LET'S GO OUTSIDE!

Eating outdoors is one of summertime’s little pleasures. Whiling away hours in the garden with something refreshing to hand, firing up the barbeque and soaking up the sun lounging on the outdoor furniture - there truly is nothing better. In fact, the only thing that could make it better would be sharing the experience with the ones you love.

From garden gatherings to laid-back lunches, the outdoor entertaining options are endless. To set the scene, though, you’ll need the help of some beautiful outdoor accessories to ensure you entertain with comfort and flair.

With tables and chairs, sun loungers, outdoor ovens, cocoon swings and more, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. That’s why, we’ve done the hard work for you and discovered the best garden party tips - plus, everything you could possibly need to throw the ultimate summer soirée.

Ultimately, the back garden furniture you choose will set the mood of your party. For example, the Soho Corner Set from The Orchard lends itself to more of a laid-back and casual dining experience. Think charcuterie boards, grazing platters and batch cocktails. For a more formal affair, look to the Chedworth Eight-Seater Set or the Stelvio Dining Set from The Orchard. Both offer a dining room outdoors type experience typical of a standard dinner party.

It's an indisputable fact of life that food tastes better outdoors, doubly so when you actually cook it yourself - and on a barbeque. Whether you’re in the market for a spacious stationary grill to cook for a crowd or a lightweight, portable option fit for small gatherings, Weber has the right barbeque for you. Renowned for their top quality build, innovative designs and of course great flavour results, choose from electric, gas or charcoal.

Much to our dismay, we can’t control the weather - but we can be ready for all eventualities. One inevitable is the drop in temperature come dusk so to keep your guests warm, invest in the Artix Corda Standing Heating from Sunred. Stylishly disguised as a modern floor lamp, the standing heater can power up to 2,100 watts with a minimum of 8,000 hours of heat meaning neither you nor your guests will go cold. However, if it’s a midday soirée you’re throwing, the Horizon Premium Cantilever Parasol from The Orchard is a must. Thanks to its tilt and rotate functionalities, you can lever the parasol to cast shade wherever the sun hits to create a cool, calm and collective atmosphere.

What’s a party without a theme? Rather than set a costume dress code for your guests, leave the dressing up for your table. After all, how you dress your dinner table is just as - if not more - important as how you dress yourself. Lean into the recent tablescaping trend and create a picturesque table setting. Not only will it act as the perfect backdrop for your garden party but it will also make for an excellent conversation starter. Creating a tablescape is easy, simply pick a colour scheme and intertwine the shades using a mixture of glassware, tableware, accessories and elevated centrepieces.

With the basics nailed, now is the time to have fun with the garden party essentials. Whether it’s creating a jovial cook-it-yourself experience for your guests with the Berghoff Table Top BBQ, accessorising your outdoor space with the aid of Foxford’s cushions and throws or bringing the entertainment with the Roberts Beacon 330 Bluetooth Speaker, the secret to a great party is in the extras.

It’s no secret that playing host can be tiresome. So whether it’s after your guests leave or the next day, create an outdoor sanctuary just for you. The Palissade Chaise Longue from Hay provides you with a space to rest and reset whilst soaking up the rays. Accessorise with the Lounge Quilted Cushion and the Longue Headrest Cushion for ultimate comfort. The matching Palissade Cone Table is the perfect place to perch something sweet be it leftovers from the night before or a refreshing ice-filled drink.