Outdoor Styling: One Garden Bistro Set Two Looks

There are some fabulous garden sets out on the high street and online this year. Whatever your style, there’s something for you, and it will suit your budget. I do love how we are a little bit more fearless when it comes to styling up our gardens, than we tend to be with our homes, and of the course the big open space and sun can make it easier.

So when Asda challenged me to take one of their outdoor sets and give it two different looks, I was all over it. I’ve had Asda garden furniture before – see HERE – and this is still going strong in my garden a few years later. In fact, someone messaged me a few days ago about how it looked now after seeing the review and I was really pleased to tell her it was in great condition. (The cushions have faded a little but that’s mine own fault for leaving them out in all weathers!).

Anyway, the point I’m making is to not write off the supermarkets when it comes to interiors or outdoor stuff; they are big players in this market now and deservedly so.

Asda has a great selection of outdoor garden sets and I’ve chosen THIS ONE for the challenge. I figured is was fun and bright, yet could be styled down to be more sophisticated if needed.

Look #1: Sophisticated Mono

The Ventura 3 piece Bistro Set, with its mix of yellow table and grey low slung chairs is ideal for sitting in the sun, sipping a glass of wine, or enjoying your early morning cuppa before the day begins (yes I’m already thinking of how I’m going to use this). But if the bright colours aren’t your thing so much, there’s one way to keep it looking more stylish and less kitsch. Style it up in a monochrome palette, tapping into the ever popular geometric trend.

The main accent here is the outdoor cusions in black and white geo print. In actual fact they’re reversible with strong green on the reverse, so you can use them for a multitude of things, and of course, they’re shower proof.

I’ve kept this look quite simple, adding some silver accents from the party section, with paper decorations and napkins. Plus a few black champagne flutes, grey coasters and a nibbles dish in black and white.

The black and white geo plant pot is a nice touch too (you can see it hiding in the back of the set) and a couple of these would look great planted up with some summer plants to really bring the look to life.

The garden set itself is really robust and very comfortable. I may have sat in the sun for a little while after this shoot, joined by my children when they came in from school. I love the shot of yellow, very much tying into natural hues, and blending into the lush garden shades.

If you want to shop this look, I sourced the pieces at my local store from the outdoor section, camping and partyware. The Ventura Bistro Set £89 is available in stores and online.

Look #2: Tropical Brights

Now if you want to really go for it and create some kind of Bahamas induced relaxation spot in your own garden this is the look for you. Think lots of bright colours, mixed and clashing, with kitsch accessories and fun pieces. And more is best, simply go for it.

So I scoured Asda for these tropical, botanical pieces and they weren’t difficult to find; they’re everywhere. The cushions are outdoors again, and I found them in the camping section. The fun cactus (this summer’s hot new flamingo replacement) is actually a candle holder, then the tropical candles on the table are a cute touch.

Now if I’m sitting out in the sunshine, what better way to enjoy yourself than with a cocktail. These plastic margarita glasses are perfect for this, and no risk of smashed glass either.

My favourite find though is this set of citronella cactus candles in concrete pots. How many trends can we incorporate into one item? Well, quite a few it seems. But they smell great, and of course will help ward off the insects and wasps as you relax. Just £5 for the set.

Shop this Look: Nothing cost more than £12 (the cactus) and all the other pieces including all the cushions were under £7 each. Utter bargain if you ask me. I found them all in the outdoor or camping section of the store. Very much on trend and great quality pieces.

So, which of these looks is your favourite? I’m torn I have to admit but on a bright, sunny day, nothing beats a little tropical vibe.

All products are available in Asda stores, possibly some of the larger ones for a few, but the Ventura Bistro Set is available HERE. 

All images are owned by me, Jen Stanbrook. 

Collaborative post: Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.