With searches for ‘summer dinner party ideas’ and ‘garden party’ surging by 550% and 128% in the past three months, many are set to take advantage of the upcoming heatwave by hosting at home this Summer, with fire pits set to be this year’s garden hosting staple. A recent survey by British furniture brand, Barker and Stonehouse, revealed that over half of UK households will use their gardens for hosting, confirming that the dining table, inside or out, will be the heart of the home.
Speaking to TikTok influencer, Matilda Bea, she says, “People are craving connection and comfort, and dinner parties offer both. It’s about more than just food, it’s the joy of gathering, the creativity in hosting, and building memories together. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to feel personal and welcoming.”
Here, Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse and Matilda share with YCB how to elevate your summer soirees, from sociable seating areas, to themed tablescapes, and crowd-pleasing dishes.
Twilight Tablescapes.
Lena shares that fire pits are best sellers this year as people look to turn their gardens into cosy extensions of their homes. “They’re perfect for evening hosting, creating warmth, a natural gathering point, and a beautifully atmospheric setting when paired with candlelight and layered textures in earthy tones like ochre, sienna and forest green.
You can elevate your gathering and create a warm and inviting space around your fire pit by placing two garden sofas opposite each other, with the fire at the centre. This layout mimics the intimacy of a restaurant booth, encouraging easy conversation and a sociable atmosphere.
It’s a clever way to avoid awkward furniture placement and ensures everyone feels included. Ideal for laid-back family evenings or intimate gatherings with friends, this setup brings comfort and connection to your outdoor space.”
If a fire pit isn’t feasible, she advises, “layered lighting can equally enhance the atmosphere. A mix of solar-powered bulb lights, lanterns, and flickering candles creates a glowing, golden ambiance.”
Matilda shares that this trend is perfect for evening dinner parties, “Think a sleek dress code, a build-your-own martini bar, vintage glassware, and a tongue-in-cheek cake. It’s kitsch but elevated.
The trend can even be elevated by adding a theme. love a White Lotus-style dinner too. The vibe is luxury resort with a side of chaos. You could serve Sicilian, Thai or Hawaiian-inspired dishes, ask guests to wear their best vacation-core outfits, and play the soundtrack in the background. Bonus points for layering in a bit of mystery or drama.”, she adds.
Coastal Biophilia.
Lena explains, “We’re seeing a huge appetite for indoor-outdoor living and biophilic design in gardens this summer, with people styling their outdoor spaces as true extensions of the home.
This coastal theme taps into that beautifully. Textural layers like rattan chargers, stoneware plates, and wooden serving boards bring natural charm to the table, while hand-blown glassware and woven placemats elevate the setting.”
Together, these elements create a serene, seaside-inspired tablescape that feels grounded in nature but elevated enough for summer entertaining.
Matilda adds, “Coastal-inspired dinner parties work especially well in summer. Picture big bowls of moules marinières, grilled fish, salty chips, oysters on ice and crisp white wine, all set against a backdrop of striped linens, sea-glass tones and candlelight.
It can go whimsical or chic, from shellfish towers and seaweed salads to mermaid-core table settings, pearlescent candles, and a blue-tinted cocktail as your drink of the night.”
Modern Nostalgia.
Think Cottagecore with a twist, says Lena.
“We’re seeing interiors embrace dopamine décor and kitsch details, and it’s translating perfectly into outdoor entertaining. A dinner party is the ideal setting to mix cosy, countryside charm with vivid hues and statement prints.”
Matilda shares, “Think gingham linens, foraged flowers, fresh pies cooling on the table and wild, wholesome dishes like roast chicken, fresh-baked sourdough and elderflower cocktails. It’s cozy, nostalgic and beautifully rustic.”
Lena adds, “Spring and summer are all about colour confidence, don’t be afraid to experiment with vibrant hues, contrasting patterns, and bold statement pieces. The key is to strike a balance between playfulness and English charm.”
Curve Appeal.
Curves are taking centre stage in garden design this summer, from rounded bistro sets to curved corner sofas that encourage socialisation and comfort. The curve appeal also lends itself to table décor, too, claims Lena. From wavy glassware to oval platters, soft silhouettes are adding a playful, modern edge to outdoor entertaining.
“Curves bring a sense of flow and ease to any setting, as they echo the natural world and help your tablescape feel both relaxed and elevated.
To tap into the trend, look to incorporate organic shapes, such as round-edged ceramics, ripple-effect glassware, and sculptural vases create a cohesive, contemporary look. A low, flowing floral arrangement or a statement curved centrepiece helps to anchor the table without overwhelming it.”, says Lena.
“The curved look removes any formality. It’s about effortless elegance, creating a space where people feel welcome, comfortable, and ready to linger long after the sun goes down.”, adds Lena.
For further dinner party and hosting inspiration, visit: https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/yourhouse/dinner-party-hosting-guide
Eve Crabtree is a journalist with a passion for interior design. She keeps up to date with the latest trends in the interior industry and regularly tests her hand at crafting and redecorating during her spare time.
