As the long days continue and the warmth extends into evening, it’s the perfect time to embrace outdoor living. Whether you’re inspired by alfresco dining in Chocolat, lounging by a glamorous poolside like in Diamonds Are Forever, hosting an impromptu outdoor meeting a la The Studio, or navigating the simmering tension of a sun-drenched love triangle like in La Piscine, these iconic film and TV scenes offer the perfect garden furniture inspiration. Recreate some cinematic magic in your own outdoor space with our curated furniture selections that bring the best of film to life.

Alfresco Dining: A Taste of Cinema’s Best Outdoor Moments

Nothing beats outdoor dining—it connects us with nature and enhances any group gathering. From the alfresco meal in Chocolat to the gorgeous dinners under the trees in Call Me By Your Name, these films serve up more than just food—they offer a feast for the eyes.

Call Me By Your Name presents outdoor dining as a romantic and tranquil affair, set in the breathtaking Italian countryside. The intimate dinners under the trees and poolside moments offer a visual love letter to the beauty of the Italian landscape.

In Chocolat, the picturesque village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain in Burgundy, France, serves as the primary setting for the film. The outdoor dining scene may start with a bit of tension, as Vianne (Juliette Binoche) invites the villagers to share a meal with the traveller Roux (Johnny Depp). But the table setting which oozes simple, rustic charm, sets the stage for a moment of transformation. The food—particularly Vianne’s chocolate—becomes a catalyst for change, shifting the mood from suspicion to acceptance. By the end of the meal, the once-hostile villagers begin to open up, and even the dog gets in on the action, symbolising the welcoming warmth of new experiences.

The design secret here? A large table, outdoor chairs, good glassware and table linen, all set the scene for memorable meals outdoors.

For setting an inviting table, The Conran Shop Plain Linen Napkins from Holloways of Ludlow are available in a selection of colours including Goosebury and Ochre. They’ll add a decidedly French touch, as do these Ferm Living Host Wine Glasses.

For a more modernist take on outdoor dining, choose the Palissade Outdoor Dining Collection: Designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, this range blends seamlessly into both urban and natural settings. Its symmetrical geometry and sleek design make it the ideal choice for your garden dining area.

The stylish and durable outdoor dining and table and chairs from the Palissade Collection even makes and appearance in the BBC’s Magpie Murders.

The Lounge Collection also featured in Channel 4’s Grand Designs in the episode Hackney Revisit 2025 – in the courtyard garden, in the handsome Iron Red colourway.

Outdoor Meetings: Style and Sophistication

For a refined mid-century take on outdoor living, lets take a look at TV series The Studio, where sharp-tongued producer Patty Keigh hosts an impromptu business meeting in the LA garden of her stunning Lautner-designed home. The setting is stylish and functional, furnished with Schultz 1966 Chairs and a statement Asteria Table Lamp.

The Schultz 1966 Collection, designed by Richard Schultz, offers elegant chairs and tables that withstand the test of time and weather. Built to endure even the harshest elements, these pieces provide comfort and style—whether you’re hosting a dinner or brainstorming outside.

The Schultz 1966 Collection can be found at Holloways of Ludlow.

 

Poolside Gatherings: Chic, Stylish Lounging

When it comes to poolside lounging, few films do it better than La Piscine (The Swimming Pool, 1969), where Jean-Paul (Alain Delon), Marianne (Romy Schneider), Harry (Maurice Ronet) and Pénélope (Jane Birkin) spend much of the film lounging by the pool of a chic villa, engaging in conversations that reveal complex emotional dynamics and tensions – A quintessential example of French New Wave cinema’s exploration of psychological drama.

This outdoor scene is furnished with Locus Solus Outdoor Furniture by Gae Aulenti, super-stylish Pop design.

Looking for an alternative? The Groove Collection of outdoor furniture by Tom Dixon features similar tubular steel designs with a choice of two cool colours, perfect for bringing some pop to your poolside. An excellent blend of art deco-inspired design and modern functionality.

Discover the Groove Collection at Holloways of Ludlow.

 

Styling It Out on a Sun Lounger

Sun loungers are a staple of any luxurious garden. Think back to Diamonds Are Forever, where Sean Connery’s James Bond lounges by a poolside. His effortless cool inspires the look of modern sun loungers.

In Almodovar’s The Room Next Door, The inviting, colourful outdoor chaise sun loungers in red and green contribute to a visual narrative that complements the emotional journey of the story.

Find effortlessly stylish sun loungers such as the Bolia Ease Sun Lounger: A sleek and comfortable piece perfect for basking in the sun or the Carl Hansen & Son BK14 Garden Sun Lounger: A classic design with exceptional comfort, ideal for any sun-soaked garden. Browse these sun loungers at Holloways of Ludlow.

Outdoor Rugs: Comfort and Connection

In films like Little Women, a simple garden rug can transform a humble lawn into a space for comfort and connection. 

The Muuto Ply Rug is crafted from sustainable materials, and ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Its durable, moisture-resistant construction makes it perfect for garden lounges, adding warmth and texture to any space. 

 

From leafy gardens to poolside moments and alfresco dining scenes, these films show us how to create atmosphere with our outdoor spaces, as well as facilitate a sense of connection with friends and family. With stunning garden furniture and accessories from Holloways of Ludlow, a trusted furniture partner known for quality and craftsmanship, you can turn your garden into a stylish retreat worthy of the silver screen. Now then, where’s the Rosé?

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