If you enjoy entertaining friends and family, it won’t be long before you’re hosting barbecues and dinner parties in your garden. The weather is finally heating up and the days are getting longer, which means the next few months are perfect for eating, drinking, and making memories with your nearest and dearest.

Of course, you’ll want to ensure your get-togethers are remembered. To help you with that, we’re going to give you five of our top tips for entertaining al fresco. Read on to find out more.

PLAN AROUND THE WEATHER

As the British weather is famously unpredictable, planning an outdoor event well in advance can be quite risky. So, it’s often wise to be flexible. Rather than setting a date and creating a Facebook event a month before you plan to host your outdoor get-together, be more flexible.

The weather forecast can fluctuate a lot — especially in the warmer months. So, keep an eye on the Met Office’s 7-day forecast, and start to make your plans once you’re confident the coming weekend is going to be a fine one. While this will only give you a few days to invite everyone and ensure you’re prepared, it will give you a far better chance of being able to enjoy the beautiful weather you’re looking for.

MAKE SURE EVERYONE HAS SOMEWHERE TO SIT

To ensure all of your guests feel comfortable in your garden, you should make sure that everyone has somewhere to sit. Depending on what type of get-together you’re hosting, certain kinds of seating will be more appropriate than others.

For example, if you’re throwing an al fresco dinner party, you’ll want more of a formal set-up, with a dinner table and separate chairs for everyone. Alternatively, if your event is going to be more casual, a large table with a decent-sized garden sofa will work well. You could even add extra seating options by spreading throws and cushions across your lawn.

If you’re hoping to entertain a lot this summer and don’t have a suitable seating arrangement, consider investing in some new garden furniture that can accommodate your parties. Wyevale Garden Centres have a large selection of garden furniture sets that includes everything from small bistro sets to large outdoor sofas. So, you should have no trouble finding the perfect set to suit your needs.

CHOOSE A THEME AND GO ALL OUT

If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to show that you’ve put plenty of time and effort into organising your garden party, choose a theme that you can base all of your decorations, food, and drinks around. If you really want to go all out with this, let your guests know what the theme is when you invite them — this might prompt everyone to show up in outfits that fit the feel of your get-together.

There are certain themes that lend themselves quite nicely to garden parties. For example, consider going with the style of a traditional British tea party. Party Delights offers a wide range of tea party supplies, which includes tea cups, cake stands, plates and more in a variety of quirky designs. These are perfect for when you’re looking to entertain and want to do something that’s slightly out of the ordinary.

PUT SOME EXTRA THOUGHT INTO YOUR DRINKS MENU

Of course, you’ll want to serve food that all of your guests are going to enjoy, but it’s also worth putting some extra thought into your drinks menu. By going above and beyond to provide more than the usual bottles of beer and wine, you’ll be able to ensure that your get-together is one to remember.

This doesn’t have to take you a lot of time and effort, either. You could make a large bowl of punch that everyone can help themselves to, serve everyone’s drinks in novelty glasses, or purchase tipples that are out of the ordinary, such as flavoured vodkas or gins. Your guests will definitely be impressed.

INVEST IN SOME GARDEN PARTY- APPROPRIATE TABLEWARE

Using your nice dinner plates outdoors is always a risk, so why not buy some affordable but stylish tableware for the garden get-togethers you’re planning to host this summer?

We should all be making an effort to be more eco-conscious these days, so forego disposables and opt for reusable plastic plates and cutlery. Having these on hand will drastically reduce how much rubbish your party creates, and they’re hard to smash or snap, which means you’ll be able to use them time and time again. 

HEMA stocks a wide range of reusable plastic tableware, which includes everything from mugs to bowls. These would work perfectly for your garden parties. And if you’re going to use straws, go for the recyclable paper kind.

The first rays on sunshine brought out the sunnies, shorts and sunburn. And with them, ideas of summer barbeques and beer fuelled boisterousness suddenly became real. We all know the season’s best side is scant (well, usually anyway), so it’s imperative to have everything in place and primed for outdoor parties and maximum frivolity. And the sooner, the better; you wouldn’t want to miss a single sunny afternoon.  If you’re lucky enough to have a roof terrace, then why not transform it into the perfect hang-out haven? And if you’re looking for a little inspiration on how to transform that terrace, then read on. Here are 5 IDEAL ways of transforming your roof terrace into a hang-out haven.

INVEST IN THE RIGHT GARDEN FURNITURE

One of the main things that’s going to transform your rooftop into a heaven of hospitality is garden furniture. You’re going to need a comfortable seating area to relax and soak up the good vibes; a place to recline and relax. Depending on how big your rooftop terrace is, you could add outdoor sofas and chairs, or something more suited to compact spaces, like low-slung stools and floor cushions. If you truly want to scream summer from your roof top (terrace) then loungers should be your soapbox. You can find a wide range of modern outdoor loungers from sites like Cox & Cox, so be sure to look around for inspiration.

SOFTEN THE EDGES

Once you have your furniture sorted, it’s time to make it cosy. An outdoor space is generally not considered a place of great comfort; there are threats of every-changing weather to take into account, after all. But softening the edges of your rooftop terrace can easily be done with the right soft furnishings.

Now, when you’re planning a summer design, you’re obviously not going to want to add thick furnishings such as throws, as things are going to get hot. Instead, you’ll want to focus on cushions and perhaps a rug. Just remember to take those guys inside when the heavens inevitably open or you’re going to be disappointed next time you try getting comfy.

