How to host the perfect summer garden party
From relaxed weekend brunches to enchanting evening dinner parties, our gardens are fast becoming extensions of how we live, entertain and unwind.
More of us are looking to extend our living spaces and make better use of our gardens. It’s a trend that goes beyond just cooking and invites homeowners to explore how we create spaces that are ready for a variety of al fresco dining opportunities.
With the right styling, your outdoor arrangement can feel just as considered and inspired as your interiors. Discover Zest’s outdoor dining collections and how to style them in three on-trend ways, which will also inject a bit of fun into your social calendar for summer…
Elegant high tea
Gather the lords and ladies in your life and channel the charm of a classic garden party. Think light linens, delicate florals and a palette of soft pastels or muted neutrals.
Zest’s Freya dining set creates a relaxed-yet-polished base, which lends itself to such a refined affair. Layer with your finest tablecloth, vintage crockery and fresh flowers, and add cushions in subtle prints, keeping glassware light and elegant.

A nearby prep station from the Terraza outdoor kitchen range makes serving easy, whether you’re laying out finger sandwiches, scones or a whole afternoon tea selection.
Garden lounge cocktail soirée
For something a bit more laidback, but still with an air of sophistication, create an entertaining zone inspired by your favourite cocktail bar.
Combine units from Zest’s Terraza collection or pick up the full Terraza kitchen island set to form a dedicated cocktail-shaking and serving area, complete with space to chill bottles in ice buckets and display any fancy barware. Keep the styling smart and sleek, mixing rich, darker tones with metallic accents.

A Freya dining set from Zest is perfectly placed to accommodate guests in a convivial setting, or you can style more casually with Zest garden benches or a companion seat to encourage guests to mingle. Add a signature cocktail and pass around the canapés, and you’ve got yourself a sensational soirée.
Tropical summer BBQ feast
Bring on the colour and vibrancy by hosting a bold, tropical-inspired party. A bright colour palette mixed with natural textures and a whole lot of delicious food to share. What more could you want on a sunny summer’s day?
The full Terraza outdoor kitchen set can act as the hub for cooking and serving – perhaps accessorised with flaming torches for optimum theme commitment – with plenty of space for a BBQ or even a DIY taco or skewer station.
The Freya dining collection works beautifully here too, grounding the look with its natural softwood finish. Add string lights, colourful cushions and plenty of greenery to whisk your guests off on an exotic escape.

Lasting staples
Mix and match your al fresco set-up with Zest’s modular Terraza outdoor kitchen range, spanning prep stations, corner units, side tables and islands, then gather everyone around your chosen Freya dining set for easy, sociable suppers.
Crafted from slow-grown softwood sourced from responsibly managed forests, Zest’s products are built to last, with a 10-year guarantee against rot.
To get your hands on Zest’s stylish Terraza outdoor kitchen and Freya dining collections, find your nearest stockist by clicking here.



