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15 June 2026
Thorpe Serving Tray
LIBRA’S ALFRESCO STYLING SNAPSHOT
• Layer candlelight to create warmth as daylight softens
• Mix natural textures, smoked glass and metallic finishes for depth
• Use trays and serving pieces that feel decorative as well as practical
• Introduce varying heights through hurricanes and raised bowls
• Keep the palette warm and relaxed with bronze, gold and earthy tones
BUILD THE FOUNDATION WITH SERVING PIECES
A well-dressed table begins with practical pieces that also contribute to the overall setting visually.
The Thorpe Serving Tray introduces structure through its smoke gold-finished iron frame and black-tinted mirrored base. The subtle reflective surface catches candlelight beautifully during evening gatherings, while the softened lines keep the look relaxed rather than formal. Styled with glassware, linen napkins or small serving bowls, it creates an elegant focal point across an outdoor dining table.
Shibui Mango Wood & Smoked Gold Trays Set
For a more organic feel, the Shibui Mango Wood & Smoked Gold Trays combine sandblasted mango wood with a hand-distressed smoked gold surround. The warmth of the timber softens metallic finishes and works particularly well within garden settings, where natural textures help connect the table to its surroundings.
Palm Tree Set of 2 Trays
The Palm Tree Set of 2 Trays adds a decorative layer with antique gold detailing and mirrored surfaces. Inspired by tropical forms, they bring a subtle sense of escapism to summer hosting while remaining refined enough to sit comfortably within neutral or layered schemes.
CREATE ATMOSPHERE THROUGH CANDLELIGHT
Lighting plays a defining role in alfresco dining, particularly as gatherings move from late afternoon into evening.
The Athens Hurricane brings height and softness through its hammered copper-brown lustre glass and warm oak-toned handle. The textured glass gently diffuses candlelight, creating a relaxed ambient glow across the table without feeling overly formal.
Athens Hurricane
Belvedere Black Ribbed Hurricane
Staunton Table Hurricane
For smaller groupings, the Staunton Table Hurricane introduces sculptural detail through its conical, hammered-glass shade and gilded-bronze base. Positioned in pairs along a dining table or beside serving platters, it helps build layered pools of warm light that feel intimate and welcoming.
The Belvedere Black Ribbed Hurricane offers a slightly moodier finish, combining ribbed copper-brown lustre glass with a dark bronze frame. Its taller silhouette works particularly well when styled alongside lower serving bowls and trays, helping to vary height across the table while maintaining balance.
Belvedere 9 Light Candle Holder
Samui 3 Wick Candle Bowl
For a more dramatic centrepiece, the Belvedere Aged Gold 9 Light Candle Holder creates depth through multiple softly frosted votives set at alternating heights. The warm butter rum-toned glass diffuses light beautifully, adding movement and rhythm across larger dining settings.
The Samui Hammered Brown 3 Wick Candle Bowl introduces a softer, more grounded layer of candlelight. Its hammered aluminium vessel and trio of cotton wicks create a calm, understated glow suited to relaxed summer evenings.
INTRODUCE TEXTURE THROUGH SERVING BOWLS AND PLATTERS
Layering materials helps an outdoor dining setting feel considered without becoming overly polished.
The Beresford Glass Bowl On Stand and coordinating Beresford Glass Platter On Stand combine hammered smoked glass with antique bronze ironwork, bringing tactile contrast and subtle warmth to the table. Raised serving pieces also help create visual variation, making a setting feel more dynamic and inviting.
Beresford Bowl
Beresford Cake Stand
For larger gatherings, the Beresford Glass Two Tier Cake Stand adds height while remaining practical for serving pastries, fruit or savoury bites. Its sculptural iron frame introduces structure while the textured glass softens the overall look.
The Mediterranean Reactive Glaze Ceramic Bowls offer a more relaxed Mediterranean influence. Their softly layered reactive glazes and ceramic beading introduce subtle colour variation while sitting comfortably alongside natural linens, timber furniture and warm metallic finishes.
STYLE A RELAXED DRINKS SET-UP
A dedicated drinks area helps outdoor entertaining feel effortless, allowing guests to serve themselves while adding another styled layer to the space.
The Burl Champagne Cooler and Burl Wine Cooler bring warmth through richly patterned burl veneer paired with burnished brass-toned stainless steel liners. The organic grain variation gives each piece character while complementing natural outdoor textures beautifully.
Alongside them, the Burl Ice Bucket introduces a practical finishing touch, complete with a leather handle that softens the metallic detailing. Together, the collection creates a refined barware arrangement suited to both daytime hosting and evening gatherings.
For more informal entertaining, the Merida Tequila Set adds a playful but still considered element. Hammered clear glasses and smoked gold ironwork introduce texture and warmth, making it ideal for summer celebrations and relaxed outdoor occasions.
ADD SMALL ACCENTS THAT FEEL CONSIDERED
Occasional tables and smaller decorative pieces help complete an alfresco arrangement while offering practical surfaces for drinks and candlelight.
The Iota Accent Table in Green Onyx introduces soft green tones and natural veining through its polished marble top, balanced by a brushed champagne gold base. Positioned beside lounge seating or layered into a garden corner, it adds material richness while remaining compact and versatile. As a natural material, each marble top carries its own unique variation and character.
Smaller sculptural pieces, such as the Denton Reactive Glaze Candleholder, help soften harder materials through their handcrafted form and rich tonal glazing. Styled alongside hurricanes or serving pieces, they introduce another layer of texture and visual depth.
Iota Accent Table
Aubrey Ceramic Table Lamp
KEEP THE LOOK RELAXED AND BALANCED
The most successful alfresco settings avoid feeling overly coordinated. Instead, they layer complementary finishes, repeated tones and varied heights to create a space that feels natural and welcoming.
Warm bronze metals, smoked glass, timber and reactive ceramics work particularly well together, especially when balanced with linen textures and candlelight.
Allowing space between objects helps the table feel breathable and relaxed, while repeating key materials across trays, lighting and serving pieces creates continuity throughout the setting.
A MORE CONSIDERED WAY TO ENTERTAIN
Alfresco dining is less about perfection and more about atmosphere. A thoughtfully layered table, soft lighting and tactile materials help create an environment where guests feel comfortable settling in and staying longer.
By combining practical serving pieces with sculptural candlelight and warm natural finishes, outdoor dining becomes an extension of the home itself. Refined, welcoming and designed to be enjoyed throughout the season.
