Parasols

A garden parasol is a really useful piece of garden furniture to have. Not only will it shade you from the direct sunlight, but it also looks great and adds structure to your outdoor space. With a sturdy base and the right size parasol, your garden will be transformed.

A parasol is the perfect finishing touch for your patio or decking. Anyone can quickly raise our garden umbrellas with their easy-to-use cantilever operation, ideal for those showers that catch you unawares. Using one of our sturdy parasol bases will make sure they won’t blow away on windy days.

Q&A

What is a bistro set?

Bistro sets are typically associated with outside dining in smaller areas and garden, and there is a reason why – they were invented for small Parisian kitchens and intimate social dining experiences. You’re now likely to see bistro sets outside many a café, and the trend has transferred back into the home too.

Most bistro tables and chairs available for sale are typically the right size for two people to eat a cosy meal or enjoy a drink together, and harking back to its origins, a lot of them can be folded away for easy storage too.

Types of bistro set

Wooden Bistro Table Set
These are ideal for more traditional gardens with natural landscaping and a homey feel. Just remember to keep them clean with a brush and wipe down. It’s worth refreshing their protection every couple of years with a new lick of wood paint or varnish too.

Rattan Bistro Set
These will also fit right in with a classic garden, but the more modern designs are super stylish and minimalist too. As with any garden furniture, your rattan outdoor bistro chairs will need a clean, so softly brush all the dirt away and wipe with some warm soapy water. Try not to get it too wet though – it’ll take forever to dry. And when it’s not in use, cover it to help it last longer.

Metal Bistro Set
Probably the more recognisable kind of bistro set, these are super versatile and possibly the most user-friendly. They’re often collapsible for saving space, they’re easy to wipe down and keep clean and they’re really sturdy too. Just keep an eye out for rust and be ready with a new can of metal paint every couple of years to refresh the colour.

How to set a bistro table

Bistro tables are typically smaller than dining tables, so they are limited on space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice, intimate alfresco meal.

After giving it a wipe down, you should always have something between your utensils and the table for protection – a table cloth or place mats are ideal. On that note, you probably don’t have enough space for silver service dining, so go with bowl food or smaller courses and plates. And we suggest only placing out the cutlery you need, leave the dessert spoons inside until you need them. Similarly for your cups and glasses, keep them to a minimum – probably a water glass and one other receptacle each – and remember your coasters!

If you have space and want to add table decoration think about candles at night time or a vase with flowers in the daytime. But remember, you’re already in your garden surrounded by nature, so that may be all the decoration you need.