As summer is quickly approaching, preparing your garden is a task on your list that is worth getting done sooner rather than later. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back BBQ, a birthday celebration, or a relaxed evening with drinks, having your outdoor space ready makes all the difference.
Here’s a simple guide to get your garden summer-ready and entertainment-worthy.
Start with a Clear-Out
Begin by decluttering your outdoor space. Remove any dead plants, unused pots, or broken furniture, mowing your lawn, sweeping up paths and patios, and tidying up those flower beds. A clean and tidy garden instantly looks more inviting to people.
Check Or Upgrade Your Garden Furniture
Now’s the time to bring out the garden furniture and give it some love. Clean down tables and chairs, tighten any loose screws, and update cushions or covers if needed. Comfortable and attractive seating is a must when hosting in the summer!
Having comfortable, well-maintained furniture is crucial when throwing summer parties. Clean, welcoming, and well-maintained seating helps set the mood for a fun and restful outdoor experience, whether you’re hosting a laid-back BBQ, an alfresco dinner, or just drinks with friends.
Create Zones for Entertaining
Think about how you want to use your space. This is important because there are limitless possibilities in where to arrange your furniture, but you want to make sure it’s in a suitable and practical place and importantly, that you are happy with it.
- A dining area with a table and chairs for meals.
- A lounge area with soft seating and throws for casual chats.
- A kids’ corner with games or a paddling pool.
Dividing your garden into mini zones helps make entertaining effortless and stress-free!
If you’re creating a permanent cooking area or garden bar, it’s worth having high-quality timber that is durable and long-lasting, which will serve you well. At Trade Timber, we have numerous options you can browse to see what would work best for you.
Think about your Lighting
The correct lighting can turn your garden into a cosy, inviting area as the day grows dimmer, luring visitors to unwind and prolong their stay. You want to strike a balance between soft and subtle lighting that creates a cosy, welcoming atmosphere and enough light for safety. Here are a few excellent choices:
Lights on Strings
Spread lights on strings across pergolas, along fences, or in between trees. They provide an excellent glow that instantly makes things more charming. Perfect for drawing attention to the area and establishing a cosy atmosphere.
Lanterns
Lanterns are perfect for putting them in the sun. Put them along garden edges, borders, or walkways. They automatically light up at night and charge during the day. Enhance the atmosphere while preventing trips and falls.
LED lights or candles
LED lights or candles are ideal for tabletops. They create cosy light pools. Both LED lights and conventional candles are great options for tabletop decor. They produce soft, ambient pools of light that warm any space. This makes them ideal for private dinners, laid-back get-togethers, or just making a space at home feel peaceful and welcoming.
Get Cooking Outdoors
Whether it’s using a pizza oven, a barbecue, or a fire pit to roast marshmallows, cooking outdoors is an essential aspect of summertime. It’s a great way to increase your living area, take in the fresh air, and spend quality time with loved ones. To get the most out of your outdoor cooking experience, start by thoroughly cleaning your equipment and making sure everything is in working order. Having dependable equipment is crucial for stress-free cooking, regardless of whether you use a wood-fired pizza oven, charcoal barbecue or a gas grill. To make sure you won’t be caught off guard during your gathering, remember to stock up on fuel, whether it be wood, propane, or charcoal.
It’s also important to plan ahead. Make a straightforward, crowd-pleasing menu that can be made ahead of time so you can socialise outside more and spend less time indoors. Consider marinated meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables, as well as premade salads or sides that are simple to grill. Think about having some fun with recipes that guests can personalise, like loaded flatbreads or build-your-own burgers.
Add Some Shade
When organising an outdoor event. It’s simple to underestimate how strong the summer sun can get, especially at midday. Visitors risk rapidly becoming uncomfortable, overheated, or even sunburnt if there is inadequate shade. Offering shady spots where people can escape the sun is crucial to establishing a warm and secure atmosphere.
There are many fashionable and useful options to pick from. A large outdoor umbrella is a convenient and adaptable solution that can be moved to follow the path of the sun. Pergolas give your outdoor space structure and charm while providing natural shade for climbing plants, and shade sails offer a contemporary and airy appearance while covering a larger area. For larger spaces, you could also use garden tents, retractable awnings, or gazebos.
