We spoke to Mykonos based interior designer Themis Z on how to keep al fresco dining cool, carefree and fun.
What is the most important thing when creating a space for al fresco dining? The most important element is to make it feel inviting and relaxed, an atmosphere where your guests just want to sit around all evening enjoying each other's company amidst a beautiful setting.
Tell me about your al fresco dining space – what do you love about it? I love that my al fresco dining space can seat a large amount of people. Long dinner tables that bring together an array of people from all walks of life are fantastic. Especially during the summer, people travel more in the summer so it's a great time for hosting a fun mix of guests!
How does it switch from day to night? There isn’t a huge difference but subtle and essential decorative touches, like the addition of candles, are very important - the dinner table should always feel fuller than the lunch table. I also tend to change my choice of plates as certain designs and lighter colours are better suited for lunch whereas darker colours are great for the evening.
What's a simple way to make a table look pretty? The simplest way to make a table look pretty is through beautiful plates. For me, plates are the jewels of the table.
What about music – what's your perfect outdoor dining playlist? Believe it or not, I actually love Zara Home’s CDs – they have the best music for home entertaining!
We had the pleasure of going to your dad’s (super cool) house for lunch; has your family had an influence on how you throw a dinner party? Definitely. What I learnt from him was that the most important thing is for your guests to feel at home and to create an environment where they’re relaxed, happy and care-free. Dinner parties are about having fun.
I can tell you love to entertain after seeing the dining table at your sunset dinner – glasses filled with pretty flowers and candles covering the table, how can we recreate something similar in the UK? It’s very easy. An abundance of candles is something that can be used as decoration in any part of the world and always has the same beautiful effect. Flowers transform a setting and with endless arrays of blooms, there is something to suit everyone’s style.
What are your top 5 tips for choosing an al fresco dining menu? 1. Make the menu light as you don't want your guests to become tired while digesting 2. Always have more cold choices than hot dishes
3. Try to stay away from red meat and chose lighter options such as fish and chicken 4. Incorporate lots of vegetable dishes 5. Have just one simple dessert that everyone can just pick up and eat even if they have left the table
What's a good dish / style of food to serve to stop you getting stuck inside in the kitchen all evening? Dishes that allow you to be present when hosting a dinner party are so important. A giant green salad in a large scale serving bowl alongside pasta with a tomato and basil sauce, again in a beautiful platter, is a delicious meal, which also looks elegant. It is all about how you serve the food - Rose wine is also a must!
Is there a trick to choosing a guest list and where to put people on the table / how many people to invite? I think it is often completely down to the host as it is him or her who sets the tone for the evening. There could be times when you feel like seeing a few close friends over an intimate dinner or nights where you want a buzzing party. As long as your initial guest list is curated for the tone of the evening, it shouldn’t matter where they are seated on the table.
Kyma Dinner Plate Blue, £36.92, Themis Z
Shop now: Kyma Dinner Plate Blue for £36.92 from Themis Z
Festoon String Lights, £50, Garden Trading at Amara
Shop now: Festoon String Lights for £50 from Garden Trading at Amara
Scented Candle in Holder, £12, H&M
Shop now: Scented Candle in Holder for £12 from H&M
Chevy Cushion, from £65, Heals
Shop now: Chevy Cushion from £65 at Heals
Shop now: Chevy Cushion from £65 at Heals
Broadchalke Throw, £350, Heals
Shop now: Broadchalke Throw at £350 from Heals
Shop now: Broadchalke Throw at £350 from Heals
Ice Queen Outdoor LED Garden Chandelier, £1,454, Rockett St George
Shop now: Ice Queen Outdoor LED Garden Chandelier for £1,454 from Rockett St George
Jardine Bench, £469, West Elm
Shop now: Jardine Bench for £469 from West Elm
Shop now: Jardine Bench for £469 from West Elm
Light Blue Water Glass, £9, Kartell at Amara
Shop now: Light Blue Water Glass for £9 from Kartell at Amara
The Infinity Cushion, £92.29, Themis Z
Shop now: The Infinity Cushion for £92.29 from Themis Z
Kerala Pom Pom Pouffe, £99, The French Bedroom Company
Shop now: Kerala Pom Pom Pouffe for £99 from The French Bedroom Company
Le Labo, £55, Liberty London
Shop now: Le Labo for £55 from Liberty London
Shop now: Le Labo for £55 from Liberty London
St Raphael 3 Seater Wicker Garden Sofa, £839, Maison du Monde
Shop now: St Raphael 3 Seater Wicker Garden Sofa for £839 from Maison du Monde
Gazebo AMMERO, £169, IKEA
Shop now: Gazebo AMMERO for £169 from IKEA
Shop now: Gazebo AMMERO for £169 from IKEA
Parasol hanging with base KARLSÖ/SVARTÖ, £95, IKEA
Shop now: Parasol hanging with base KARLSÖ/SVARTÖ for £95 from IKEA
Black Rattan Hanging Chair, £199, Rockett St George
Shop now: Black Rattan Hanging Chair for £199 from Rockett St George
Set of 2 Vienna Lanterns, £51, Rockett St George
Shop now: Set of 2 Vienna Lanterns for £51 from Rockett St George
Socrate Throw, £362, Missoni Home at Amara
Shop now: Socrate Throw for £362 from Missoni Home at Amara
Kleio Scented Candle, £78.45, Themis Z
Shop now: Kleio Scented Candle for £78.45 from Themis Z
White Geometric Tealight Holder, £9.99, Zara Home
Shop now: White Geometric Tealight Holder for £9.99 from Zara Home
Watercolour Dotted Tealight Holder, £9.99, Zara Home
Shop now: Watercolour Dotted Tealight Holder for £9.99 from Zara Home