Grill and gather this summer with these garden essentials from Charles Bentley

As outdoor living becomes a more central part of home life, gardens are increasingly being designed around how people actually want to use them – whether that’s slow and sociable cooking, easy midweek entertaining or big family gatherings that stretch late into the evening. Rather than a one size fits all approach, outdoor spaces are now being shaped by lifestyle, with the barbecue and seating style chosen to match the way people like to gather. 

Naomi Bentley, Director at Charles Bentley, shares her top tips on how to build the perfect grilling and gathering set up to suit every space, occasion and entertaining style. 

How to choose the right barbecue for the way you entertain 

“Barbecue choice now really comes down to how people want to cook and host outdoors. For some, it’s about slowing everything down and turning the barbecue into the main event, which is where kamado-style grills like the ottimo Searsmith Kamado range really come into their own. It becomes less about simply getting food on the table and more about the ritual – building heat, layering flavour and enjoying a more hands-on way of cooking that naturally draws people in. With the ability to smoke, roast and sear all in one setup, it’s ideal for longer and more sociable gatherings where the cooking is just as much a part of the experience as the eating. 

“At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a growing demand for easy and flexible cooking that fits around busy social occasions. Gas barbecues like the ottimo Gas range are perfect for this, offering instant heat, multiple cooking zones and the ability to prepare several dishes at once without stepping away from guests. It allows hosting to feel far more fluid, where food is cooked alongside conversation rather than interrupting it. And for those who still want a hint of that traditional smoky flavour without fully committing to charcoal, hybrid options like the ottimo 465 Dual Fuel Barbecue offer the best of both worlds, combining speed and convenience with the depth of charcoal cooking depending on the occasion.”  

Choosing seating that matches your hosting style 

“Once you’ve chosen your barbecue, the next thing that really defines the space is how people will sit and gather around it. We're seeing two clear directions in outdoor furniture – one focused on relaxed, informal living, and another built around larger and more structured entertaining. For laid-back socialising, coffee catch ups and smaller gatherings, pieces like the Porto Bistro Set and Porto Rocking Chair bring a softer feel into the garden with colour, comfort and gentle movement that encourages people to slow down and stay a little longer. 

 “For bigger occasions, family meals and more traditional entertaining, there’s still a strong place for more substantial dining set ups like the Teak Extending Dining Table paired with Teak Stacking Chairs. Teak naturally lends itself to these moments – it feels durable, timeless and perfectly suited to communal dining. It creates that sense of occasion, with long tables, shared dishes and a more classic, banquet-style atmosphere that remains a key part of outdoor entertaining, especially during the summer months.” 

Accessories that extend the day into the night 

"Once the core set up is in place, it’s the finishing touches that really shape how the space is used throughout the day. Shade and comfort are just as important as cooking and seating, particularly as people spend longer periods outdoors. Pieces like the 3m Hanging Banana Cantilever Garden Umbrella help create a more flexible environment, offering shelter during warmer parts of the day and making the space feel comfortable for long lunches and relaxed afternoon gatherings where people naturally move between sun and shade.  

“As the evening sets in, warmth and atmosphere become essential to keeping the gathering going. Fire pits and chimineas are increasingly being used not just for heat, but as central design features that draw people together once the food is finished. They create a natural focal point that encourages people to settle in and extend the evening, adding both ambience and practicality to outdoor spaces. It's that combination of warmth, light and atmosphere that transforms a simple barbecue into a full evening of entertaining, rather than something that ends when the cooking is done.” 

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For more information about Charles Bentley and the full range of outdoor living and barbecue collections, visit www.charlesbentley.com. 

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Editors notes

Established in 1860, Charles Bentley is a sixth-generation family business and the UK’s leading manufacturer of brushware. What started as a chimney-sweeping brushes company has grown into a trusted British brand, with over 160 years of experience creating high-quality brushware for homes, businesses, and industry. Today, more than two million brushes and brooms are made every year, combining traditional values with modern manufacturing to meet the demands of customers across the UK and beyond. Alongside its brushware heritage, Charles Bentley is now known for a wide range of home, garden, and leisure products, from garden furniture and parasols to storage, barbecues, and decorative touches. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, style and practicality to everyday living. Still based in Loughborough, Charles Bentley continues to innovate while staying true to its long-standing values of quality, sustainability, and dependable customer service. Whether it’s a hand-finished broom or a beautifully crafted piece of garden furniture, the Bentley name is trusted by generations to deliver products that enhance everyday life.