outdoor entertaining space

Christmas in Australia falls in Summer so we like to be outside - unless it's scorching hot. For the challenge I didn't want to spend any money so used what I had around the house to pull together a tablescape for 10 people. I planned to do a kids table too but ran out of time and patience... We would be sitting outside - our courtyard is quite private and would be perfect for a lunch as the sun doesn't pour into it until the later afternoon (like when these pictures were taken, hence the overexposure!) This picture: To dress up the space and make the benches a little more comfortable, I wrapped some blankets in fabric from my stash and safety-pinned it underneath to create a bench cushion. Easy, temporary and better than the bare wood! It also means you're not tied to a particular style like you would with upholstered benches. I can change the look up any time!