It’s been a cold winter, but the first signs of spring are here, and we can’t wait for long summer evenings spent relaxing outside with friends. We can already smell the barbeque and feel the heat of the fire pit warming our skin. If you’re as excited as us to get back outside and make the most of your garden or whatever outdoor space you have, now is the ideal time to start thinking about creating your perfect outdoor entertaining area. If you’re determined to transform your garden into a space for friends and families to enjoy all summer long, have a read of our guide for some inspiration.
What Are You Using Your Space For?
Before you start buying furniture and accessories for your space, think carefully about what you’re most likely to use it for. Are you going to be hosting a lot of dinner parties and barbeques? If so, you’ll want to invest in a large, good quality table that can seat everyone. Is your space mainly going to be used for relaxing and unwinding around a fire pit? Then you’ll want a comfortable outdoor corner sofa that can accommodate everyone comfortably. If you know the space will be used by children regularly, you’ll want to make sure it’s safe for them to be in.
You should treat planning your outdoor space the same way you would if you were planning the layout of a room in your house. That is to say; there should be logic to where you place your furniture, outdoor cooking equipment and accessories, depending on what you’re using the space for.
Make The Most of The Nature Around You
The great thing about being outside is that you’re surrounded by nature – so build your space to make the most of it! Position garden furniture somewhere where it gets the sun, not in a gloomy corner, but make sure to invest in a good wind up parasol to protect yourself and guests from the hot, overhead sun. Whether you’re watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening, position chairs, recliners and swing seats to make the most of the views from your garden. If you’ve got any eyesores, try to use hedges, screens, shrubs and trellises with climbing plants to hide them.
Bringing The Heat
If you’re planning on using your space for cooking or want to be able to stay outside long after the sun has gone down, you’ll need to invest in some outdoor cooking and heating kit.
For outdoor cooking equipment that is functional and will look amazing, the Kadai Recycled Firebowl is a perfect choice. Made from recycled oil drums, these barbecues come with both high and low foot stands, so they can be used for both cooking and as a heat source.
If a regular barbeque isn’t your style, the Ooni Fyra Wood Pellet Pizza Oven is perfect for outdoor pizza making. It heats up in just 15 minutes and can cook an authentic stone-baked pizza in 60 seconds.
Outdoor heating doesn’t have to look clunky or ugly, and if you want to make sure your guests stay warm and cosy into the evenings, invest in a good outdoor heater like the Kettler Kalos Plush Electric Overhang Heater. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more compact, the Kettler Copper Lantern will elevate your space whilst also being easy to move around.
Accessorising Your Space
When it comes to decorating your outdoor space, the theme is up to you, but we’d always recommend deciding on an aesthetic before you start buying pots and plants and features. If rustic and shabby chic is your style, explore garden reclamation and pick up vintage pieces. Of course, if modern is more your style, that’s okay too, but try to unify the style of your furniture with any accessories, plant pots or outdoor features you use to keep the space feeling seamless and well thought out.
Outdoor Dining & Hosting
Eating outdoors doesn’t have to mean plastic plates and cups. If you’re keen on making the most of the good weather, investing in beautiful crockeries like that from NKUKU ceramics and decorative candles to dress your table with will add a touch of magical luxury to every outdoor dinner party you host.
Soften up your space with cushions, blankets and throws (just remember to bring them indoors again in case it rains!), and use greenery from your garden to take your table dressing to the next level. For more inspiration, check out our hosting edit.
We hope our suggestions got you even more excited for the summer. To see many of the products we’ve talked about today, pop down and see us at our Garden Centre in Milnthorpe. If you would like any more information about our outdoor living ranges, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
