9 best outdoor dining sets for alfresco entertaining this summer

Made from a combination of painted fir wood and powder-coated steel, this six-seater set is built to be weather resistant and durable – the table can support up to 50 kilograms in weight (plenty of room for all your barbecue food, then).

While it doesn’t come with a parasol, there’s an umbrella hole in the centre of the table, giving you the option of shade and a breather from the heat on summer days. The chairs also have a stackable design for easy storage, should you want to put them away for winter.

For hosting all your summer garden parties, look no further. This eight-seater dining table comes in a gorgeous honey-brown finish with an extendable design, so you can pull it out when you need to accommodate more people.

The chairs have a black, weatherproof weave for back support and comfort and all eight can be folded away for storage. Two of the chairs also have a reclining design, so you can lie back and relax in the sun once you’re finished at the table.

This is a pricey set, but it should last for years to come.

Simple yet sleek, this great value dining set includes a six-seater table and chairs. The frames are made of durable steel, while the chairs are covered in a polyester fabric for added comfort.

The set also includes a parasol, but there isn’t a weighted base, which is something to keep in mind in the unpredictable British weather! We suggest removing and popping it in storage when it’s windy out.

Another affordable set, this picnic table offers everything you need for enjoying summer mealtimes alfresco. The natural timber frame is weather-resistant as it’s been pressured treated against rot, however it’s worth keeping in mind that the solid wood will be weighty and difficult to move.

Of course, there’s limited seating so it won’t suit large households, but couples and small families can relish in this rustic garden picnic table.

If a metal outdoor dining set is on your wish list, consider this option from Argos. It’s more lightweight than similar wooden sets, and the table has removable legs for fuss-free storage over winter – the chairs fold up neatly too.

While it boasts a 4.5-star rating from shoppers, some customers found the chairs are a little on the narrow side, making them slightly uncomfortable. Plus, while it comes with a parasol, it's missing a base to keep it weighted and secure in the wind. There’s still plenty to love though, from the contemporary aesthetic to the affordable price tag.

This gorgeous eucalyptus dining table is a real statement piece. With a slim-slatted design, a warm-toned finish, and a chunky pair of benches to match, it’s a stylish pick.

Sadly, there’s no parasol or circular hole in the table to slot in your own, but it’s compact, so a standalone umbrella should provide enough shade if needed.

While on the costly side, the responsibly sourced and durable wood, plus the one-year manufacturer’s guarantee, should make it a good investment.

A wide-reaching parasol can be a lifesaver in a heatwave and the one that comes with this four-seater dining set will provide the reprieve you need from the sun.

The set also features an aluminium frame with a wood-effect finish, while the rope weave chairs add character and charm. They’re stackable too so you can store them away when the weather turns.

Compact designs like this are becoming increasingly popular for small green spaces. The chairs tuck neatly underneath the table to make a space-saving cube when it’s not being used, making them a smart choice for smaller gardens. The rattan-effect offers durability too, and lends a sleek, modern feel to the overall design.

There’s no holder for a parasol, but it does include four cream cushions to make the chairs even more comfy. Just make sure to store them inside to protect them from the elements.

For those who love the natural rattan look, this set is for you. Its aluminium frames are covered in 100% handwoven, weather-resistant rattan, and the table features a tempered glass top to create a stylish, yet practical dining space. The glass also has a hole in the top for a parasol so you can add shade when needed, although note, a parasol isn’t included.

You do benefit from the added lighting bundle though. Worth over £170, the dining set includes the TruGlow Solar Pillar LED Candle Trio, the Porto Solar Lantern Duo with TruGlow LED Candles, and 20 Warm White Festoon Lights – perfect for setting the mood on evenings spent dining outdoors.