Now that the weather is cheering up and BBQ season is approaching, it's time to start gathering all you need for the perfect alfresco dining experience! As the temperature rises, staying inside to eat just feels stuffy and uncomfortable, so the best thing to do is take everything outside and throw a lovely casual dinner party - which is an amazing way to catch up with your family and friends.
If you're someone who hasn't tried the wonders of outdoor dining before, we highly recommend trying it out! It's a great way to relax and create memories that can then become nostalgia when you do it all again the next year. If you're someone who already enjoys having a lovely picnic or barbeque, perhaps some fantastic new dining pieces are what you need to brighten up the activity even further.
We've put together a little list of our brilliant makers who have an amazing range of kitchen and dining goodies for whatever your style is.
From left to right: Pink flower hand painted ceramic jug (1 litre), daisy chains hand painted ceramic bowl (26cm), and red/yellow flower ceramic hand painted olive dish.
Verano Spanish Ceramics are created in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia where the history of making pots dates back to prehistoric times. The Spanish dinnerware is handcrafted and finished by the artist, and then finally signed before being fired in the kiln. The plates, bowls and jugs have a high quality feel due to the weight and feel of the glazed terracotta. This eccentric range of ceramics is packed with vibrant colour and detailed designs, making each jug or bowl a statement piece for the table.
You can learn and see more of Verano Ceramics' work here...
From left to right: Handthrown set of three nibble bowls, summer tide handthrown large oil decanter, lilac and yellow ceramic spoon rest.
Rupert Blamire's collection has been handmade by him and his small team in Bristol. Everything is made by hand on a potter’s wheel. They are hand painted with a delightful combination of colours merging into one another. As such each piece is unique! All Rupert’s work is high fired earthenware and is durable and tactile. The gorgeous colours of the glaze truly make you think of the seaside - perfect if you enjoy a coastal theme.
You can learn and see more of Rupert Blamire's work here...
From left to right: Small blue dot stoneware egg cup, blue eyes stoneware pasta bowl, doodle stoneware sugar bowl.
Artyfarty pottery is all handmade at the world famous Ceramika Artystyczna pottery works - the oldest and most established pottery factory in Boleslawiec Poland. The pottery is Oven/Aga/microwave & dishwasher safe. It is extremely hard wearing and chip resistant, designed and made to be used every day. There are so many patterns to choose from and you can mix them up to create a beautiful eclectic table setting or stick to one or two designs.
You can learn and see more of Artyfarty Designs' work here...
From left to right: Hand-cut oak kingfisher coaster, hand-cut oak acorn and leaf pot stand, hand-cut ash wavy medium spoon.
Phil Jackson, aka Beamers Designs, has worked in the creative industries for over three decades using traditional fretwork techniques. Based in rural Herefordshire, Phil produces a wide variety of animal-inspired gifts and oak domestic ware including pot stands (trivets), coasters and even spoons! Due to the nature of the material, these are wonderful pieces that are functional and great to look at.
You can learn and see more of Beamers' Designs work here...
From left to right: Olive wood 30cm chopping board, olive wood small salad servers, olive wood large pestle and mortar.
Divine Deli offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of olive wood in the UK, and their ethically sourced olive wood is totally sustainable. Caring for, and protecting our environment is something they are passionate about. All of their beautiful products are produced in the Tunisian heartland. All of these stunning olive wood kitchen accessories are great if you enjoy things that are a little more rustic in style.
You can learn and see more of Divine Deli's olive wood work here...