Now that the weather really is superb, being British, all we can think about is getting out of the sun. There are lots of ways to make your garden a little bit more pleasant in the really hot sunny weather. I’ve created a willow bower under which we can sit a while on a bench and think about all the things we need to do in the garden (let’s face it, that’s what gardeners do, isn’t it?) before trotting over to do it. But what about dining?

Well, the best things I’ve ever used are gazebos which mean that when the sun is weak in the winter, or it’s a cloudy day, you can sit under the open sky, or put up the gazebo when it’s really beating down with hot sunshine so that your guests don’t melt or get sunburn. There’s something nice about sitting in the garden, hearing the garden and smelling the garden but not overheating while doing it. And it means the food you serve won’t get spoiled by the sun.

In hot weather, the food I serve naturally changes from hot to cold buffet-style food: heaps of couscous and roasted vegetables, salads and ice creams. I serve viola ice cream in ice bowls, which are easy to make but look really impressive, and guests are always blown away by the idea and leave pledging to make one of their own. Sitting under the gazebo, the ice bowls don’t melt so quickly (although I never serve them until it really is time to eat), and so the effect isn’t ruined.

And the gazebo can be good if it is raining a bit, as at least you have something to shelter under. Or else serve the food under its shade and let many guests set up little picnics around the garden. And don’t ever forget that summer doesn’t last forever. You won’t thank yourself for missing it when November swings around.

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