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Outdoor Entertaining : HOW TO PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR SUMMER

Lifestyle

What do you look forward to most in summer? For us, it’s that we can enjoy the outdoors much more. Whether it’s getting out and about and enjoying the local sites or opening up our homes to the outdoors to make the most of the garden or patio space, summer brings with it a wealth of possibilities…

One of which is outdoor entertaining – just a shimmer of sunshine is all that’s needed to wheel out the BBQ and light it up with that familiar and delightful smell of burning coals!

But is your outdoor space entertainment-ready? We’ve got a few ideas to help you turn your garden or patio into a welcoming escape for your family and friends.

1. OUTDOOR SEATING

If you have a few get-togethers planned in for over summer, you’ll need somewhere to seat all your guests. Obviously, the amount of garden you have will dictate what furniture you can fit in, but there are some options that will help you make the most of the space:

  • Corner seating: rather than the traditional table and chairs, you could opt for a corner seating arrangement that won’t take up as much space.
  • An outdoor lounge: combine with a smaller coffee-table-style piece for holding drinks and nibbles, and the result is a laid-back outdoor lounge.
  • Picnic bench: if you have a nice open grass area, then you could choose an easily-manoeuvre picnic bench-style table – the kids will love it too!
  • Beanbags: waterproof beanbags also go down a treat at garden parties and create a relaxed space for drifting into the warm summer evenings.

2. TABLEWARE

So, you’ve sorted your seating, but what about the dressing for your tabletops? After all, a garden dinner party requires a striking dining space. The first thing you need to consider is whether your garden party is following a particular theme, or whether you’re looking for more general dinnerware options.

Your first port of call could be to find inspiration on Pinterest, where you can discover thousands of images that will help give you an idea of a look or trend you love.

A popular and timeless tableware trend seems to be the nautical theme, with navy accessories, striped designs and worn rope completing this seaside look. You could quickly combine a sandy-coloured tablecloth with navy or striped napkins and plates to start you off!

3. LIGHTING

To create a twinkling garden retreat that’s perfect for outdoor entertaining, you’ll need to consider various forms of lighting. For example:

  • Fairy lights: fairy lights are a great option for draping over low-hanging branches on trees and bushes – ideal for when power sockets are sparse as you can pick up battery-operated ones.
  • Floor lanterns: for a relatively inexpensive cost, you can find giant floor lanterns that look great in the garden. Decorate with colourful flowers during the day, and when night draws in, swap the flowers for candles for additional lighting – you’re bound to gain compliments from your trendy friends!
  • Citronella candles: keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay with citronella candles – just be sure to place them on the perimeter of the party to avoid any nasty accidents.

4. COLOUR

Ahead of the summer season, think about the ways you can add a splash of colour to your garden. Not only does this enhance the overall feel of your space, making you and guests want to spend longer in the garden, but it also lets you express your character and personality. Simple ways to add colourful contrast in your garden include:

  • Accessories and decoration
  • Furniture and outdoor seating
  • Plants and shrubs

If you do opt for a natural approach, evergreen plants are an excellent choice, as they’re low maintenance, you can enjoy them all year round, and they’ll still be in great shape next summer.

5. PROVIDE SHADE

When preparing your garden for summer, it’s impossible to overlook the need for shade. After all, we all need an escape from the sun from time to time. Garden shade ideas include:

  • Freestanding parasol
  • Fixed canopy
  • Trees and overhanging plants
  • Garden room

If you’re hoping to spend many summers enjoying the comfort of your own garden, a designated garden room can be a great investment. There’s plenty you can do with your garden room interior, including designing a gym, garden-based home office, and garden bar.

6. GLAZING

Speaking of which, when upgrading your garden, it’s often a good idea to consider long-term solutions that serve you year after year and increase the value of your home. One way of doing so is extending the room that backs onto the garden, or fitting glazed doors into the wall.

You’ll be surprised by how much this can alter the feel of a home, especially if natural light is lacking. Perfect for opening up your property up to the outdoors, sliding doors or bi-folding doors make hosting a garden party that little bit easier.

All that’s left now is to get the BBQ fired up, cakes baked, and fruit chopped! Here’s to a great British summer (don’t forget the Pimm’s!). Contact us if you’d like any more information, or if we can help with turning your outdoor entertaining dream into a reality. We’re on Twitter too, @ExpressBifolds, and be sure to check out our recent case studies for inspiration!

All that’s left now is to get the BBQ fired up, cakes baked, and fruit chopped! Here’s to a great British summer (don’t forget the Pimm’s!). Contact us if you’d like any more information, or if we can help with turning your outdoor entertaining dream into a reality. We’re on Instagram too, @Expressbifoldingdoors, and be sure to check out our recent case studies for inspiration!

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