As we enter the summer months, now is the time for your garden to become a hive of social activity – it truly is the season of the soiree. But whether it is your family or your friends, you’ll need to ensure you’re prepared to host, considering everything from where everyone will sit through to keeping them warm once the sun drops.
Here, we’ve looked at five essentials you’ll need to consider to become the host with the most this summer.
Stylish seating
The perfect place to start is having the right seating for your guests. Not only do you want some that exudes chic style, but also that is comfortable for your guests to sit on.
Rattan has long been a go-to garden seating, yet this material’s use has evolved from the woven grey sofa-style to being incorporated into more traditional seating. Either way, it still offers an inspired, practical style.
Opt for a mixture of individual and two or three-seater options, allowing for that added flexibility depending on how many guests you have in attendance. For a simplistic, versatile touch, try folding wooden chairs.
If you’re looking for something a little different, this round-shaped lounging set from Next brings envy-worthy pizzazz to any outdoor space. Our director Ben recently purchased a garden set from Maze, which offers a wide range of seating options to suit any desired style.
A space for serving
If you’re looking to host a more formal soiree, having a designated space for serving and allowing your guests to dine at is key.
This eight-seat oval dining table, available from Debenhams, provides just that. In a simplistic grey colour, it can effortlessly suit any style of garden or outdoor décor. If it’s neutral styling you’re looking to achieve, this dining set from Laura James will be perfect for your space.
As an alternative, this bar-style table and seating complete with an integrated fire pit is certainly eye-catching or a four-seater natural wood table and chairs set provides understated style.
Cooking up a storm
Dining is an essential part of any summer soiree, so be sure to have the right cooking equipment at your disposal to keep your guests well fed.
For a refined approached extending much further than the classic burger, the Big Green Egg’s range of barbecues are perfect. Not just for charcoal grilling, these barbecues can cook everything from pizza and paella, to pulled pork, allowing you to provide guests with a wide selection of cuisines.
Or, as an alternative, opt for the effortless power electricity for your cooking, with a barbecue such as the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker.
Attention on accessories
You’ll want your summer soiree to be a stylish affair. By focusing on the decorative accessories in your garden space, you’ll be able to create a seamless transition between the indoors and out.
Think of the little touches you’d use in your décor to bring your soiree space to life. Outdoor rugs are hugely on trend at the moment and come available in both subtle and more daring styles, allowing you to find an option to suit your intended look.
Table ornaments and accessories should also be front of mind to create a welcoming, stylish space. Add an outdoor lantern to bring pops of light to your dining area, especially ideal for when the sun starts to fall, or bring the vibes of nature with wildlife inspired touches.
Providing practical style, a drinks trolley to serve your guests from is also an accessory to consider, as is a matching set of glassware to go with it.
Keeping your guests warm
As the summer sun drops, the temperature will too so be prepared to keep your guests warm once dusk becomes night.
An easy way to achieve this is through a selection of throws and blankets for your guests to use, if they start feeling the chill. A gingham blanket from John Lewis makes for the perfect friend to fight of the chill, or opt for a fleecier throw if you need something a little thicker.
If you’re looking for something a little more extravagant, look no further than a firepit or chiminea. Oozing on-trend style, this rust-coloured outdoor fireplace uses wood to exude warmth, whilst a rounded iron fire bowl offers a more understated option.
Photo: Lane End Barn, Steep Lane, Sowerby Bridge