Fresh white tablecloths, mood lighting, tinkling glassware and a lot of conviviality well past sunset. Summer is perfect for intimate dinners with your loved one on your balcony or terrace. And for endless evenings with the whole family or with your friends at long tables in the garden. With these 3 tips, you can transform your outdoor space into the place to be in no time.

Tip 1 | Dressing the table for summer: the glasses

We said it before: glassware is indispensable on a summer evening. Of course to quench your thirst but also to toast to life. So make sure to have all the necessary glassware ready. Because of the sultry or downright high temperatures, water glasses and a decanter will at least have a place on the table. Furthermore, place a wine glass next to each plate. Keep the wine itself nice and cool in a wine cooler or pour it into a handy wine carafe. And finally: make sure you have some nice juice glasses ready for those who do not drink alcohol. They too deserve a nice glass!

Tip 2 | The summer table: set the mood

The combination of dinnerware and cutlery sets the mood for your summer table. Do you like casual and no nonsense? Then mix & match what you have at home. If you want to get some unity, select on color. For example, keep it white with silver cutlery and wooden serving spoons. Enjoy!

Tip 3 | Arrange the ideal summer table in 6 steps

Do you have an evening planned with friends? Then you want only one thing: to give them an unforgettable evening. Of course, that "unforgettable" is mostly about good company. But good preparation also helps. Therefore, pay attention to:

• The tablecloth: not the antique one that shouldn't get stained and not the one that all the kids have painted their hands on so nicely with finger paint. A quick iron over it and done.
• The plates: serve each course on its own plate. Feels nice and luxurious and the dishwasher is willing.
• The cutlery: put all the cutlery for the meal in advance on either side of the plate. Remember: whatever you use first is farthest from the plate. And make sure the knives are sharpened so they work smoothly.
• Comfortable chairs: after all, you want your visitors to stick around for a long time, right?
• Party lights: candles, windlights and (solar) light chains create instant atmosphere at the table.
• Music: make a playlist of light, summer songs and put it on before your friends get there.

Going for a barbecue? Then check out our 3 tips for a surprisingly delicious BBQ first. Are tapas more your thing or do you just want to have a nice drink? In this blog you can read all about the perfect tapas board.