Whether you’re organising an all-out garden party, a late afternoon barbecue, or just a casual picky tea in the backyard, we’ve finally got the sunshine to do it! We’re hopeful that the sun will stick around this year (to make up for last year!) so we’re all turning our attention towards our green spaces. Read on for our tips on how to get your garden ready for summer…
The right lighting helps to set the tone in any room of the house. But outside, there’s something even more magical about it. We find it’s best to set the mood with a few areas of ambient lighting for when the evening gets darker, rather than one big light. The Humble Mini Outdoor Lamps are ideal for this. With a soft glow and a unique filament-style bulb, these rechargeable lamps are perfect for adding a bit of atmosphere.
If you’re looking for something similar, take a look at the Firefly Mini Rechargeable Lamp or the LED Rechargeable Lamp. These are both perfect for adding small hints of light dotted around your space.
We also love the colourful Mushroom Table Lamps – available in either small or large – for bringing a pop of personality to your garden. You can choose your favourite colour or mix and match for a riot of bold colours. You could also mix and match sizes to create your own mushroom wonderland!
If you’re the one putting on the garden party, it’s nice to have a bit of something special to host your guests. For this, we recommend upgrading the essentials. For the ultimate in luxurious entertaining, take a look at the Wine Accessories Collection. Sleek and stylish, these matt grey contemporary pieces set the tone for the evening, taking you from casual to connoisseur!
To pair with these, we always recommend the Smoked Glass Champagne Glasses. Ideal for champagne (of course!) or for your favourite wine, these glasses are simple yet elegant.
Nibbles are the name of the game when it comes to garden gatherings. Especially if your guests are likely to be around for the evening, easy, tapas-style dining is the way to go. We recommend investing in finger bowls or mini plates for your guests for this – ideal for getting just one more of this and one more of that! To pair with these, take a look at our collection of Wooden Trays. The Oil & Vinegar Bottles, Glass Spice Jars and Oak Lidded Pots are another great way to upgrade the essentials – a simple addition to elevate any kitchen.
Sea salt, fresh cotton, fruity florals – all gorgeous scents of summer. To keep the summer feeling flowing throughout the whole house, why not add a candle or diffuser in other rooms of the house? We recommend the Aery Luxury Room Diffusers for sophisticated scent profiles. Based on plants and flowers from all around the world, these diffusers are not only unique in scent but also in style, thanks to their contemporary clay vessels. You can also find the same scents as candles just here.
We also love the candles, diffusers and wax melts from Fox Cub & Co. With distinctive, modern packaging, they fit in with any decor the year round. For summer, we suggest their Oakmoss & White Amber, Bergamot & Tuberose or Fig & Orris scents. The first is fresh and earthy, whilst the latter options are more fruity and floral.
Pop your scented candle or diffuser in the bathroom for a fresh aroma when your guests nip to the loo. Or, place one in the entrance hall to welcome guests as they arrive!
Though we all love lounging in the sunshine, we are still prone to cool evenings here in the UK. As the night stretches on and the sun sets, it can be good to have something on hand to wrap around your shoulders. Particularly if you’re not ready to move back inside just yet. We recommend a simple and easy throw – something light and not too fussy. Some good options would be the Cotton Muslin Throws, the Recycled Merino Wool Throws or the Contrast Edged Boho Throws if you’re after a more patterned look.
Some gardens have the luxury of a lot of space. But, even if you have a small garden, it can be easy to create a cosy seating area. A nice bench or a couple of chairs with a small table make the perfect setting. Add a stylish basket to pop your throws in and your guests can grab one if the evening turns chilly. Just make sure you pop them back under cover in case of a surprise shower!
You could also treat yourself to a new light layer to throw on at the end of the night. We love the new Plush Cream Cardigan for this. Super soft yet lightweight and with an airy, springtime feel.
We hope this blog has given you some inspiration on how to get your garden ready for summer. As the seasons get warmer, we all love to spend more time outside. If you’re looking for even more inspiration next soirée, we have heaps more to inspire you over on our Pinterest page.