Furniture for outside entertaining

South Africans are blessed with great weather and a love of entertaining. Outdoor furniture is a great way to take advantage of the funshine and host outdoor parties in comfort and style.

With all dining essentials, from dining and coffee tables to chairs and benches, available for outdoor use, there is no reason to keep your social life locked up indoors.

For too long, outdoor furniture was seen by many as purely functional, with stylish designs reserved for inside the home.

Fortunately, the latest wave of furniture design recognises that your patio and garden is an extension of your home, and there is no shortage of great outdoor furniture.

This is especially good news for those who enjoy entertaining.

With sophisticated patio furniture and the right combination of lighting, you can create an atmosphere at least as intimate and elegant as if you were hosting a dinner party in your dining room.

Outdoor furniture for summer

In summer, consider inviting guests to enjoy the garden, perhaps with a bottled of chilled white wine, while relaxing on loungers, outdoor sofas, and wicker armchairs.

Or gather your family and friends for one of South Africa’s great outdoor traditions and have a braai. With teak outdoor coffee tables, and

affordable wood trestle tables and wooden benches, you can treat your friends to the sunshine and flavours of a braai, with all the comforts of the indoors.

These soft seating options are also perfect for the day after the party, or any time you want to relax in the garden, soaking up the sun or enjoying a book under a shady tree.

Purpose-built outdoor furniture

In order to withstand the elements, and for sustainable and continuous use, outdoor furniture should be hardy and durable, and purpose-built for outdoor use. This may sound like it will produce a dull product, but that is not necessarily the case. Some modern outdoor furniture has been especially created for outdoor entertaining, and so looks as good as it functions.

Furniture that has been designed for outside use can still be produced from appealing materials. Woods, rattan and soft fabrics are great for patios, and there is no shortage of great tables, chairs and benches that will fit perfectly in any garden.

Elegant patio furniture can effectively add another room to your house, creating more entertaining options for the discerning host.

How do I choose outdoor furniture?

Choosing furniture is about matching each piece to the other furniture and décor in your home. Outdoor furniture is no different. By considering your patio as an extension of your house, you can apply similar design principles and create a space in which you and your guests feel truly comfortable.

Choosing furniture for your garden is a chance to select items that emphasise comfort, good looks and outdoor luxury.