Summer is a time to be with family and friends, whilst enjoy your surroundings and embracing the great outdoors.  Warm, sunny weather evokes thoughts of afternoon barbecues, hazy evenings with refreshing drinks and all-day outdoor relaxation in the gentle breeze. Whether your garden is large or small, some simple styling will transform it into the perfect setting for an outdoor soiree, taking your guests on journey turning it into a sophisticated, socialising space.

Turn up the heat
It may be summertime but the weather can be unpredictable in the UK.  Plan ahead and have gazebos or marquees ready. On the positive side, you also want to ensure that you have a large parasol on hand, to create shade if there’s too much sun. 

It’s always worth remembering that even on the hottest of summer days, the evenings get cold and you will need to keep warm after the sun goes down. Outdoor heaters are popular options and our Candela Pendant Electric Patio Heater (RRP £89.99) is perfect to take the chill off on summer evenings, and can be hung from a parasol, gazebo, awning or patio roof to instantly create a warming atmosphere, without taking up much space.  An electric heater is lightweight, environmentally friendly and often with an adjustable heating angle and height, extending the use you get out of your outdoor space beyond summer.

Fire pits and patio fireplaces provide a focal point, a central gathering place and a welcoming environment at parties and are ideal for lighting after dark.   The Hoole Cesta Steel Fire Basket (RRP £69.99) is compact in size, so is ideal for smaller outdoor spaces, whilst our Wakehurst Outdoor Fireplace With Wood Storage (RRP £499.99) is a show stopping piece for your patio, allowing you to watch the dancing flames whilst producing radiant warmth.

Sitting pretty

Ample seating is essential for a cosy garden party and what better way to celebrate summer than with a delicious, al-fresco meal or gathering in your garden?  Host an outdoor lunch or evening dinner party will create new summer memories right at home.

We would highly recommend having a spacious garden furniture set that will seat the majority of your guests.  Our luxurious furniture sets come in a cool colour palette using of cream and grey, emitting both sophistication and elegance.
 
Turn your outdoor rooms into a beautiful get-together living space with our Paxton Rattan Garden Corner Sofa Set  (RRP £2399) which is practical, comfortable, stylish and perfect for large families or outdoor entertaining with friends.
Natural materials create a relaxed mood, which is especially important when eating so our Repton Eucalyptus Wood Table & Four Chairs Garden Bistro Set (RRP £419.99) is ideal for informal and tranquil evenings.

Or maybe you just fancy reading your book alone, gently sipping on a drink as the sun goes down.  Our Paxton Rattan Garden Day Bed (RRP £899.99)will turn your outdoor space into the ultimate garden lounge, allowing you to unwind to the sounds of nature.

Summer styling

If you really want to impress your guests, why not decorate your space with some accents and decorations that suit your chosen theme?  How about a Hawaiian themed gathering with tropical colours or a British garden party with bunting and gingham tablecloths?  Bunting is a great way to soften the look of a wall or fence and can also be incorporated whatever the theme of your garden party.

For a Boho themed garden, consider layering a few blankets and adding outdoor pillows for extra colour and comfort for you and your guests. Make use of natural wood materials and neutral, earthy hued textured table runners or placemats to create an eye-catching dining area.   Our Moroccan Solar Lantern (RRP £39.99) is an enchanting addition to bohemian decor schemes, casting a mesmerising display in your outdoor space.

Mouthwatering treats

If the weather’s good, then you might want to consider having a tasty and flavoursome barbecue. It’s a great way to cook large amounts of food fresh and in front of your guests.  A simple charcoal barbecue is perfect for the job and our Portable Kettle BBQ with Charcoal Pan (RRP £79.99) will make sure that the food you’re preparing is delicious and worth the wait. 

For budding grill chefs and enthusiasts, our new ceramic Kamado Portable Grill and Smoker, available to pre-order in May, (RRP £499.99 -£999.99) will cook items to perfection and heats up ready for action in just 15 minutes. Offering the ultimate in versatility, you can use this charcoal grill for grilling, searing, baking and smoking by adding wood chips to the charcoal for a taste sensation.
 
If you have a small patio or balcony or want a smaller intimate get together, the Portable Tabletop BBQ With Charcoal Grill (RRP £39.99) is a must-have cooking companion making it easy to grill anywhere.

Let there be light

When the summer evenings hit, transform your outdoor space into a magical wonderland with the right lighting. Strings of fairy lights, solar stake lights or lanterns can really set the mood for your gathering.  Our 200 LED Solar String Lights (RRP £19.99) and Decorative Metal Solar Lanterns (RRP £24.99) work for every summer gathering, adding an relaxing ambiance that can stay outside all year round.

Transform your garden as dusk falls and with some decorative lanterns such as our Edison Copper Cage LED Solar Lantern (RRP £29.99) and LED Solar Hurricane Lantern (RRP £21.99) to set the mood.  When you have enough outdoor lighting, you don’t need to transfer the gathering inside when it gets dark and our Copper Sphere LED Solar String Lights (RRP £24.99) will keep the festival feeling going all night long.

Plants

Make sure your garden is in enviable shape before your guests arrive.  Simple tasks will elevate your garden such as cutting the grass, prune overhanging shrubs and deadhead flowers to create an inviting setting. Nothing says summer time like the sweet scent of flowers and sunshine, a few colourful pots of flowers such as achillea, helenium, lupins, iris, lilies, phlox and salvia will entice with their fragrant aromas and bold hues. Accessorise with containers and group multiple pots of different shapes and sizes to transform corners of your patio. Our range of Loudon Classical Glazed Planters (RRP £23.99 - £49.99) can be tied together using a colour scheme or accent plant that is repeated in each for an impressive display. 

Alternatively, when entertaining outside, even the smallest potted plants, alone or in clusters can create an inspirational table centrepiece.  Our Prissca Grecian Terracotta Bowl Garden Pot (RRP £49.99 – 94.99) can be filled with exotic succulents, whilst our Ancient Collection Garden Plant Pot Bowl (RRP £30.99) will look spectacular with cut flowers. Finish the look with some green foliage for a standout garden setting. 

Whether you want to relax in the sun with friends or eat and play some games, our summer styling ideas will get you started.  View the full Gardenesque range at www.gardenesque.com

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Notes to Editors:
Following the principles of the historic gardenesque movement, our gardenware products encompass style and practicality, designed to accentuate the natural beauty of any outdoor space.  Gardenesque is based on three key values: discovery, showcasing and naturalism, to provide gardeners with the simplest extraction of new ideas combined with traditional concepts, to bring horticultural beauty into homes and gardens, regardless of size and location.
 
For more information or images, please contact the Gardenesque PR team:
 
Contacts
Cassie King
PR & Content Executive
Tel: 07917 425962
Email: cassieking@gardenesque.com