The first rule of elevating any dinner gathering? Your table needs to be a bit of a showstopper.

However, creating a luxurious-looking tablescape needn’t mean spending a fortune on expensive candles and tableware – in fact, all you need are some well-chosen flowers.

“A good rule of thumb is to keep things tonal,” says Whitney Hawkings, founder of leading flower delivery service FLOWERBX.

“Choose a colour and try to tie it into everything, from your choice of blooms to the napkins, crockery and candles.

“For the latter, try to combine vintage and contemporary pieces so the table has character and feels warm and inviting.

“Pink is a failsafe choice for any summer table and always makes al fresco dining feel celebratory, natural and fresh.

“Mix scented summer flowers like peonies and garden roses, and arrange loosely at varying heights, then add greenery like viburnum or even some foraged branches and leaves, to create an elevated meadow effect.”

If you’re spending hours slaving away in the kitchen, you don’t want to spoil all your hard work by serving a wine that clashes with your carefully created flavours.

Pairing different wines with each course is a quick and easy way to add some restaurant-level luxury to your next dinner party – all you need to do is consider the flavour profile of each dish, and match accordingly.

“Acidic food always pairs well with wine that has a touch of acidity,” says James Davis, Master of Wine at Freixenet. “It might sound strange but the combination of both brings together a rich and full pairing – so, for example, a tomato-based pasta dish will go really well with a Chianti.”

“For food that’s rich in umami, try the crisp, acidic notes of something like a Prosecco, while lighter salad dishes are enlivened by fruity and floral wines like Pinot Grigio.”

“Serving something fishy? The vibrant citrus aromas in our Sauvignon Blanc will really lift a beautiful cod dish, much like adding that final squeeze of lemon.”

“Then when it comes to dessert, our Italian Sparkling Rosé is brimming with fresh summer berry flavours – pair it with an Eton Mess to really bring out the sweet aspects of the wine.”

And it goes without saying, but make sure you bring out the best wine glasses for your pairings – all those matching notes are going to go unnoticed if you’re pouring into tumblers…

Cheese and charcuterie are all well and good, but for an elevated foodie twist that feels both summery and distinctly individual, flowers are once again your friend.

“Edible flowers are ready to transform your offering from everyday to something truly extraordinary,” explains Imogen Davis, co-founder of London restaurant Native.

“I like to make rosewater-flavoured lollipops with pretty petals set inside, using twigs as the sticks.

“You can also freeze your florals into ice cubes to elevate cold drinks – herb flowers such as mint, rosemary and lavender make great additions too.

“Then for savoury canapés, scatter some sunshine across your platter with dandelion petals and some chive blossoms.”

You’ll be stunned by how a few delicate visual details can make your food feel a whole lot more luxe.

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor area, chances are you’ll want to be hosting people there as often as possible.

Now, while we’d all love to have the space and budget to invest in a fire pit, complete with a surrounding suite of furniture, there are several more cost-effective ways to make your garden set-up feel a little more luxe.

“Come rain or shine, a fringed, decorative parasol can add a real wow-factor as guests arrive,” suggests Jon Sharpe, of high-end interior marketplace LuxDeco.

“As well as providing shade over the food, drinks and diners, you can also hang lights from it as the evening draws in.”

And speaking of the evening, there’s nothing chic about shivering guests, so plan accordingly.

“Decorate your chairs with some cushions and throws which guests can use to wrap up in if they feel the cold,” says Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet In Bed.

“Use your tablescape to inspire the colours you choose on your chairs for a fluid overall scheme.”

Finally, if you really want to go all out, think about dressing your space with the same kind of accent points that you would incorporate into your indoor scheme.

“See your garden as an extension of your home and use your walls to express yourself,” suggests Sanel Konyar, founder of Interior Kollection.

“Experiment with pieces like outdoor clocks or even an antique mirror in a covered, sheltered location to give the illusion of doubling the space.”

“Carvings or screens can also be added to a wall to turn it into something eye-catching and exotic – add ground-level lighting, positioned to highlight these, for a real statement piece.