Take a look at these simple ways to make your Al Fresco dinner a relaxing evening outdoors. Table decoration, side dishes and lighting can all bring an exotic touch to a balmy summer night of wining and dining at home.

• Colour coordinating the tablecloth, napkins and dishes is great for themes. Like oranges and reds for a Mediterranean touch or blues with white for Portuguese.
• Use a large umbrella to shield guests and food from the late afternoon sun.
• If you don't have a patio heater offer your guests throws or shrugs to wrap themselves in.
• For a country feel serve dips and sauces in little ramekins with spoons instead of spoiling your table layout with condiment bottles.
• Your quality pork dishes can be complimented with holiday inspired side dishes. Check out our Al Fresco recipes for a great variety of recommendations.
• If you don't have plate warmers for keeping food warm outside you can always pop the gas BBQ onto a low heat.
• Serve drinks from an ice bucket outside so people can easily help themselves.
• Keep evening bugs off your guests and the food with citronella candles and mesh food covers.
• Soft lighting always creates a relaxed, magical atmosphere. Drape fairy lights around doorways or railings and dot tea lights in glass jars around the table.