CONSIDER ADDING AN OUTDOOR FIRE

Yes, it’s summer, but this is the UK, not Benidorm. So if you plan on using your roof terrace hang-out in the summer evenings, it’s going to get a little chilly. An outdoor fire not only makes the terrace more comfortable on summer evenings, but it also adds a real stylish element too; a focal point for those drunken world-to-rights conversations and renditions of Wonderwall. There’s a wide range of different styles and sizes to choose from, so seek a little guidance first.

WARM NIGHTS, HOT TUB

Yep, we know it’s a bit Kardashian. And yes, there is a certainly sleaziness to a session in one, but a hot tub is certain to transform the vibe of your roof terrace immeasurably. Imagine sipping a refreshing cocktail and unwinding in your very own hot tub in the comfort and privacy of your own roof terrace. Sounds pretty luxurious to us and one thing’s for sure, people will want to hang out there, and that’s what it’s all about, right?

STRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

When you’re creating your perfect rooftop terrace hang-out, you will need to consider weight restrictions; particularly if you do plan on adding a hot tub!

Always check the roof will be able to hold the weight of any furniture you’re planning to add. You may find that you need to build a more stable base before transforming the terrace area, so do your research and make absolutely sure you follow safety guidelines. Professional advice, as always, is better than false reassurance from the internet.

Choosing great art for your house can be a tricky, risky balancing act. Subjective, of course, but there is a very fine line to tread between subtle steps of sophistication and a clumsy tumble onto the carpet. Indeed, dexterity is required, or you’re gonna end up fumbling through your evenings feeling like you’re back in a hastily adorned student digs. Band posters? Nope. Scenes from Blue Planet? Hmmmm. Instagram worthy pseudo-philosophy? Most definitely not. And when it comes to buying pieces by an actual artist, unless you’re an art curator, gallery owner or professional, it’s hard to know where to begin. To help get you started, here are 8 tips for choosing the IDEAL artwork for your living room.

THINK ABOUT THE AMBIENCE

Art has a transformative effect in any room and evokes powerful emotions. And as such, different pieces can instantly change the atmosphere of a room. For example, abstract art featuring geometric forms and bold colours can add vivacity and character to a room while impressionistic pieces can add a whimsical, tranquil vibe. Also bear in mind the psychology of colour when it comes to choosing your piece as different colours evoke certain feelings and elicit certain reactions. Yellow, for instance, is uplifting and associated with happiness and sunny dispositions while blue is known to soothe the mind because of its cool, calming and relaxing effect.

THINK SITE-SPECIFIC

Site-specific art is all about choosing a piece to exist within a certain space. Think physical context which can be anything from a certain wall in the room and choosing a piece to fit this space to the physical location and surroundings of your house. For example, if you live in a city, consider hanging paintings of famous landmarks or streets within it. Do you live in the countryside? Then pictures of the surrounding fields and flowers will do nicely.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO HANG IT

Are you after one large focal point or do you like the symmetrical look with rows of artwork, or even something more eclectic altogether? Whether it’s a straight grid with similar-looking pieces or a haphazard pattern on the wall with different looking pieces, there really is no wrong choice when it comes to the pattern in which you display your artwork. It is important, however, to know where and how you want to hang your art, as this will help you narrow down the pieces you choose. 

GET INSPIRATION FROM SOMETHING YOU ALREADY OWN

Perhaps you already have a photograph, print, or painting which you love – well take inspiration from this. If you have a piece of black and white framed art, you can opt for other pieces of the same style, acting as an anchor for the rest of the artwork you choose. Or, should you have a pair of curtains that you love, then consider an ‘accent piece’, featuring the same colours to complement them. It’s all in the details, as they say.

CONSIDER THE SIZE AND SCALE

Well-chosen and well-placed art can completely transform a space. However, hang a small picture too high on a large wall and it will just look like it’s floating there, completely out of place. Indeed, it’s important to consider the size of the art and if it will fit the space. If you have a piece that you love which is too small, then consider having it framed to make it look larger. 

THINK CONTRAST

Art doesn’t have to match your room. After all, contrast can keep a living space exciting and new. Should your living area comprise of mainly neutral colours, consider purchasing a bold abstract piece that contrasts and sets off the space to add brightness and flair to the room. Equally, If your room lacks natural light, choose a piece that will lighten it up.

It’s also important to remember that modern rooms with contemporary furnishings can take modern art and vice versa. So by purposefully placing contemporary art within a period home, striking results, freshness and a new lease of life for the interior can be achieved. As far as we’re concerned, it’s often better to mix things up for added intrigue.

RESEARCH THE ART

If you love a piece, delve a little deeper into its history and do a little research on it. Learn who the artist is and about their values and beliefs. In the process, you’ll learn if the piece is really suited to you and your home. Simple.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCT

While it’s important to consider all of the above, if you find a piece of art that you love and have a connection with, then just do it. Buy it. Hang it. Admire it. Art is a very personal thing and a place for self-expression so it shouldn’t be driven by anyone’s taste but your own. Moreover, no matter how big or small your living room is, you can always find space for something that you really like. When it comes down to it, art that speaks to you on a personal level leaves a lasting impression, so chances are if you can’t stop looking at and thinking about the piece when you’re away from it, then it’s the one for you.