5 ways to elevate al fresco dining at home

Who needs a chic French bistro, when Boursin^® cheese can help you take your outdoor eating experience to the next level in the comfort of your own garden?

Whether it’s a simple family lunch, afternoon tea with friends or a romantic evening meal for two, there’s something about eating outside that just feels special. So, take advantage of the warmer days and lighter evenings, with plenty of outdoor meals and conversations that carry on long into the night.

Read on to let Boursin^® cheese show you how to truly celebrate the season with al fresco dining at its finest.

Try something new

Don’t stick to old favourites, make a real occasion of it by cooking something you’ve not done before. Yes, trying a new recipe can feel like a gamble, especially when you want to impress your guests, but if you use Boursin^® cheese as your secret ingredient, you can rest assured you’ll be cooking something everyone will love.

For a sophisticated light meal, have a go at making this vibrant Roast strawberry salad with Boursin^® Truffle. Or if you’re hosting afternoon tea, serve these savoury roasted garlic and triple herb scones with a generous dollop of creamy Boursin^® Velvety. Meanwhile, for dinner, a courgette, chilli, mint and Boursin^® Garlic & Herbs puff pastry galette is guaranteed to be the star of the show.

Set the scene

Create the perfect ambience for your loved ones by giving your table the full restaurant treatment. Dress it with a nice tablecloth, smart place mats and fabric napkins, add a pretty vase with flowers in the centre, plus candles if you’re having an evening meal, and use your best plates, glasses and tableware. You might want to ask Alexa to play some gentle music to add to the atmosphere, too.

A table set with candles and a green glass vase containing pink flowers

Add a personal touch

It’s the little things that can leave a big impression, so why not design and write by hand a personalised name card and a copy of the full menu for each guest? You could also leave a little homemade gift as part of the table setting, as a sweet and thoughtful gesture. Hand-tie a posy of fragrant herbs from your garden and tuck them into the napkins, make little bottles of sloe gin to be enjoyed as an aperitif or bake some fudge to be taken home and enjoyed.

Adults and children sharing food outdoors

Never mind the weather

If the forecast is looking a little changeable, consider planning a menu that can be enjoyed both outdoors and in, just in case. Otherwise, you can always keep the al fresco spirit alive come rain or shine by setting up a gazebo, canopy or parasol, and positioning your table wherever you’ll be most sheltered from any bad weather.

To keep your guests cosy and warm after sunset, drape a blanket over everyone’s chair or store them in a stylish rattan basket. This way, they can take one and wrap up when they feel the need!

Six adults at a table raising their glasses in a toast

Dress the part

Make the experience even more memorable by setting a dress code or theme. Encouraging your guests to get a bit spruced up will help conjure a sense of occasion and fun – and it’s a great excuse to dust off an outfit you’ve been saving for special. Just be sure to remind everyone to bring layers or a jacket, in case it gets chilly.

5 ways to elevate al fresco dining at home

Who needs a chic French bistro, when Boursin® cheese can help you take your outdoor eating experience to the next level in the comfort of your own garden?

Try something new

Set the scene

Add a personal touch

Never mind the weather

Dress the part

Why not try?

Roast strawberry salad with Boursin® Truffle

Marinated Boursin® cheese in olive oil with roasted summer veg

A handy guide to hosting a brilliant barbecue

Who needs a chic French bistro, when Boursin^® cheese can help you take your outdoor eating experience to the next level in the comfort of your own garden?

Roast strawberry salad with Boursin^® Truffle

Marinated Boursin^® cheese in olive oil with roasted summer veg