Category Archives: Garden

A warm evening, best friends and delicious food. The three key ingredients for the perfect Summer supper party.

For special occasions go the extra mile, incorporating elements that will make things feel genuinely special. Touches that make the atmosphere celebratory from the moment your first guests arrive.

A fabulous display of flowers is enchanting and make a real first impression, not to mention a conversation piece. Making this arrangements is so much easier with life-like blooms. They are not going to wilt, they stay where they are put and can be organised in advance.

Begin with an old fruit crate from your local or farm shop or a rustic basket. Fill with large blooms such as Hydrangeas. Place at the entrance to the dining area to be enjoyed by your guests.

Set the tone of your table with:

1. Fruit and Flower centre pieces.
2. Flower petals scattered across the table.
3. Crisp white linen napkins elegantly folded and tied with coloured ribbon to match the centre pieces.
4. Coloured wine and water glasses, use as many different glasses as possible.
5. Large rustic bowls and servers for superfood salads
6. Add coloured throws to the back of each chair. They give and endearing look and come in useful if the evening turns chilly.
7. Candles – Hurricane Lamps
8. Lastly sit back, relax and enjoy a memorable evening.

Warm summer’s evenings, friends and delicious food. The 3 key ingredients for the perfect summer supper party. Make it a special occasion, go the extra mile. Incorporate elements that will make the occasion feel genuinely special. Make the atmosphere celebratory from the moment the first guests arrive.

Flowers

A fabulous display of flowers make a great first impression, not to mention a conversation piece. Go grand! Use a super tall glass vase with extra long stems or a chunky urn type vase with lots of lovely roses. Don’t be afraid to use good fakes.

The Table

Now that you have set the tone carry this on to the table settings. Use a linen tablecloth tonal in shade to the flowers or fold it over a few times to create a runner. Use coloured casual tumblers for soft drinks and coloured glasses with stems for wine. Match napkins to the colour of the flowers to complete the look.

Flower Ice Cubes

Don’t stop with the table! Flowers are the theme extend them into more creative elements such as ice cubes. Miniature roses, pansies and daisies are all suitable. Put them into your ice cube tray with water and freeze as usual. Alternatively, scatter plucked petals along the length of the table.

Furniture

It feels right to leave a timber table partially uncovered for a Summer Supper. It conjures up images of harvests and fruit picking. Place “fun sized” apples and pears down the length of the table. Tie them with straw and tie straw to the backs of chairs.

Lighting

Summer’s last rays of sunshine will linger way into the evening. Clear skies and twilight on a balmy evening are very special. Have plenty of candles to hand including citronella to ward off bugs. Place on the table, surfaces near it. Fill the surrounding area with candles in tall holders and lanterns. Their fluttering glow will complete the atmosphere.

The Garden Picnic

You don’t have to eat at the table! Having a picnic in your garden or nearby field can be great Summer fun. Make delicious food the pack into a picnic basket with real plates, glasses and solid cutlery. Protect by wrapping in cloth napkins. Wrap sandwiches in parchment paper and tie with straw or string. Write on the paper what they are and it will be like receiving a present when handed out! Don’t forget to take a couple of picnic rugs and some plump cushions for extra comfort.

A picnic can feel like a mini holiday. Sit back and relax!

Gillian x

It is no secret (and research proves) that spending time outside boosts our mental health. There is nothing more calming and peaceful than unwinding in a private outdoor natural space after a hard day at work. This guide details 8 ways to make the most of your garden and help create a comfortable zone for you, along with your friends and family, to enjoy some fresh air this summer.

Build a Bench

The built in bench is fast becoming a principal feature in urban and country gardens alike.
You can either design and build your own unique design or alternatively, purchase a ready made style for a more affordable option.

Once part of your garden you will always have somewhere comfortable to sit at a moment’s notice. There will be no need to start moving and assembling furniture if you have a bench ready and waiting for you when you head outside with a book and a glass of wine!

The Shady Spot

We don’t always want to worship the sun and a shady corner of your garden can be a welcome resting spot to stay cool on a summer afternoon. Plan your seating area to be comfortable and sheltered from the sun. Planting foliage and palms that grow to a suitable height can offer a natural canopy – but while waiting for these to mature opt for a canopy or umbrella in the meantime.

The Leafy Oasis

Create a picture pleasant to the eye in your tranquil area. Arranging plants in different sized pots as well as in beds and borders can add an interesting feature to your garden and gives you an opportunity to add a personal touch. Top tip: Using some evergreen plants will keep your area fresh and colourful throughout the winter and will always make your garden look alive.

Your 5 Star Comfort

Use your outside space to the full and make it feel like an additional room to your home. Where you can, make underfoot textures comfortable. For example, decking can provide a warm feeling underfoot. If your area is straight from house to garden the same tiles inside and out can give a wonderful flow and real bring the outside in and vice versa.

It’s all about practically and comfort

Seating and lounging should always be comfortable. Buy the best seating you can afford – it will last longer and be easier to maintain and add some beautiful cushions to finish the look. There are now so many interesting outdoor waterproof fabrics to choose from, just make sure the design fits your theme.

Maintain your privacy

No one wants to be overlooked by nosy neighbours! Privacy will make you feel more relaxed when enjoying your outside space. However, this does not mean that you must erect a large, ugly division. Horizontal wooden strutted fences are a fantastic idea to keep a small seating area private. This will not give a solid feel and will look chic and modern.

Give fake grass a go

Artificial turf has had a revival in recent years and can be a particularly good option for smaller outdoor spaces. Importantly it’s hassle free and is a great alternative to dreary concrete. It is also soft to the touch, fun, attractive, fantastic for children to play on and there is no need to water or mow. It’s easy to see why it’s popularity has rocketed.

Dining Area

What can be better than eating al fresco with family and friends? Investing in a quality set of outdoor chairs and a table is often worth it. Always research before you buy. Certain woods do not last as long as others and it is crucial to check required maintenance with the supplier as they can differ hugely. For example, budget woods will need to be resealed every year.

I’ll take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful summer in your beautiful garden!

Gillian x