8 of the best alfresco dining design ideas
From firebowls to outdoor kitchens, make the most of the summer by entertaining in the garden.


Sculptured LED cherry trees, from £495, Twilight Trees (01962 877644; www.twilight-trees.com)
Original Kadai firebowls, which range in size from 60cm to 180cm (231⁄2in–71in) in diameter, from £302.50 (01694 771800; www.kadai.co.uk)
Polperro 24-piece cutlery set, £50, Neptune (01793 427450; www.neptune.com)
Bespoke outdoor kitchen, from £20,000, Indian Ocean (020–8675 4808; www.indianocean.co.uk)
100% melamine plates, from £5, Nina Campbell’s Heritage range (020–7225 1011; http://ninacampbell.com)
Loretta tumblers, available in three shades, £9 each, Lizard Orchid (www.lizardorchid.com)
LED Starliter to hang from trees or in large shrubs, £110, John Cullen (020–7371 9000; www.johncullenlighting.co.uk)
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Glass bubble jug by OKA, which comes in four colours, £42 (0844 815 7380; www.okadirect.com)
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Jane Austen spent the last days of her life in rented lodgings in Winchester, Hampshire. Adam Rattray describes the remarkable recent discoveries made about the house in which she died.
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An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country Life
An Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.