Guests can enjoy food, beverages, and conversation in shaded seating areas without fear of sunburn or heatstroke. Since children’s skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to sun damage, this is especially crucial if they are attending. These areas can be made even cosier by adding cushions, throws, or even a few fans.
In addition to guaranteeing everyone’s comfort, creating cool, shaded areas also invites people to stay and take advantage of the day.
Enhance It with Decor and Plants
One of the most enjoyable aspects of preparing a garden is adding colour, texture, and personality to your outdoor area. Whether you want a modern, whimsical, or rustic look, there is something to fit every taste and style thanks to the abundance of options.
Additionally, keep in mind that each garden is different. The arrangement, size, and existing features of your garden should all be taken into consideration when selecting decor because what looks great in one area might not work in another. Here are some easy yet powerful ways to improve the decor of your garden.
- Potted plants or hanging baskets – A classic way to introduce natural beauty and seasonal colour to your garden. You can mix different plant varieties for texture and interest, or coordinate colours for a more polished look. Hanging baskets are perfect for smaller spaces and can brighten up fences, pergolas, or wall brackets.
- Outdoor rugs or throws – These can instantly elevate your seating area, bringing indoor comfort outdoors. Use them to define a space, add warmth underfoot, or introduce patterns and colours that tie your garden’s theme together. They’re especially useful for creating a homely feel in patios or decking areas.
- Garden mirrors or wall art – Mirrors are a clever way to create the illusion of more space, making smaller gardens feel more open and airy. Meanwhile, weatherproof wall art or decorative panels can bring life to plain brick walls or fences, acting as focal points that reflect your personal style.
- Wind chimes or a small water feature – These additions not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also engage the senses. The gentle sound of wind chimes or flowing water can create a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere, helping to turn your garden into a calming retreat.
You don’t need a full-scale makeover to transform your garden. Often, it’s the little touches that make the most significant difference, a few carefully chosen pieces can instantly make the space feel more welcoming, stylish, and uniquely yours.
Create a Well-designed Patio
Any garden that is ready for summer must have a well-designed patio. From informal barbecues to evening drinks with friends, it’s the ideal spot to congregate, unwind, and host events. Your patio should be both practical and welcoming if you want your garden to be the preferred location for summertime entertainment.
Evaluate your existing space first and ask yourself: Can guests be comfortably accommodated on the patio? Does it make sense from your house or outdoor space?
Keep it Low Maintenance
Low maintenance is frequently the secret to long-term enjoyment when it comes to designing a welcoming outdoor area. Your garden will look excellent all season long without requiring hours of maintenance if you choose low-maintenance plants and long-lasting, weatherproof decor.
Choose plants that don’t require a lot of watering or pruning and that do well in your local climate. Consider hardy perennials like sedum, salvia, or lavender, or evergreens or decorative grasses. These cultivars are perfect for busy homeowners or novice gardeners because they are not only aesthetically pleasing but also hardy and tolerant.
Choose weather-resistant materials for your decor, such as UV-resistant textiles, treated wood, or powder-coated metal. As a result, there will be less concern about fading, rust, or weather-related damage.
Keep Outdoor Buildings Comfortable
Insulation is key for comfort if you have a summer house, garden room, or office. Insulation boards from Trade Insulations. It can help to regulate temperature, reduce noise, and prevent damp, all crucial for year-round use.
The most common misconception of insulation is that it is often seen as a winter upgrade, but it’s just as important in the summer. Good insulation doesn’t just keep heat in during winter, it helps keep heat out during summer, maintaining a more stable and comfortable temperature indoors. It helps prevent issues such as condensation, dampness, and mould, which can be a problem even in humid summer conditions. By prepping in the summer, you’re not only improving comfort now but you’re avoiding last-minute fixes when winter returns, saving on energy costs and protecting your investment for the long term.
Final thoughts
Creating a garden space for summer entertainment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and help from trusted suppliers like Trade Timber or Trade Insulations, you can create a space that’s stylish, functional, and built to last. Whether you’re hosting weekend BBQs, relaxed evening drinks, or full-blown garden parties, your garden can be the go-to destination for summer fun.
