and glazed mugs. The blue and white hue is perfect for summer.