There’s something magical about dining outdoors. Without four solid walls, things feel different – more fanciful and fun –like you’ve traveled to some faraway place (even farther than the backyard). And now that it’s getting warmer, dining al fresco can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. So let your imagination soar. Here are four daringly delicious ways to take it outside.

BRUNCH ON THE LAWN:

Friends may accuse you of watching too many period flicks, Hyacinth (may we call you Hyacinth?). But an English garden brunch is such rollicking good fun.

Picture yourself surrounded by an idyllic country manor, grass freshly mown and lilacs in bloom. A hedgehog darts through the privet. (Or a squirrel through the kudzu. Whatever.) You smile demurely, leaning back against the delicately embroidered pillow positioned perfectly against your lacy white metal scroll armchair, surveying the outrageously whimsical mismatch of summer garden and

outdoor folding chairs encircling your white scroll outdoor table. “Thank goodness mummy and daddy raised me with such a bloody good sense of humour!” you titter, breaking all rules of propriety.

In any case, your brunch table looks simply smashing with its hodgepodge of floral porcelain, bird plates and ceramic flower bowls. No standing on ceremony here! The charming flower stemware looks fresh as springtime (or at the very least, early summer) next to the bright butterfly lantern. And with a proper English teapot on hand, it’s all tickety-boo. The girls will be gobsmacked or possibly bamboozled. You practice looking surprised and exclaiming, “Why, you all look bamboozled!” You’ve always wanted to say that.