How to create the perfect alfresco dining experience

Did you know that alfresco dining is a famous Italian saying, meaning to eat outside? With the British weather being as unreliable as it is, we don’t have the opportunity to dine outdoors as often as we’d like. Shouldn’t that mean when the rare opportunity to bask in the British sun does occur, we should be making our alfresco dining moments that extra bit special?

In this month’s post, we will explore how to create the perfect alfresco dining experience, whether you’re planning a big family BBQ, a light lunch in the garden, or an afternoon picnic with the children, as every moment deserves a special Portmeirion touch.

How to make a statement at a family BBQ

According to our get-together research, 50% of respondents said they didn’t see their families as much as they’d like. One of the best things we can do to change this statistic is to invite our loved ones over to spend some quality time together. Want to know the perfect summertime excuse? A family BBQ.

Creating the perfect BBQ involves so much more than buying burgers and bread rolls. To really create a perfect setting, you need the perfect table setting and tableware collection. With its striking colours and exotic animal prints, our Sara Miller London Portmeirion Tahiti collection is the ideal alfresco accessory.

Serve up your favourite salad selection, corn on the cob, and a selection of nibbles whilst you sit back and enjoy one another’s company.


The perfect BBQ recipes to impress

Are you searching for the perfect BBQ recipe to impress the in-laws? Well look no further than this Korean chilli, sesame and honey chicken. A kebab is always a firm favourite at a BBQ for adults and kids alike, and this Korean chicken with sweet, spicy and sticky glaze won’t disappoint. Simply scatter over spring onions to serve!

Why not provide a vegetation option with sweet potatoes topped with red pepper and halloumi? A simple, but super tasty addition to any BBQ. After BBQing, simply load up your sweet potatoes with red pepper and halloumi, to create the perfect veggie alternative in a family summer feast. Serve with parsley and a squeeze of lemon to pack in those extra flavours.


Create an impeccable alfresco Lunch

Our Botanic Garden collection can transform an everyday al fresco lunch into a unique and memorable experience. The delightful mixture of pretty floral motifs creates the perfect ambiance for a long overdue catch up with friends. Our favourite lunchtime nibbles when eating alfresco are hummus, olives, a selection of cheeses and some fresh crusty bread. These snacks provide the perfect light lunch, which will no doubt be filled with lots of chatter and laughter.

 What refreshment should I choose when dining alfresco?

When the sun is shining, there’s nothing more refreshing than a large glass of homemade lemonade. It’s most definitely our go-to beverage to enjoy with an alfresco meal.

A traditional homemade lemonade is packed with plenty of fresh flavours, and not to mention it’s quick, delicious, and refreshing! For a fool proof recipe, head to BBC Good Food’s website here.

An alfresco afternoon tea

Let our fun and vibrant Crazy Daisy collection inspire you to head outdoors for an alfresco afternoon tea. Your afternoon tea collection is sure to look even more delicious displayed on Crazy Daisy’s modern pastel designs with floral detailing. Or why not swap the tea pot for free flowing prosecco, to create a really memorable afternoon?

Desserts that should be enjoyed alfresco

Nothing says summer like fresh strawberries, so try adding them to your freshly baked treats for a mouth-watering fruity lift. This colourful and delicious vegan strawberry tart with coconut pastry cream will really impress at afternoon tea and look perfect served on our collections. Find Domestic Gothess’ recipe here.

For something a little sweeter, create Super Golden Bakes’ pink ombre cake recipe topped with fresh vanilla buttercream and creative icing flowers.

Create the perfect alfresco picnic

When the sun is shining, is there anything better to do than treat the family to a lovely picnic in the park? Our Sara Miller London Portmeirion Flamingo collection makes those everyday al fresco occasions extra special. Pack up your Flamingo collection into a picnic bag and head for the nearest park with the little ones in tow. Just make sure not to forget the sandwiches, sausage rolls and sun cream!

Choosing the perfect picnic bag

And finally, you can’t plan the perfect picnic, without selecting a stylish but sturdy picnic bag. Here’s some our favourites:

Not On The Highstreet £29.99

Scandi Born £29.99

Marks and Spencer’s £25

We’d love to see your al fresco moments created with Portmeirion’s collections. You can share your get together photos, stories and videos with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #GetTogether