Spring has officially sprung; the nights are getting lighter and the days warmer. Before you know it, it will be summer. Likewise, as the temperature soars you spend more time outdoors. Evenings spend slaving over a hot stove are substituted for blissful barbecues (or maybe a pizza oven if you’re feeling fancy). But, as this time quickly approaches, you want to make sure your garden is ready. Because after all, you want your friends to be green with envy not feeling blue for you and your shabby outdoor space. So, let’s turn shabby into chic with these top 10 ways to organize your outdoor space for the best garden party.
1. Outdoor furniture
This one may seem straight forward, but a garden party is only as good as your outdoor furniture. What do I mean? Well, what’s the point in having a garden party with no where to sit? Something as simple as a table and chairs can turn a tired garden into a tremendous party. Likewise, a sun lounger or two and even a swing can make a sun trap into a Costa del Garden. It doesn’t even need to be physical seats, having an abundance of cushions or even a scatter of wood chips can help make suitable temporary seating.
2. How about heating?
Unfortunately, just because your enthusiasm is high, doesn’t mean the temperature will be. When the sun’s out to play, it’s a beautiful day. But, as the sun puts its hat on, a cold evening could spawn. So, why not prepare for the worst and invest in patio heaters or fire pits. That way even as the night comes in, you can stay out.
3. Cook up a storm
Again, bring your creature comforts into the sun. Why spend your summer evenings slaving over a stove when you could grill outdoors? Investing in an outdoor BBQ not only makes a great statement piece. But it also enables a great party. Find BBQs boring? How about a pizza oven?
4. Invest in an outdoor bar
The home is where the heart is, and nothing makes the heart fonder than a good bar. So, why not invest in an outdoor bar space. For instance, my uncle has converted his old shed into an outdoor bar. We’ve spent many an evening there, and made many a saving on the cost of going to the pub.
5. Entertainment
This is quite a vague one, mainly because it’s down to you. Entertainment could be something from an outdoor dart board and a portable speaker. Through to a pool table and a hot tub – the choice is yours.
6. Add lighting
Again, this is down to you, it includes anything from a neon sign and a solar lamp through to fairy lights or lamps. Adding lighting can create a tasteful atmosphere and set the tone for a perfect party. Moreover, it enables you to create features or highlight parts of your garden that you’re proud of.
7. Color coordinate
Now, you’re probably thinking I mean simply matching your outdoor furniture, right? Wrong, I’m talking about color blocking your plants and basing your garden around this. What do I mean, well say you selected the colors blue, yellow and red. I’d suggest color blocking them into sections, using one color as a border. Then picking out baskets, features and ornaments in one or more of these colors. Then carrying that theme through to the outdoor cushions etc. Keeping the furniture, a neutral color, such as white, keeps the focus in the right areas, which also makes it easy to change these colors as you please.
8. Utilize herbs and evening scented flowers
If you’ve invested in a BBQ or a pizza oven, or even a bar – planting herbs outdoors is a great idea. Imagine, whipping up a fresh pizza and decorating it with fresh basil. Or even chopping up fresh mint for the perfect mojito. Moreover, their scent will leave Adam & Eve hungry for more. Likewise, adding evening scented flowers means that as dusk approaches, the scent evokes a party till dawn and is worth the investment.
9. Add ornaments and/or water features
Again, the most you reap – the more you sow. Investing in ornaments and water features helps create a calming atmosphere. Or helps emphasize a particular strength of your garden.
10. Utilize wood chips
Whether it’s creating temporary seating area, a walkway, or focal point – wood chips are essential. Moreover, they add a slight cushion to a child’s play area or can help in dividing up your garden into different sections. Similarly, if you keep them around a BBQ or fire pit, they make resources to burn. Rather than constantly purchasing chips, why not make your own? Cost effective, eco-friendly & fun, check out these wood chippers and garden shredders here and get chipping today!
