Granted, it’s been a soggy couple of weeks but sunnier days are coming so don’t let the typical Scottish weather put you off—if you’re dreaming of making memories spent dining alfresco, here’s how to do it in style…

Eating outdoors can transform any average weeknight into something special, and is a perfect way to host friends and family when the weather is favourable. But creating an Insta-worthy dining experience needn’t be difficult; buying in the right accessories and being clever about the food you choose to serve can make for a simple but stylish outdoor supper.

Food and ambience are the most important factors to a chic alfresco experience. Key to dining outside is making sure that there’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere, and the grazing concept is perfect for this. It creates conversation, as well as being beautiful to look at. In these new, hygiene obsessed times, you can still enjoy the grazing vibe by creating a board for each guest. This means everyone gets the foods they like and can easily transport indoors if the weather does decide to pour! It is Scotland, after all.

Antipasti platters, boasting a selection of cured meats, smoked fish, olives and sundried tomatoes, served alongside some locally-sourced cheeses, artisan breads, crackers and oatcakes is a stress-free way to cater. Try farmer’s markets or local delis for the best produce. We love East Coast Cured, Olive Alexanders and Mellis Cheeses all great Scottish companies which now deliver while tasty hot smoked salmon can be ordered from Amity Fish with a 10 percent discount for Hood readers (HOODTEN).

Or if you’d rather order in, has become a bit of a habit hasn’t it, there is an abundance of grazing companies across Scotland that create the most exquisite platters and are starting to reopen.

For the overall look, choose a palette of complementary colours. Floor cushions layered upon outdoor rugs or wooden pallets are an ideal solution if you’re lacking in space, or for a more permanent fixture, look no further than a cute picnic bench. As for the decoration, foliage is a quick solution never fails to look gorgeous—pick some up from your local florist, or invest in faux stems that you can use time and time again. Don’t forget a basket of blankets to keep you and your guests cosy as dusk falls.

What to sip under the stars? Well, Team Hood has gotten quite into having pre-packaged cocktails delivered straight to the door, so we were very excited to learn that the Bon Vivant Group has launched its own twist on the trend. Prepared by the group’s award winning mixologists, these are definitely worth a try prices start at £7.50.

Or if wine if more your thing give local wine merchants a visit, Vino Wines is based in Edinburgh but delivers nationwide. Knowledgable staff and an extensive range, you should find exactly what tickles your palate.

Finish your table with an eclectic mix of tableware, clashing colours and textures where you can. Try wooden chopping boards as serving platters set against linen runners for softness, and fairy lights or candles in glass lanterns for effortless twilight dining. Enjoy!

The Great Outdoors:Dining Alfresco