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 because we’ve pulled together our favourite indoor entertaining inspiration.
Whether rain means alfresco eating is 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
Maine dining table set | Maine bookcase | Maine sideboard
It’s summertime and laid-back 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 setting.
If you want an eclectic aesthetic but don’t have the 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 is different.
Table talk
Credit: @danisdomain
In addition to choosing different chair styles, you can use crockery and glassware to create a relaxed atmosphere. Pick various shades, patterns and textures to make every place setting slightly different, and 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 for 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, place 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 tropical touch to your table.
Indoor/outdoor living
Burleigh dining table | @transformationavenue
Open-plan kitchen/diners are the social hubs of modern homes with many now featuring impressive bi-fold doors leading out to gardens. This design choice is a great way to let the space flow and incorporate indoor/outdoor living. French windows are also a practical and lovely feature that allows natural light to fill the room.
With ample glass to flood light into your home and views of flowers and greenery, even on overcast, slightly chilly, or showery summer days, you can still get that outside feeling while keeping warm and dry by hosting inside.
Enhance 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 found one yet, 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 make the perfect G&T.
With guests helping 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 #GrowYourHome to share your homes.
