Entertaining is Back! Stylish Dining Ideas for Indoors and Out

As COVID restrictions are gradually lifted and we can slowly adjust to a more normal way of life, we are again enjoying having friends and family in our homes and gardens. Being able to hug and spend time with loved ones we've not seen for so long has rarely felt so special.

Eating a meal together is lovely way to catch up after the long months of lockdown, whether indoors or outside for those lucky enough to have a garden or outdoor space. Along with our dining tables and chairs in a classic oriental style, we have a huge range of tableware and accessories that will add a stylish touch to any get together, whether it's a more formal indoor setting or a relaxed barbecue with friends.

Alfresco Dining

Our Country Dining Table (above) offers the perfect solution for dinner parties on the patio in the summer months, and is a striking everyday dining table for a kitchen or dining room. Part of our 'Chinese Country' range, the table is made from solid reclaimed elm and the pronounced, wide wood grain is particularly attractive on the large surface. The table easily seats eight and looks extra stylish with our own matching wooden benches in the same range.

Add to the natural wood feel with our wonderful Artisan bowls and plates (shown right), each made by skilled Rajasthan craftsmen using sustainable mango wood. Great for outdoor dining with no worries about breakages if you accidentally drop one! You'll also find a handthrown ceramics, wooden chopping boards and more to complete the setting.

If afternoon tea or a light evening supper is more your scene, our superb range of wooden, ceramic and stone stools work perfectly as additional seating or as attractive side tables. Highly portable, they are perfect for spontaneous get-togethers both inside and outdoors. Just a few examples are shown below, or choose from our wide range of Chinese antique and rustic benches and stools.

Formal Indoor Dining

Getting dressed up and entertaining in an elegant setting may be something you've craved over recent months, so now is your time to shine! A stunning dining table and chairs, fine crockery and beautiful glassware all contribute to the fine dining experience. Here we share some of our beautiful dining sets to whet your appetite.

Our stylish Qing Dining Table (below left) comfortably seats up to eight people and can be ordered in a black lacquer or warm elm finish, with matching carver and side chairs available. The lovely carved detail around the table apron is created by hand, showing flowers and scrolling designs - both typical of Qing period furniture. A removable panel means the table can be extended to seat extra guests - handy when more households are allowed to mix in the hopefully not too distant future.

Just as elegant, with features that are typical of Chinese furniture, our Ming Dining Table (above right in black) includes the classic 'horse hoof' feet that give such a distintive look. In solid wood, the table is simply styled and comfortably seats up to six people. Available with matching chairs in black lacquer, warm elm or currently in a limited cherry red finish. 

If you're furnishing a rustic styled interior, you may prefer a natural edged table like our Walnut Slab Top Dining Table (shown top of page). In a gorgeous finish that showcases the distinctive grain and character of the wood, it's a real statement piece for any kitchen or dining room. Choose from our wonderful collection of Chinese antique chairs to compliment the look and create a unique dining set that you won't find anywhere on the high street!

Setting the mood

Finally, soft lighting instantly adds a relaxing ambience, so don't forget to check out our wonderful range of T-Light and candle holders, as well as scented candles. For outdoor dining we have a large range of hurricane lanterns and Chinese lanterns in stock and you'll find even more available on our sister website Kayu Home, where you'll also find a wider range of reclaimed wood dining furniture.