If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s how much we appreciate our gardens. For a while they were the only option to get outside and so we all got extra creative, with an abundance of beautifully-styled outdoor spaces popping up on our Instagram feeds. Now, our gardens have become just as important as our interiors as a place to relax, dine and entertain, and creating a cosy garden oasis to enjoy is as important as ever.
We thought it a good time to start thinking about some of our favourite garden entertaining area ideas, as the first signs of uncovered barbecues start to emerge and the evenings get lighter. The key is to get prepared as early as possible; for all its soggy and unpredictable flaws, British weather can catch us off guard with some early Spring sunshine to make the most of. Having your outdoor entertainment area planned and ready to go means you can soak up the sunshine as soon as it comes out of hibernation. Here’s our top tips for creating that cosy outdoor space.
Cushioned Outdoor Seating Sets
Nobody wants a cold bum when they’re clinking that first glass of fizz, so it’s always worth investing in a fully cushioned outdoor seating set as the centrepiece for your outdoor area. This is instantly welcoming and creates a cosy, sociable atmosphere for guests to settle in for the evening. We particularly love a corner outdoor furniture set so you can kick your feet up and indulge in a spot of star-gazing after everybody leaves.
Make Cover
The best gardens for entertaining will consider the need for a little shelter, whether for protection from an unwelcome shower or to provide some shade for guests. If you don’t have a permanent option for cover in the garden, then a stylish parasol is always an ideal go to and can be easily manoeuvred into position wherever it’s needed.
Candles & Lanterns
Nothing says cosy quite like the warm glow of flickering candles to take you from day to night. They set the mood for the evening to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and can fill the evening air with beautiful fragrance. We’re always a big fan of a lantern so that you can easily move about and take that lovely glow with you. For alternative garden lighting ideas, you can also hang fairy lights in the space or snap up a portable battery-powered lamp.
Add A Mirror
Paying as much attention to your exterior as you do your interior is key to creating a cosy atmosphere. It may seem elaborate to bring an outdoor mirror into your garden, but it makes for a great option to break up cold, brick walls. Welcoming a mirror into the space instantly indicates that attention to detail has been catered to, and if you’re green fingered, then reflecting back all of your gorgeous blooms is the ultimate satisfaction.
Throw It On
An oldie but a goldie, placing plenty of warm throws around your outdoor living area is arguably the most impactful thing you can do to make sure that guests stay nice and comfortable. Giving everyone their own individual throw to wrap up in when they start to feel the chill lets them know you’ve thought about their comfort. When they’re not being used for function, drape your throws over your seating to create a perfect little corner for hygge outside of the home.
Firepits are a must
Your outdoor space needs to have a way to warm up when the sun goes down, so a firepit is the perfect addition to a cosy area for entertaining. While it serves a brilliantly functional purpose (and by that, we mean melting those gooey marshmallows) it also instantly creates a point of connection for your guests as they huddle round and enjoy each other’s company by the fire.
Mix up your seating
By creating a few different seating options around your garden, you create welcoming pockets of space to socialise in which make the garden feel fuller and more purposeful. Aside from your main outdoor furniture set, you can add a wooden bench or a couple of daybeds to lounge on.
Add a rug
A sure-fire way to bring that sense of cosiness and care to you garden is to invest in an outdoor rug. By replicating the sort of layout you’d often experience indoors, you can build a welcoming snug where guests can happily kick off their shoes and potter around. It also makes for an ideal little nap spot for furry friends who want to join the party!
Layer with cushions
Once you’ve decided on your outdoor seating, layer up cushions just as you would indoors – choosing a mix of fabrics, colours and shapes to bring depth and texture to the space. Not only do outdoor cushions look cosy and welcoming, they encourage guests to snuggle in and get comfy however best suits them. Outdoor cushions are best in thick, durable fabrics such as jute or PET yarn to weather the elements better if you forget to bring them in.
Style with accessories
Don’t forget those finishing touches! It’s the little trinkets and bits of character that make a house feel like a home, and the same goes for creating a sociable space outdoors. Whether it’s creating a beautiful spread with unique glassware or bringing some contemporary plant pots into the space, dress it in a way that reflects your home style.
Ready to style up your outdoor space for the perfect entertaining set up? Take a look at our full outdoor collection for plenty of inspiration!
