Jen’s deck is summer ready + win my outdoor dining set

Sponsored by Early Settler

My excitement about using our deck this spring and summer is palpable. We had the deck installed while I was in hospital giving birth to Charlie almost a year ago now (I know, where does the time go?!) and really didn’t use it as much as we could have due to having a newborn, being too permanently tired to remember we even had an outdoor area, and keeping him out of the harsh summer sun! We’ve since had a retractable sun awning installed so we’re now all set to enjoy the good weather which keeps teasing us in Sydney lately, swapping between four seasons in one week at times!



When we did the deck we got rid of the old timber pergola, which means we now need furniture which can withstand the elements (as there’s no roof to protect from the rain), so we’ve added to our existing Early Settler lounges (no longer available) with the Blake table and benches. Made of powder coated aluminium, they’re perfect for outdoor use. I love the simple but sturdy design, based on a classic picnic table, and the way the white contrasts with the grey deck. At a generous 240cm long, they’re perfect for big family get-togethers.



As with indoor spaces, I love to give the outdoor space a little refresh with the seasons, so I chose some new outdoor cushions (mixed in with a few indoor ones because why not?! They’re easy enough to bring inside or throw in a storage box) and accessories. The deck’s looking picture perfect so I’m now planning all kinds of summer entertaining!





All the aluminium furniture out here is not only super hardy, it’s really not heavy at all, which means we can move it around to suit the way we are using the space, whether that’s a party, a big family sit down dinner or Seb hurtling around on his scooter. I’ve lost count of the different furniture configurations we have already tried, and the best thing about benches is they’re a lot easier to move than eight chairs!



Speaking of eight chairs, this table can comfortably fit 10 people with four on each bench and a Cate chair at either end if needed. I love the perforated look of the back of these chairs which adds some much needed texture. They’re also stackable, which makes them practical too, and they come in other colours if you feel like adding a pop of coral or slate blue to your al fresco.



Regardless of the fact that Early Settler are a partner of ours, I can honestly say I recommend their outdoor range all the time because you really can’t beat it for value, quality and having so much variety to suit all tastes. I’m also really impressed with their more contemporary designs which are really different and not at all what you’d expect for outdoor.

WIN MY DINING PACKAGE!

For your chance to win the Blake table and bench package worth $1499, simply complete the form below by 5pm AEST on Friday 4 October 2019.
Name* First Last Email* For your chance of winning, please tell us, in 50 words or less, your favourite piece from the outdoor look book linked below and why* By entering this competition, I agree to my email address being added to the Interiors Addict and Early Settler databases. I can unsubscribe at any time.* Yes You must tick yes for your entry to be valid.
View the Early Settler 2019 outdoor look book

GET THE LOOK

Blake Aluminium dining table and bench package, $1499

Aruba Flowering Protea outdoor cushions, $29 each

Cervino Pink Flower cushions (indoor), $29 each

Lavish Emerald Velvet Stitched cushion (indoor), $29

Jiya gold stool (indoor), $99

Marrakesh plant stand (indoor), $19.50 on sale

Eco Sole Australian native bowl, $69

Eco Sole Ottway Ranges salad servers, $18

Arlo pineapple wooden bowl, $39

Eco Sole flower round tray table (indoor), $129

Elmer gold large tray (indoor), $39

 

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Our favourites from the latest Early Settler outdoor collections

Photography by Jacqui Turk