Summer is a time for tables to really come into their own, and you can do so much better than dragging a hardwood dining table and straight-backed chairs into the garden when you want to indulge in some al fresco dining.
Here are five ideas of how you can put the right furniture to good use outdoors, whether you want to make a fairly formal outdoor food area, or a casual platform to keep items well clear of the ground.
1. Picnic prep
Just because you're going for a picnic, it doesn't mean you can't take a table and chairs.
Folding chairs are an ever-popular option when you need to fit a few into your boot, while our folding tables include our amazingly space-saving six-foot folding plastic table, which has the option of a folding top that collapses down to just three feet.
With these, you can cater for larger groups - including older relatives who need a proper chair to sit on - while also giving you plenty of table top space to put the food, and shade underneath to keep drinks cool.
Useful links to our relevant product pages:
- https://www.trentfurniture.co.uk/products/all-chairs/folding-chair-557
- https://www.trentfurniture.co.uk/products/all-tables/white-plastic-folding-table-593
2. BBQ buffets
Again, give some thought to who will be attending your barbecue. If you need to cater for vegetarians, for instance, you might want to choose a larger table, like our 6-foot plywood folding table, and set out some snacks that are kept well clear of the meat.
You can add a 3-foot folding table as a staging area for the raw meat, so it's kept to one side well away from the cooked food, while using the larger table as a counter top to put out the food as it's cooked and ready.
Useful links to our relevant product pages:
- https://www.trentfurniture.co.uk/products/all-tables/6-american-style-trestle-folding-table-97
- https://www.trentfurniture.co.uk/products/all-tables/3-american-style-trestle-table-602
3. Camping in comfort
It's useful to check what facilities are available on the campsite before you set off - you never know if they might have picnic tables, for example.
You might still want to pack some folding chairs if you want to make certain of having enough seats, as it can be awkward when some people have somewhere to sit, while others are cross-legged on the floor.
For ultimate portability, pack some of our banquet seat pads, which you can attach to any suitable seat using the Velcro straps, or just use as a cushion in their own right for a padded place to sit at short notice.
In this way, you can take a cushion for everyone in your party, while taking up the bare minimum of space in your car boot or in your rucksacks - which leaves more room to take some outdoor games like cricket or tennis to enjoy in the summer sunshine!
Useful links to our relevant product pages:
- https://www.trentfurniture.co.uk/products/all-chairs/banquet-seat-pad-505
4. Brunch on the beach
Beach trips can be surprisingly furniture-friendly, as unlike most rough outdoor ground, you can always get a table level on sand - just push each leg down into the sand a little to level it out, and use a cup of water as a makeshift spirit level if needed.
We've already mentioned our folding tables, but if you have a bit more space - in the back of a mobile home or a van, for instance - why not pack one of our Strassa outdoor tables?
The spiral legs are easy to level out on sand and as an outdoor table, it's designed to withstand the elements when used in the open air.
Many of our outdoor chairs are space-conscious too, so again, if you're travelling in a van you might find you have room to pack a few stacking chairs, or you can opt for folding chairs again instead.
Again outdoor chairs are designed to resist all kinds of substances, so you don't have to worry so much about getting sunscreen on them - and you can always throw a towel over them if you prefer to shield them against any sun cream transference.
Useful links to our relevant product pages:
- https://www.trentfurniture.co.uk/products/all-tables/outdoor-tables/1
- https://www.trentfurniture.co.uk/products/all-outdoor-furniture/outdoor-chairs/1
5. Summer of sport
Last but not least, the summer of 2018 is a big one for sport, with early July bringing Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix and the Football World Cup from Russia too.
If you're planning to attend any outdoor sporting events where seating isn't provided as standard, our M Stools are a stylish and lightweight option with an attractive light oak finish, for an instant seat wherever you need it.
They're pretty portable too, so if you and your friends are taking it in turns to host on match days, it's easy to transport your stools to wherever they are needed - you might want to each represent a World Cup host city, for instance, before choosing the best location overall for the big party on grand final day.