Food and style maven Kate Gibbs likes to fi ll her summers with friends, herbs and cushions.

TO ME, OUTDOOR entertaining is all about being comfortable without compromising on style. I love wooden tables big enough for platters of food, wide salad bowls and plenty of elbow room. I go for timber and natural tones and big white cushions to create a relaxed living area. Whether I’m sitting outside with my morning coffee or hosting a gathering for friends, I like a natural, clean Scandinavian look. I express a bit of fun and personality with spotted or striped throws draped over my chairs.

I love to decorate my table with jugs or jars of fl owers and herbs picked from my garden and add tea-light candles to create a sparkle on summer evenings. And any outdoor entertainment area is enriched by pots of herbs and flowers.

Too much direct sun can make al fresco dining unpleasant but this can be solved with a big umbrella. This simple addition makes for comfortable eating and provides a happy, shady spot throughout the summer. In the cooler months, just fold it up and let in the gorgeous sunshine.

IKEA.com.au/outdoor