Happy memories are made on balmy days spent in the garden with friends and family, so with warmer weather on the way, prepare your outdoor space for those special occasions
COUNTRY CHARM
Gather benches and chairs around a table under a tree to create an elegant, country-style setting, and complete the look with a tablecloth and cushions in pastel shades. ‘A tablecloth is a must, as garden tables can look tired,’ says Susie Watson. ‘I don’t go over-the-top with flowers – just a few stems in glass bottles look really pretty.’ Wrought iron garden chairs, £425 each; benches, £795; Summer Green wide stripe tablecloth, from £59; Mika large seat cushions with tassels, £78, all Susie Watson Designs.
During the summer months, the garden serves as an additional outdoor room for all sorts of activities, from garden parties, to simply lounging with a good book. No matter the size of your space, there are plenty of ways to make it look magical.
Dining alfresco is one of the joys of the season; be it breakfast on the balcony, a picnic lunch on the lawn, or an evening barbecue on the terrace, there is nothing like feasting among the sights, sounds and scents of nature. Positioning your table near the house, on a patio or terrace, offers step-out convenience, and helps to make the space feel like an extension of the home. To bring continuity, carry through the same colours and textures from inside to out. Alternatively, set up a table in a secluded spot to create a verdant, immersive escape. ‘I like laying up a table under a tree; lunch is much more relaxing under a leafy canopy out of the bright sunlight. Umbrellas are pretty, but trees are much better for providing shade and keeping you cool,’ says Susie Watson, founder of Susie Watson Designs. ‘And I always put candles in hurricane vases; candlesticks look lovely but the flames will just blow out.’
Whether you are entertaining or relaxing, having the right garden furniture is key to creating a functional outdoor space, and there is a huge array available in all sorts of materials for every size and style of garden. ‘If you are looking for furniture that is low maintenance and durable, steel is a great choice as it can withstand the elements. Bistro sets are ideal for smaller spaces as they are lightweight and can be easily tidied away in winter,’ says senior buyer at Dobbies, Lynsey Abbott. ‘For something more natural, wooden garden furniture brings timeless warmth, and it will last for years if cared for properly. Man-made rattan sets are wonderful for people seeking a long-lasting investment. Waterproof and UV resistant, this material works well in most climates and can easily be wiped clean,’ Lynsey adds.
‘When styling outdoors, I like to treat the space as I do my home,’ says Susie Watson. ‘Pretty cushions and throws are a must – we tend to go all ou
