With the arrival of some gloriously sunny days in the UK, (amidst the odd thunderstorm), it’s the perfect time to embrace our outdoor spaces. The fleeting warmth of the summer months, coupled with the precious longer days and mild evenings, beckons us outside.
The summer solstice, a mere four weeks away, as I type this post, always seems to arrive prematurely, signalling that our days will soon begin to shorten even before the full swing of summer has started.
For those in the UK, the time is now to prepare our gardens for the summer season; be it for cosy alfresco dining or grand soirées with friends.
While the tips I offer for summer garden entertaining are inspired by my own outdoor space, whether you’re the proud owner of a sprawling lawn or the cosy confines of a balcony or backyard, these suggestions are designed to be flexible. No matter the size of your outdoor space, you can adapt these ideas to create your perfect summer sanctuary.
1: Zoning
We’re very fortunate to have created four separate zoned areas:
Afternoon Retreat: our secluded haven, a mini sun-trap, where we unwind with a refreshing tipple, or bask in the warmth of the day
Alfresco Dining: an inviting space for gatherings with friends around the table
Culinary Corner: where sizzling BBQs and wood-fired pizzas tantalise the taste buds
Outdoor lounge: nestled under the pergola, the perfect cosy nook for intimate evenings
Even in the cosiest of gardens, zoning can be achieved with ease; the introduction of natural screens, such as potted plants offer a versatile solution that not only adds interest to your space, can also provide the flexibility to be rearranged as needed.
While bamboo is a popular choice for its swift growth and screening ability, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives that can serve the same purpose without being invasive.
Consider potted tall grasses, ferns, or even climbing plants that can bring a touch of greenery and privacy to your outdoor retreat.
The marketplace is abundant with garden screens to suit every style and need. Yet, sometimes the simplest solutions, such as wooden battens, can be remarkably effective. These can be arranged in a variety of patterns and stained or painted to complement your outdoor decor, offering a charming way to introduce privacy and structure.
The wooden baton screen we added to our pergola
If your garden space is limited, strategically placed outdoor chairs or even plush cushions can create an intimate setting. Consider positioning them in a snug corner or against a wall, perhaps with a trellis adorned with climbing plants.
For those fortunate enough to have a larger garden, a pergola stands as a fabulous focal point, providing shade for those sunny afternoons and a framework for outdoor lighting or climbing plants, enhancing the ambiance of your garden sanctuary, and perfect for late evening entertaining with friends.
The pergola: our outdoor sanctuary
I’ll be sharing more in future posts of my recently launched Garden Mini-Series; including the steps in creating our pergola and how it’s evolved.
If you’ve missed it, you can catch up with Part 1 here:
2: Create a comfortable seating area
Transforming the pergola from a decorative focal point to a practical, usable space for entertaining was the best decision we made.
Once the seating was built, all we needed were some comfortable seat cushions.
Using a made-to-measure foam cutting service is practical and convenient. I highly recommend efoam, which allows users to select the closest shape, add their dimensions and foam type.
Choosing suitable fabric to cover the foam cushions is essential, consider fade, stain and mildew resistant when selecting your chosen fabric.
We were very fortunate to find an amazing local seamstress who was able to create our custom covers for the cushions.
As an alternative solution for those with limited space, why not consider simply adding some cushions to existing outdoor chairs or purchasing outdoor beanbags.
Again there are plenty of options to choose from and one of my favourites is rucomfy.
With a wide range of designs and colours, you’re bound to find something suitable for your outside space, and I have a 10% off code SPRING10 which was valid at time of typing this post.
3: Make it cosy
Consider your outside space an extension of your home, a sanctuary to feel welcoming and enjoy.
Accessorising is key to preparing the garden for guests, or for your own personal enjoyment during those long lazy days in the sun.
As any interior designer will tell you, you can never have too many cushions.
You can never have too many cushions when it comes to styling
I had the privilege of working on a photo styling project last year at a property with an awe-inspiring outdoor space.
Even on the warmest of days, the evening air can turn cool, so having a throw to hand means you can snuggle under and appreciate the outdoors until the early hours.
Scented candles and incense, for those who enjoy them, not only ward off the midges, also adds a relaxing aroma throughout the garden adding an element of tranquility.
And what’s a garden without music?
Our Sonos Move is perfect, portable with amazing sound quality, without being a nuisance to the neighbours.
TOP TIP:
If, like me, you’re short on space, consider repurposing accessories you already have in your house.
When the summer months wind down, it’s essential to plan where you’ll store those extra outdoor cushions, rugs, and throws. Unless you have a fully covered area, the arrival of winter shouldn’t mean discovering your beautiful rug ruined by rain or snow!
4: Warm up your evenings
Adding a chiminea or fire pit in your garden can transform those chilly summer evenings into cosy gatherings
We found our chiminea on Etsy, which boasts an incredible selection, often handcrafted by small businesses.
It’s not just a functional piece, but also a stunning feature that doesn’t demand much space, making it perfect even for the cosiest of gardens.
5: Illuminate your garden
Solar-powered lights offer an easy way to create beautiful ambiance in your outdoor space. From classic festoon lighting to more decorative options, the choices are abundant.
In our garden, we’ve selected a mix of lights, from spotlights installed in the wall, adding a modern look, to festoon lighting hanging from the pergola roof creating a warm, inviting glow and Moroccan inspired lights to add an exotic flair.
If you have an outdoor electric socket, consider installing spotlights around the garden’s edge. Not only do they enhance the ambiance, but they can also highlight interesting plants at night. For a twist, explore alternative colours beyond the classic warm white or cool white.
So, there we are, my tips on preparing your garden for summer entertaining.
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