OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING: WAYS TO UP YOUR AL FRESCOGAME

Brambly Cottage sunnyside melamine dish, £25, Wayfair When life gives you lemons… this is the dish for acitrusy burst of happiness.

NOW IS THE TIME TO THINKABOUT STYLING YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

The days are getting warmer and it’s time to be thinking about a spring getaway –toyour own garden.

After all, it only takes warmer temperatures to trigger thoughts of outdoor entertaining, so why not spruce up your patio space or preparation?

Matchbox seat pads, £38.50 each, Graham &Green

When it comes to quickie makeovers,a new seat cushion inspired by retro style matchboxes will give your patio chair some newfound flair

STAUB La Cocotte round cast iron cocotte in cherry blossom, from £65 (mini), Zwilling Whether it’sa cheese fondue or asparagus casserole, this gorgeous new pastel shade is amust for spring entertaining.

“Think of your outdoor space like an extension your home,” says Gabrielle Anderson (right), outdoor living buyer at John Lewis. And this season is all about flexible living, she adds, buying pieces you can

“For example, don’t save your glass and china tableware for inside dining only,make the most of your favourite pieces and mix and match them to createa colourfuland eclectic dining table.”

Outdoor cushions are great for adding an extra layer of comfort and pop of colour to dining outdoors, Gabrielle suggests: “They are easily packed and stored away when not in use.”

Here’s how to style your spacefor springtime socials…

John Lewis swirl stripe glass, £22; glass tumbler,£9; coastal explorer spiral fine china serving bowl, £15; coastal explorer fine china tapas bowl, set of four,£12, Ikat print cotton table runner,£15, John Lewis

Swirly stripes and washes of blue signal coastal style and long, lazy lunches. This tableware draws theeye like the Mediterranean Sea.

ProConnect 10 warm white connectible festoon lights black cable, £50; three Lucena cream tassel solar lanterns, £40, Melbourne garden lantern duo with TruGlowcandles (on table), £32, Lights4fun

When dusk starts to fall, no-stress candlelight will highlight your styling tricks and greenery.The five-metre string lights feature 10 bulbs for an atmospheric glow

Tahiti outdoor cane chair,£550, Next Adecorative, showy piece for sure, this fashionable cane chair will turn the tiniest garden into an idyllic setting. Showerproof seat and back cushions can withstand a surprise sprinkle.

Hoole cast iron grill firepit, £40, Gardenesque

Easily portable, imagine how the warming flame from this rustic-style fire pit will lend acosy ambience and focal point for your outdoor seating.

Gozney limited edition yellow roccbox, £399, Gozney

Apizza-oven with panache, the Gozney Roccbox is available in buttercup yellow for alimited time only

Flogan eucalyptus bar trolley, £299; ANYDAYdine white wine glasses, set of four,£15; Nordlux battery outdoor light, £90, John Lewis

Your secret weapon for effortless entertaining, abar trolley ticks every box in the style stakes –and will look just at home in your kitchen.