While the great British summer can be somewhat unpredictable when it comes to weather, we’re ready to set the table and socialise come rain or shine. So you can stop tapping refresh on your weather app as we’ve pulled together our favourite indoor entertaining inspiration.
Whether rain means alfresco eating’s a washout, or you simply don’t have the luxury of outdoor space, with these indoor dining tips and ideas, the outlook’s sunny regardless.
Set the tone with seating
Brooklyn dining table | Brooklyn bench
It’s summertime and laidback living is in full swing so give your guests the cues they need to kick back. Benches and stools aren’t just great space savers, they’re also more informal than chairs. People don’t mind getting cosy at a party and benches can accommodate more people.
When you’re not using them tuck them away or repurpose them around the home. You can stow storage baskets under benches in the hallway or use the stools as lamp tables or simple bedside tables in a guest room.
Mixing and matching your seating also sends a signal that things aren’t stuffy; rustic oak, painted pieces and woven finishes all bring something different to the party and create a relaxed feel in this scheme.
If you want an eclectic aesthetic but haven’t got time to source individual chairs from vintage fairs or markets, we suggest recreating the mismatched look by buying a few pairs of chairs in different designs. Doubling up on each style will make it feel more curated and intentional than if every chair’s different.
Table talk
Credit: @danisdomain
As well as choosing different chair styles, you can use crockery and glassware to make things feel relaxed. Pick various shades, patterns and textures to make every place setting slightly different, stick to a unifying colour if you want to avoid it looking too cluttered or chaotic.
Going to town on decorating the table isn’t just for Christmas, embrace summer’s carefree vibe and inject some fun into your party prep. Take inspiration from outdoor dining to create a cheerful backdrop to mealtimes. We love this zesty floral display that @danisdomain created on this beautifully bright tablescape.
For an injection of green, trim some leaves from a monstera or palm, pop them between a couple of sheets of newspaper and leave them under a heavy stack of books. After a week or two, they will be flat and ready to add a touch of tropical to your table.
Indoor/outdoor living
Burleigh dining table | @transformationavenue
Open-plan kitchen/diners are the social hubs of modern homes and many now feature impressive bi-fold doors that lead out to gardens. This is a great way to let the space flow and incorporate indoor/outdoor living. French windows are also a lovely feature that’s also practical and allows light to fill the room.
With ample glass to flood light into your home and views of flowers and greenery, on overcast, slightly chilly or showery summer days, you can still get that outside feeling but keep warm and dry by hosting inside.
Extend that biophilic aesthetic with a show-stopping bunch of foliage and delicate white blooms in the middle of your dining table. Use white crockery to lay the foundations for summery salads and bbq feasts, while a vibrant pop of yellow decor packs a punch.
DIY drinks station
Aspen shelving unit | @little_georgian
Bar carts are all the rage but if you haven’t tracked one down, you can use a sideboard, console table or shelving unit to create a bar area where people can top up a jug of Pimm’s or mix a mojito.
With guests able to help themselves, it frees you up to enjoy the party. Dress the shelving with some flowers, candles, pretty glassware, an ice bucket, a cocktail shaker, a chopping board, and a bowl of fruit and you’re all set… cocktail umbrellas and cherries optional.
Hopefully, that’s given you plenty of ideas for hosting this summer. Head to the Oak Furnitureland website to browse our extensive collection of dining tables and more. Plus, we’d love to see how you style your home for indoor summer dining. Head to Instagram and tag us at #OakFurnitureland to share your homes.
