Scarlett's Tops Tips for Alfresco Dining

1. If you can't face the annual sanding down of your garden table, the easiest solution is to cover it up with a crisp white tablecloth – if you don't have one, the best trick is to use a flat bed sheet instead. Just as good and then you have a clean white canvas to decorate as you wish.
2. Add a lovely vase of freshly cut flowers – go for a single variety, one colour and a low arrangement is ideal so that your guests can see each other! Or you could pack a small Scarlett Willow storm lantern out in volume - I find rose buds are perfect for this or use large blooms such as sunflowers to save on cost. For something completely different that might last the summer, plant simple mini terracotta pots with herbs: lavender, rosemary etc - original and practical!
3. For me, placemats complete the table - mine feels naked without them whether dining inside or al fresco.
4. I know they're low on the maintenance front but I've never been a fan of paper napkins and always favour a beautiful linen napkin. If you are using the herbs in terracotta pots running down your table, why not add a posy of fresh herbs tied with string around the napkins – it looks fabulous.
5. Add slices of orange to your jugs of water. It not only looks lovely but adds the perfect delicate flavour to the water. Mint leaves are also a favourite and make a change from lemons or lime.
6. Welcome your guests with a yummy homemade cocktail – a wonderful way to make everyone feel welcome. Here is my current favourite: 'homemade' sorbet - sugar syrup and lemon zest poured into ice cubes and frozen. Use the cubes to make slush in your blender then add to a tall glass with either Gin or Vodka and a dash of Angostura bitters.
7. For the best BBQ – always use locally sourced organic meat and marinate. Make plenty of homemade salsas and salads. Once you have finished cooking add an enormous bunch of rosemary to the BBQ to fill the night air with the soft smell of summery herbs.
8. Candles are a must, even in the summer – it’s a cheap and easy way to make the table look pretty - my storm lanterns are fantastic at fighting the pesky wind we've been having in London.
9. The perfect and easily the most delicious summer pudding I know - freeze some summer fruits or buy some ready-frozen, melt some white chocolate (my personal favourite is Green & Blacks) in a pan with a dash of cream. Pour over the fruits and serve immediately.
10. And finally, a tip from my husband - always have plenty of bottles on ice!