Styling Ideas for Outdoor Get Togethers
Make the perfect space to entertain friends and family outdoors this Spring. As we head into Summer we have all missed meeting up with people over the past year, while we may not be able to hold a huge party just yet, being allowed to meet up with a group of up to 6 people from two households means that our outdoor spaces have become very important to us. We've got some style secrets to make your garden the place to hang out this Summer and beyond.
Create an outdoor lounge
Imagine the sun warming your skin as you chat with friends or read the Sunday papers in your stylish outdoor living room. Create a beautiful chill out area or opulent relaxation zone with outdoor sofas and chairs.
Rattan sofas and chairs are very on trend for 2021. Super comfortable for all ages, they are available with weather resistant shower-proof cushions (essential with the British weather!) A pair of sofas or corner sofa and chair will help to create the perfect entertainment space in your garden. Add a low coffee table or poufe with a tray to accommodate your favourite cup of tea or jug of Pimms.
You can create a more permanent seating area in your garden by building a seating area yourself using upcycled pallets or create boxes. Cushions, rugs, blankets and throws will make this area feel more luxe and comfortable. Choose water resistant or machine washable ones such as our planet-friendly ones made from recycled plastic bottles in order to keep it easy to clean and maintain whilst looking fabulous.
A fire pit or fire basket is a great way to provide some warmth when the sun goes down. Pair with spare blankets or ponchos for additional warmth. Outdoor heating won't just keep you warm it also provides a sociable focal point that draws people in and also creates light and atmosphere.
Create an al fresco dining room
There is something special about eating al fresco, by creating a beautiful outdoor dining space you can enjoy mealtimes even more. Even the most compact outdoor space such as a balcony or patio can hold a bistro set of table and chairs for two. Give small courtyard gardens a facelift with a painted wall and a garden mirror to create the illusion of space.
Zoning a space
Use large outdoor planters such as our ribbed galvanised plant pots planted with a tall bamboo and an outdoor rug to zone off your dining area. This will not only make your outdoor dining area more beautiful and colourful it will also create intimacy.
Let there be light
Complete your outdoor dining room with some beautiful garden lighting. This will dress the space and give a Mediterranean atmosphere as you dine long into the evening. Our solar powered lanterns are perfect for this, you can suspend along a wire or line or from a tree or use the stand to place on the floor or table. Create ambience with larger candles and add citronella candles to keep flying pests at bay.
Create an outdoor bar
For sociable party people and outdoor bar is a garden essential. Consider a dedicated structure such as a summerhouse if you want to entertain all year round. But for special occasions a small bar area can be created with a table and some bar essentials such as tray to catch the drips such as a set of galvanised circular trays, a statement pineapple ice bucket and a selection of pretty glasses and garnishes for those cocktails and mocktails.
Arrange relaxed seating areas
By setting out your garden furniture around a table and zoning with an outdoor rug and a few planters you can distance as you need to and help take in the best view of your garden.
If you don't have garden furniture you can temporarily use some of your indoor furniture outside. Make sure you have a large outdoor rug, take a low coffee table outside and style it with cushions, poufs, blankets and some glass tea lights you can create a cool Ibiza style vibe with an upmarket picnic on the lawn.
Create instant ambience
You can create instant impact and revive tired garden furniture with a splash of colour. Cornish Milk Mineral Paint is designed and made in Cornwall and can be used on indoors or outdoor furniture, it comes in a range of stunning colours inspired by the Cornish coast and landscape so it's perfect for UK homes and gardens. Buy some bright patterned outdoor cushions and throws to add comfort, colour and texture.
Outdoor lighting such as these beautiful starburst fairy lights help create ambience light. Wrap them in a potted Olive tree or string across an area to help definite the space. Solar lanterns and candles give extra pockets of light to help keep your guests relaxed and cosy.
All that is left is to invite your favourite people (social bubble permitting) and make the most of your stylish garden this Summer.
We hope this guide helps to inspire you to create your own outdoor entertaining space. Let us know how your project goes. Share your images on our facebook page and we may feature you in our next blog.
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