Let’s all garden party
BEFORE the big day, look around your garden and see what you have lying around that can be decoratively redeployed.
Most of us have a few terracotta pots lurking in corners behind watering cans, with last year’s plant label still tucked inside.
These neglected garden staples can be reimagined with a lick of masonry paint, such as Dulux Weathershield.
There are also own-brand masonry paints from Homebase and B&Q which work very well.
Not only does this add visual interest to an otherwise ordinary garden feature, it also saves on buying new pots and can make the space feel quite different.
With the right placement, in clusters and with varying shades, sizes and styles, this trick can add real sophistication to a garden.
I would recommend muted shades in off-whites, dusky blues and greys to achieve a modern spin on a timeless classic. THERE is nothing worse than arriving at a garden party to be met with a crowd of wonky-looking chairs on the verge of collapse.
It is important to invest in some long-lasting garden seating that won’t give way after one social event.
So remember to look after your furniture and cover it when not in use. And some small, foldaway furniture might also be an idea to cope with variable weather and fluctuating guest numbers.
The hardware chain Dunelm (dunelm.com) has furniture sets that work for large and small spaces alike.
Dressing up a simple sofa or bench with some exciting-looking cushions is also a no-brainer.
Maisons du Monde (maisonsdumonde.com) does wonderful outdoor ones, which will cheer up the day even if the sun goes in. TO COMPLEMENT your now very sprucelooking outdoor space, fairylights are a lovely addition to create mood in the evening.
With the development of ever-improving solar fairylights, access to mains isn’t even necessary.try the company Festive Lights (festive-lights.com) to add some glow to your garden.
These look great draped along fencing or even strung high from one wall to another across the garden to create a lighting canopy.
They are much cheaper and far less hassle than fitting permanent outdoor lights and are an environmentally friendly alternative to using excess electricity, particularly if things continue into the wee small hours.