Garden Entertaining All Year Round
Garden furniture doesn’t have to be just for summer. We get so few days of sun that it can seem pointless putting a lot of effort into your outdoor space, however with a few hints and tips there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy your garden all year round!
Maybe you’ve spent the day lounging under the sun and want to stay outside as the cool summer evening sets in or you want to make the most of a wonderful crisp winter evening. With our handy guide you’ll be able to take your garden from day to night in no time!
WINTER WARMERS
A great way to keep the party going is to invest in a fire pit or chiminea. Fire pits are a fantastic way to prolong your garden use, whether it’s a cool summer evening or a chilly winter night, you can gather your friends and family around your fire pit for warmth and merriment!
Cosy up to loved ones by creating a clever seating area to surround your fire pit. An easy way to do this is with our backless half or quarter tree seats, which can be neatly arranged around the fire pit to encompass the heat radius ensuring everyone gets a piece of the warmth!
For a more casual look you could place armchairs or Adirondack chairs around the fire, these make great versatile options that can then be moved to other locations in the garden when needed, so your garden furniture can double up for night and day!
Make sure you check the safety guidelines you are given with your fire pit or chiminea to ensure you maintain a safe distance from the fire.
Browse our range of tree seat benches
COSY GLOW
Another wonderful way to keep cosy while you relax outdoors is to add lighting. Outdoor lighting is an incredibly practical way to illuminate your garden but it can also be fun and is a great way to add decoration. String up delightful fairy lights or place lanterns strategically around your seating area to create a warm glow to accompany the flickering light you’ll get from your fire pit or chiminea.
Adding the right lighting will create a fantastic atmosphere whether you’re entertaining a large group or just enjoying a hot chocolate with a friend.
There are plenty of outdoor lighting options available on the internet; whether you’re looking for a warm yellow to create a cosy atmosphere, a bright white for full illumination reminiscent of sunlight or multi-coloured for a fun party mood, there’s something for everyone!
You could also add stake lights, which are ideal for lighting up pathways, perfect if you are creating a cosy corner at the end of your garden. You can also get table lights to pop on your dining tables or coffee tables to provide central lighting. The possibilities are endless!
SNUGGLE UP
If you have wooden seating then a great way to make it cosy and comfortable is by adding blankets or throws. Stylishly drape these soft furnishings across your garden seating ready for guests to snuggle up for extra comfort or warmth.
Add cushions to your seating, you can get seat pads to soften your seating for prolonged use and can also add scatter cushions for extra comfort and a luxurious feel. Cushions are a fabulous way to add style as well, you can incorporate bright colours or patterns to create a lively setting for garden entertaining and really inject your personality into your setting.
If you want to bring the comfort of indoors to your outdoors then why not consider garden sofas. Enjoy complete relaxation with an outdoor sofa or modular sofa seating area. You can create a wonderfully snug setting with a corner garden sofa and layer up the cushions for a decadent den.
To continue the soft furnishings, you can now get outdoor rugs to really complete your setting. These are another great way to complement your setting and bring everything together!
Browse our range of outdoor cushions
TAKE SHELTER
If you want to go one step further and create an outdoor snug then you could position your seating area under a gazebo or pergola. These wonderful garden structures are perfect for adding that cosy feeling.
A gazebo will make a wonderful centrepiece for your garden while also providing a roof. They are perfect for offering some protection from the sun during the day. Creating your seating area underneath the gazebo will offer a cosy atmosphere and depending on your gazebo type, may even deflect a cool breeze.
Pergolas are usually open-top structures featuring beams. The wonderful thing about these is that you can grow plants such as wisteria or climbing roses for a gorgeous garden haven. The beams are also perfect for stringing up fairy lights, so between the flora and the lights you will end up with a beautifully romantic setting to brighten up a dreary night!
HOT TODDIES
Creating a wonderful setting is just one part of entertaining. We’ve covered how to keep your guests warm on the outside, but how do you keep them warm on the inside?
Well, there’s nothing more satisfying than hugging a hot beverage as you relax outdoors. Teas, coffees or hot chocolates are great options for a lazy evening spent outdoors, sure to keep everyone nice and toasty.
If you’re hosting a shindig then there are a whole range of adult beverages you could whip up. Mulled wine is the quintessential concoction for Christmastime, sure to add to your wonderful, warm atmosphere and keep everyone merry. If you’re looking for something more suited to a summer evening then why not try fruity mulled cider or a warmed Pimms!
GARDEN GATHERINGS SORTED
A garden should be an extension of the home and if you follow the tips above then there is no reason you can’t make the most of your garden at any time of year. By creating a versatile space for entertaining you ensure your garden gatherings aren’t forced to end when the sun goes down!
So fire up the chiminea, gather your loved ones, and enjoy some quality time together on a blissfully cool evening.
For more information please visit our website Cyan.co.uk, call our friendly team on 020 8655 6240 or email us at info@cyan.co.uk
