Take the magic of the festive season outside with simple decorative touches and whimsical scenes that will create enchanting garden backdrops to transform winter parties and cosy Christmas drinks
From hosting a large Christmas party to elevating intimate family gatherings, decorating the garden enhances the festivities with an unexpected allure. Begin by decorating the front door or front garden to set the tone when visitors arrive. Outdoor fairy lights in a warm white tone add twinkle when laced around the branches of potted trees and shrubs. For an extra flourish, tie velvet bows around tree trunks just before guests arrive. To further elevate the merriment, venture into the garden and create magical settings to enjoy during this year’s Christmas celebrations.
DRINKS AL FRESCO
Make Christmas drink feel extra special by serving mulled wine, cocktails or punch outside. Combine a classic alcoholic or non-alcoholic tipple with a mixer in a traditional Christmas colour, try cranberry or pomegranate juice. Add aromatic finishing touches with citrus fruit, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cloves. For parties requiring simple-but-impressive cocktails, see Marcus Wareing’s Mulled Wine Bellini and Mince Pie Manhattan (recipes on greatbritishchefs.com). Present drinks on a tray with sprigs of fresh foliage for relaxed seasonal charm.
FESTIVE FEAST
Surprise guests with a celebratory open-air lunch. For a striking tablescape, repeat one variety of potted plant or flower across the table. Seasonal blooms in bold hues include red Euphorbia pulcherrima, also known as poinsettia, blue Algerian iris, purple Fritillaria meleagrisand pink Camellia japonica. Decorate a metal table clamp with green firs and Eucalyptus gunnii and silvery Senecio viravira. For a cohesive theme, add baubles to match the flowers. Burford table, from £1,300; Miner’s lanterns, £22 each; Eshott cushions, £20 each, all Garden Trading. Try sarahraven.com for a metal table clamp.
FROSTED DETAILS
Warming winter drinks take on a sense of festivity served under a Christmas archway. Simply wrap fir tree branches around a bare arbour (ideal to use up Christmas tree clippings) and hang different-sized decorations in winter whites and frosted silvers all over; keep to two styles of decoration for maximum impact. To add drama for a party, adorn an outdoor tea-light chandelier (try sarahraven.com) with foliage and tie at the top of the arbour.
Add festive flair to gate posts, garden walls or trees with a trio of vessels suited to outdoor use. Place
