Heights of
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Kate Watson-Smyth, Design Writer & Author
When it comes to summer evenings in the garden with friends, comfort is key
“
”
hen setting the scene for outdoor summer hosting, you might
be drawn to typically bright, bold shades — but starting with a palette of neutrals can have a huge pay off, says design writer and author Kate Watson-Smyth. And if you want to create your own version of her timeless look, here's what you need to know.
3 Layer up accessories
Once the seating and colour palette are sorted, you can start to lay the table.
Kate has started with a crisp and calming base layer, like the Pure Cotton Striped Tablecloth from M&S. Build on this with arrangements of rattan accessories, earthy ceramic vases and candles to populate the centre of your table. Add delicate touches, such as embroidered napkins, to bring little details your guests will love.
Tuck herbs or dried flowers into napkin rings as a wonderful way to reflect your natural surroundings and gently bring colour into the fold. Larger floral arrangements and bowls of vibrant fruits also make for fabulous centrepieces that contrast with
the neutral theme.
4 Bring the inside, out
Bringing the outdoors in has long been an interior style must — but this summer, Kate wants us to bring the indoors outside. Elevate your summer dining by using proper plates: the 12 Piece Amberley Dinner Set from the new M&S Home collection is the ideal candidate for a chic ensemble. Use real cutlery and glasses — not plastic disposable ones — for an easy way to give your guests a real experience.
Kate's look would be perfect for a patio or courtyard garden – but the natural design cues work for more limited outdoor spaces too. When entertaining on a balcony, for example, having the right lighting will elevate the scene. We often overlook lighting on warmer nights – but it always makes the evening last longer and feel more magical.
String up festoon or raffia lights to add a touch of brilliance to your balcony, trees
or fences. And with the lights twinkling, everyone sat around the table is sure to have
a warm glow.
starting with a palette of neutrals can have a huge pay off, says design writer and author Kate Watson-Smyth. And if you want to create your own version of her timeless look, here's what you need to know.
1 Comfort first
Kate’s number one design cue is comfort. Chairs with proper backs will keep your guests supported for longer when dining alfresco, helping create a relaxed space to while away the hours. And there’s no need to ‘retire’ indoors if the weather cools, either. By having a basket of throws at the ready, your outdoor dining plans will be almost foolproof — because we all know how unpredictable the British weather can be.
2 The dream palette
It can be remarkably simple to layer up a palette of neutrals and natural textures, giving you an elegant outdoor space that glows from the afternoon into the evening. And the building blocks of Kate's neutral base — from plump cushions to proper crockery — are all available from the new spring/summer M&S Home collection. Simply add pops of colour using cut flowers and herbs — allowing you to update the look throughout the season based on what's available.
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Acapulco Alva Pure Cotton Outdoor Cushion
£25
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Pure Cotton Striped Tablecloth
£25
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Amberley Jug
£12.50
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Ridged Glass
Tealight Holder
£5
Porto 4 Seater Garden Corner Sofa Set
£999.00
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Porto 4 Seater Garden Corner Sofa Set
£999.00
Create your perfect garden party this summer with M&S or shop via the app straight from your phone
Rattan Picnic
Hamper
£40.00
Rattan Picnic
Hamper
£40.00
Pure Cotton Diamond
Tufted Cushion
£19.50
Pure Cotton Striped
Bolster Cushion
£15.00
Melbourne Garden
Egg Chair
£499.00
Melbourne Garden
Egg Chair
£499.00
Summer
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Set of 4 Tribeca
Dinner Plates
£16
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Floral Outdoor Cushion
£17.50
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Large Reactive Glaze Ceramic Vase
£39.50
”
Kate Watson-Smyth, Design Writer & Author
When working with neutrals,
you get these lovely warm tones that feel so effortless.
“
Set the perfect timeless table for summer hosting using a neutral base, says Kate Watson-Smyth, who has created this serene look from the new M&S Home collection.
COMMERCIAL EDITOR: James Williams Art Director: Tom Chase PHOTOGRAPHY: felix speller
STYLIST: Hannah Franklin Hair & Makeup: jimena lemck Producer: Daniel Gould
Production Manager: Eve Scholes FILM DIRECTOR: Elizabeth Herridge VIDEO Production MANAGER: Matt Gibbs
VIDEO EDITOR: David Davidian LOCATION: Foster House