Dreamy Outdoor Dining Oasis with Living in Shade
Summer is here, and it’s time to elevate your outdoor home entertaining game! Melanie Rosettenstein serves up the perfect recipe for taking your next long, lazy lunch or sizzling summer BBQ to the next level.
When it comes to home entertaining, there are a few essential ingredients to create the perfect outdoor setting that will impress your guests – shade, a beautiful garden, a stylish table setting and of course, a mouthwatering meal. Marj Van Roy from Manawee Garden Centre recommends thinking about your space as if you’re creating another room for your home. For those who don’t know where to begin, she says to start with one or two key plants that make you feel happy and that suit your space – whether it’s sunny or shaded.
“Then, build around those,” she says. “Don’t feel you have to do it all at once; let it grow over time.”
Reliable shade, some beautiful well-placed pots, a serene water feature and of course beautiful, suitable plants are all elements needed to create a dreamy alfresco dining area. For deep shade, Marj suggests Rhapis Palms, Tenants Gray Star or Monstera and Alocasia for a tropical look. To add pops of colour, go for sun-loving plants such as Bougainvillea or Mandevilla, and if you have a native garden, you can’t go wrong with Grass Trees, Grevilleas, Cousin It and Dichondra Silver Falls. If you have a convertible awning that opens and closes, Marj suggests going for plants that can tolerate sun and shade such as Cascade Palm, Native Gardenia and Magnolia. For a touch of excitement, opt for an edible garden with fruit trees, herbs or edible flowers.
“Nothing is nicer than sharing what you do in your garden with others,” she says. “If you plant some of these this year, next Christmas you could be sharing homemade jams, a jar of olives or some delicious lemonade cordial.”
For this, Marj recommends Olive trees, Kumquats, Lemon trees, and Marigolds. Hardscape items like pots and a simple water feature are also key elements and when selecting pots, Marj recommends using varied sizes and textures for visual interest, making sure to create height with your plants.
“White and grey pots suit coastal or modern settings while heavier pots suit a more traditional look,” she says.
And, when it comes to water features, Marj says that it takes a lot of work to look after them but they do create a pleasant atmosphere.
“Make sure it’s a large simple feature that has presence and most importantly, that you have power nearby,” she says.
Why not call in the crew from Earth Creation Landscapes to sort it all out for you! Al fresco dining needs a stylish and versatile shade solution to transform outdoor areas from ordinary to exceptional. Specialising in bespoke shade solutions that stand the test of time, Tom Tregenza from Living in Shade says this summer is all about vertical blinds and slide-wire awnings that throw some shade on outdoor dining spaces.
“External Vertical Blinds have ability to span an impressive 12 metres without obstructing your view, and they will keep you cool and comfortable,” he says.
“Professionally installed with the best, rust-proof components, they are a clear winner for creating a cozy or breezy weather-proof oasis, no matter the forecast. Whether it’s blazing sun or gusty winds, these durable, weather-resistant blinds do the job!”
Offering customisable shade and privacy plus a range of colours and materials, you can adjust them to suit the season, mood or occasion. For an elevated outdoor dining experience, the sleek, stylish and retractable Slide-Wire Awning is the ultimate ‘shade’ of cool! Manual or motorised, this practical yet chic Roman-style folding cover glides smoothly along tensioned stainless steel cables, offering custom shade control with a simple slide. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or dodging a rain cloud, the Dyed Acrylic fabric is water and fade-resistant, keeping your space looking sharp. And don’t worry about rust, the marine-grade stainless steel and non-corrosive components means your awning is there for the long haul. With its blend of simplicity and strength, this locally made beauty not only protects you from the elements but also amps up your décor with its elegant design.
“With the slide-wire awning we can customise sizing and fabrics and we also offer quick installation service so our clients can dine outdoors this summer in no time,” Tom says.
Once your outdoor dining space is complete – make your way over to Eclectic Style Noosa to find the perfect dining set, tableware, crockery, and glassware to complete the look. With a welcoming, shady set up, some gorgeous greenery, an expertly poured tipple (try Sunshine & Sons’ Limited Edition Wild Peach Gin) and your choice of a summery recipe (find one within these pages), you’ll have everything to wow your guests! Hello, Summer!
