Get ready to party... garden style
Make the most of these sunny days and transform your outdoor space into a super stylish, social hub, perfect for get-togethers with friends and family
Transform your garden into a social hub for parties in the sun
The sun is shining, summer 2021 is in full swing and, fingers crossed, it’s finally time to use your outdoor space for social gatherings. It won’t take much to get your garden ready for hosting; perhaps your existing space could be brightened up with a collection of potted plants, the seats made extra comfy with an array of cushions and your patio lit up with atmospheric festoon lighting ready for when the sun sets. If you want to invest in new seating, look out for sofas and benches made from natural materials. A garden table can be made party-ready with the addition of a linen tablecloth and you can easily bring a fresh feel to the space with seasonal flowers arranged in vases to add interest, colour and scent to your scheme.
Get lounging
If you’re planning a relaxed gathering, a garden sofa will provide a laid-back lounge feel.
Add a collection of colourful comfy cushions, a coffee table for drinks and nibbles, an outdoor rug and an array of plants for an indoor-outdoor feel. Extra seating can be achieved with footstools, floor cushions and foldaway chairs, which can all easily be moved into position as more guests arrive.
Floral decorations
Showcase your home-grown blooms in these pretty glass bud vases. They’ll make an elegant display on your garden table when grouped together. If your flowers aren’t quite ready for picking, visit your local florist to find some UKgrown blooms to dress your dining table with.
Dine out
Is there anything better than enjoying delicious food with our friends and family outside during the summer? If you fancy a change from the usual barbecue then perhaps invest in a tabletop pizza oven for margheritas on tap! Guests can enjoy making their own; add bowls of ingredients, stacks of plates and pretty napkins, and let them help themselves to a refreshing glass of Pimm’s from a pitcher.
Add the ambience
Set the mood with garden lighting. Lunchtime gatherings that continue into dusk will feel much more relaxing with soft mood lighting. A fitted outdoor light can be set with a timer, which is handy for parties and evening barbecues. For something quicker, invest in a set of solar-powered garland lights that can be strung up above your table or seating areas. Battery-operated candles are a great option for the tabletop as their flickering light won’t be extinguished by a light summer breeze.