It only takes a few consecutive hot & sunny days here in London and we've all managed to convince ourselves that summer is here to stay.
There's nothing better than eating al fresco....even the simplest of meals seems to taste better eaten in the open air, preferably in the sunshine.
Plus possibly a view....of the sea or endless green fields.
A fabulously set table is wonderful but if you haven't the space - or the perfect table - simply take a summery tablecloth and put it on the lawn.
Some colourful/fun plates, some tealights in jam-jars if it's evening-time....
add some french bread, a bowl of salad, some cheeses or meats and a large jug of water flavoured with lemon or lime....
and you have yourself a pretty good picnic.
Above and below are some of my favourite "al fresco" images....
I think simple is the way to go....it doesn't have to be expensive whatsoever and I think the fact that you can throw it all together relatively quickly makes it even more appealing.
Great lighting also adds so much, there are so many options....
alternatively, a row of tea-lights dotted around the table always looks so pretty.
Add multi-coloured or mix & match chairs & tableware,
When we're in the south of France during August, dinner is often on the beach....
and very often consists of just 4 or 5 items....
a baguette, good cheese, tomatoes, salad, olives....
these are the meals & the times that my children remember....me too actually.
There's something special about being outside, the freedom, the space....
these the evenings you want to go on forever.
I cannot wait to be in Italy this summer!!
