Seven super ideas to make your garden the perfect summer entertaining spot

Summertime – and the living is easy… particularly if you have an outdoor space to enjoy over the coming months.

Entertaining friends and family or simply relaxing in your own garden can bring a wealth of wellbeing benefits.

Whatever the size of your outdoor space – from a small, stylish courtyard to a garden abundant with plants and trees, achieving the ideal space for a spot of summer entertaining can be done in a few easy steps.

1. Fab furniture – before deciding on your style, consider what you want to use it for. Hosting large family gatherings or friends’ get-togethers, a round or rectangular table with seating or a lounge area with a focal point would work perfectly. Ensure there’s enough room to allow guests to mingle and relax comfortably – benches could prove a good choice if space is limited.
2. Style it out – garden cushions, beanbags and throws are bang on trend and gives the opportunity to create a theme for your garden.
3. Don’t discard that existing (albeit a bit dusty and neglected) furniture set lurking outside. A lick of paint/vanish or a thorough clean with hot soapy water can bring those table and chairs back to life.
4. Light it up – adding fairy lights, lanterns and solar lights around the garden can create a wonderful atmosphere and look as the sun goes down. Use tree trunks, fences, trellises or even lanterns on shepherd crooks dotted around borders, or in plant pots, are also great.
5. We know the British summer is unpredictable. It can be 20+ degrees by day with the temperature plummeting in the early evening. Keep the party going with some outdoor heating, choose from funky fire pits or patio heaters.
6. You’re bound to get the BBQ out when having family and friends over during the summer months. Ensure its position allows for plenty of ventilation but not far away enough that you can’t enjoy the company of your guests. If you’re lacking the space, or are hosting something more casual, a bucket grill is a great alternative.
7. Potted containers of bedding plants, colourful perennials, climbers covering fences or even array of sensory herbs can create a wonderful ambience, give you privacy and is fantastic for your mental health.

However, we understand that not everyone has a space that is alfresco ready. If you need assistance with planning, designing, landscaping, maintaining or even clearing your garden – we have tried and tested traders ready to help your garden plans grow!

From Garden Design & Landscaping, Garden Clearance, Driveway, Path & Patio Installers, Fencing Specialists and more. Go to www.safelocaltrades.com