How to Create a Mediterranean Style Alfresco Dining Area

Bring the feel of the Mediterranean to your garden this summer! Scroll down for hints and tips on planting pots for decoration in your outside space.

Alfresco dining

Mediterranean alfresco dining is all about enjoying long lazy lunches with friends and family gathered around a big table on the patio. Has your garden furniture seen better days? Treat yourself to a new set of garden furniture from our amazing value collection, which includes lounge and dining sets, wooden furniture, hammocks, egg chairs and more.

Make your space unique to you

Enhance your outside dining space with plant pots full to the brim with bright plants and flowers and beautiful scents. They are ideal to use as extra decoration – plus they’re easy to move if you need to make space for a few more friends! How many plant pots do I choose?

Depending on the space you have available, a few large glazed and terracotta pots of different heights and diameters will look better than lots of small pots. They’ll also be easier to look after and water, as they won’t dry out so quickly.

When thinking about what to plant, if you’ve lots of space you can choose larger, more mature plants and place them individually in their own containers. If your space is smaller, then some pretty bedding plants in smaller containers will create a beautiful backdrop. Are you working with a balcony? Try window boxes and hanging planters to create a dainty dining area.

What about smaller gardens?

For more compact spaces, buy small herbs and pack them in together in one or two large pots. Rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano all grow well together as they like the same conditions. Mint should be planted on its own as it grows quickly and may take over the whole pot.

Planting

Now you’ve got your space clear, your pots ready and your plants selected, you’re ready to start planting in a sunny corner. Placing your pots in their final positions before you start is a great idea, particularly with larger pots as it’s a lot easier than lifting them into place later.

Make sure you’ve got your compost ready to go. A good multipurpose compost is great for planting up baskets and pots. When you’ve finished planting and you’re happy with the placement of your pots, remember to water everything well.

For a true Mediterranean feel, mulch your pots with gravel or small pebbles. This will help them retain water and keep foliage clean when watering.

Water plants when the compost dries out to avoid waterlogging. You can also add a general all-purpose feed every 2-3 weeks once they are well established.

Calming extras

Water features can create a serene atmosphere in the garden have a calming effect, aiding relaxation after a long day. Our mains powered and solar water features can be found in store and online at great prices. 

Light up your evening!

Get that cosy Mediterranean glow by adding some pretty string lighting around your dining area. We have a great range of solar and string lighting which can be used to create an individual look in your outdoor space.

Stay warm for longer

A fire pit, chimenea or patio heater can be the perfect finishing touch to your alfresco dining area. It’ll keep you feeling toasty so you can enjoy your outdoor space in the evenings and well into the colder months.

Relax and enjoy

Now you’ve enhanced your space, it’s time to sit back and enjoy it! Spend a snoozy afternoon under the shade of a parasol or gazebo. After a busy day, you could relax and cool off in the evening, sipping a glass of your favourite wine on a comfy lounger, recliner or egg chair.

Need more inspiration? Visit us in store and speak to our experts who can advise on the best furniture, plants and more to suit your needs.