Transformed Al Fresco Area now mirrors a lively French garden bistro, featuring a vegetable-centric focal point!

Transforming Your Garden into a French-Inspired Outdoor Dining Destination

If you aspire to replicate the ambiance of a sun-drenched French café in your own backyard, you can achieve this dream easily with clever garden seating ideas, inspired tablescapes, and well-chosen accessories.

In the garden of Réli, a design aficionado and one-half of the renowned design duo, Style Makers, this vision was brought to life by Laurie, his partner. They turned Réli's outdoor space into a bold and bright alfresco dining spot, echoing the vibrant flavors of France.

'We aimed to tap into the trend of zingy tableware and capitalize on Réli's French heritage to create a lively, alfresco dining scene,'explained Laurie.

The garden was divided into two key areas to cater to different dining preferences. A beautifully styled dining table was set up for grazing platters and picky foods, perfect for laid-back lunches. Meanwhile, the pergola provided the ideal spot for after-dinner coffee and relaxation.

'Café culture has become so popular, and we wanted to demonstrate how one can effortlessly recreate the experience at home,' said Réli. ' We opted for a casual bistro feel to avoid a too-formal setting.'

The garden makeover began with a splash of paint on the fences and pergola. Once the canvas was prepared, the Style Makers turned their attention to styling. Here are some tricks they employed to transform the outdoor space:

Playful Place Settings

The duo found the key pieces to set off their table in the new Bon Appétit range from Talking Tables. By mixing and matching the plates, featuring motifs like lemons, tomatoes, olives, and fish, and incorporating vibrant colors such as red, yellow, blue, and mint, they created a kaleidoscope of color that was anything but muted.

For a fun touch, they used Romano peppers for name tags, writing the names of guests on them with Posca pens, available on Amazon.

Eye-catching Centerpiece

To replace the traditional large floral centerpiece, the Style Makers opted for an alternative display using fruit and vegetables. A bowl containing large peppers served as the base, supplemented with toothpicks to hold lemons and tomatoes in place. Loose vegetables were placed around the bottom of the bowl, with flower stems inserted into the display for a casual, colorful centerpiece that was easy to put together and affordable.

Vibrant Flowers

To set the stage for a French-themed dining spot, it was essential to incorporate flowers and plants that added color and fragrance. The Style Makers selected lupins and lavender from Dobbies to achieve the desired color palette.

Colourful Pergola

To deliver a cosy vibe in the pergola area, the Style Makers added cushions and throws, along with lanterns to extend the enjoyment of the space even as the sun went down. The cushions came from the Sophie Robinson range at Dunelm, with a few from Amanda West, while the floral paper lanterns were from Talking Tables.

To further personalize the space, the Style Makers added prints to the back of the pergola. Their favorite was the Pina Colada from Oh My Sass on Etsy, which did not adhere strictly to the French theme but fit seamlessly due to its vibrant colors.

With café culture flourishing on Pinterest and Instagram, the Style Makers decided to give their garden bistro makeover a personal touch by creating a café menu. They used a wall organizer from Dunelm to write out the drinks available for guests, with hooks also serving as handy hangers for blankets and lanterns.

Lavender Iced Coffee

In honor of the French theme, the duo crafted lavender iced coffees and garnished them with sprigs of lavender sourced from Dobbies. This simple recipe comprises ice, lavender syrup, coffee, and milk with a few sprigs of lavender served as a decorative topper. The lavender-hued lemon tin tray from Talking Tables added to the French flair, adding zesty colors and a 'Bon Appetit' motif.

'I believe there's a wealth of opportunity to personalize these types of settings. While we went for a French theme, you could easily adapt it to Italian, Spanish, or Greek themes,' said Laurie. 'All it takes is a little effort, and you'll have a dining spot you can proudly showcase.'

Tips for a French-Themed Garden

Wrought iron furniture: Their timeless allure adds sophistication, making them an ideal choice for french-inspired garden seating.
Vintage-Inspired Planters: Terracotta pots or faux cement urns deliver a curated feel and complement the rustic charm of French country design.
Cozy Throws: Soft textures or subtle stripes further elevate the French elegance.
Garden Stools: Ceramic garden stools make for perfect side tables, providing a whimsical touch with their sculptural form.
Patterned Outdoor Rugs: Soft, vintage-inspired rugs anchors your seating area, adding visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Lighting: Employ soft, warm lighting through lanterns or string lights to create a cozy ambiance that adds to the French charm.
Decor: Citrus fruits on a coffee table, reminiscent of a French grocery, bring freshness and color to the seating area.
Plants: Lavender or roses are common in French gardens, adding to the overall theme.

By blending these elements, you can create a French-inspired outdoor dining spot that exudes elegance and charm.

'To complement the French-inspired outdoor dining spot, the duo, Style Makers, focused on sustainable living by choosing home-and-garden decor that promotes a lifestyle of outdoor-living. They opted for a selection of furniture, planters, and rugs that are both vintage-inspired and eco-friendly, such as wrought iron furniture and terracotta pots.'

'Moreover, they continued this ethos in their food and drinks, creating a lavender-iced coffee recipe using lavender sourced from Dobbies, a local provider, and serving it in a lavender-hued lemon tin tray from Talking Tables, promoting a sustainable lifestyle and enhancing the French-themed garden even further.'