9 Ways to Make Your Garden More Sociable
Take advantage of long, balmy days by entertaining alfresco, with these tips to ensure your garden is always inviting
Samantha van Egmond
10 January 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer specialising in sustainable, natural and ethical living.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer specialising in sustainable, natural... More
Whether you have a cosy courtyard filled with hanging planters or a sprawling backyard jungle, your garden is the perfect place to invite friends when the sun is shining. Try these ideas to tempt guests outside, but be warned – they might want to hang around all summer.
1. Ensure there’s shade
A cool respite from the midday sun is essential for daytime activities in the garden. A shade cloth or pergola will add hours to your entertaining time, or for something less permanent, an oversized beach umbrella can come in handy for beating the heat.
A cool respite from the midday sun is essential for daytime activities in the garden. A shade cloth or pergola will add hours to your entertaining time, or for something less permanent, an oversized beach umbrella can come in handy for beating the heat.
Tip: If you’re lucky enough to have large trees in your yard that provide shady spots to sit, jazz them up with colourful bunting or lanterns when you’re hosting friends.
2. Prioritise seating
Getting the seating right is a sure-fire way to ensure your garden is a comfortable place to linger. If you don’t have a dedicated outdoor table setting, fold-up chairs and banana lounges will work a treat and can be packed up and moved inside during bad weather.
Getting the seating right is a sure-fire way to ensure your garden is a comfortable place to linger. If you don’t have a dedicated outdoor table setting, fold-up chairs and banana lounges will work a treat and can be packed up and moved inside during bad weather.
Tip: Mismatched pieces create a fun and relaxed vibe, especially if they’re low lying. Think beanbags and comfy, oversized cushions – perfect for an afternoon of lounging.
3. Create a focal point
Whether it’s a living wall overflowing with tropical ferns or a softly trickling water fountain – even a fire pit or a swinging hammock – an eye-catching feature will help to grab guests’ attention and draw them outside.
See more outdoor dining areas
Whether it’s a living wall overflowing with tropical ferns or a softly trickling water fountain – even a fire pit or a swinging hammock – an eye-catching feature will help to grab guests’ attention and draw them outside.
See more outdoor dining areas
Tip: An uplight positioned at the base of a tree can turn it into a stunning feature, not to mention helping your guests find their way after dark.
4. Eat alfresco at every opportunity
Make the most of those glorious, summer days by dining outdoors. Dress up a tired-looking outdoor setting with linen, candles and fresh blooms to create a sense of occasion at every meal.
Make the most of those glorious, summer days by dining outdoors. Dress up a tired-looking outdoor setting with linen, candles and fresh blooms to create a sense of occasion at every meal.
5. Get the lighting right
To ensure your backyard remains a hive of activity after the sun goes down, consider different lighting options – from task lighting to feature lighting – to create the perfect evening glow. Whatever style you decide on, make sure your lights are designed for outdoor landscaping, even if your garden area is semi-covered.
To ensure your backyard remains a hive of activity after the sun goes down, consider different lighting options – from task lighting to feature lighting – to create the perfect evening glow. Whatever style you decide on, make sure your lights are designed for outdoor landscaping, even if your garden area is semi-covered.
Tip: Solar options are a great choice for lights located further from power outlets, and string lights are a fun and inexpensive way to create a festive vibe.
See more outdoor lighting options here
See more outdoor lighting options here
6. Create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition
Entertaining in the garden is easier when it feels like an extension of your living area. Bi-fold doors are the perfect way to open up a living room when the weather is fine, unifying your yard with an indoor entertaining area and encouraging guests to wander out to the garden.
Entertaining in the garden is easier when it feels like an extension of your living area. Bi-fold doors are the perfect way to open up a living room when the weather is fine, unifying your yard with an indoor entertaining area and encouraging guests to wander out to the garden.
Consider also borrowing classic living room items such as rugs, side tables and cushions to blur the indoor-outdoor boundaries.
7. Heat things up with a barbecue
Quick and easy is best when it comes to warm-weather food – think charred meats with freshly tossed salads – and a barbecue would be a welcome addition to any backyard. Pick up a portable option and see how quickly it becomes the social hub of your home.
10 of the best barbecue design tips
Quick and easy is best when it comes to warm-weather food – think charred meats with freshly tossed salads – and a barbecue would be a welcome addition to any backyard. Pick up a portable option and see how quickly it becomes the social hub of your home.
10 of the best barbecue design tips
Amazon
8. Add warmth with textiles
Soft furnishings can instantly bring cosiness to an outdoor area – think cushions, throws, tablecloths and outdoor rugs in vibrant hues. Turn your garden into an exotic hideaway with Moroccan-inspired patterns, or complement the greenery with lush, palm-inspired prints.
Soft furnishings can instantly bring cosiness to an outdoor area – think cushions, throws, tablecloths and outdoor rugs in vibrant hues. Turn your garden into an exotic hideaway with Moroccan-inspired patterns, or complement the greenery with lush, palm-inspired prints.
Tip: Gardens aren’t just for plants – ladders, colourful pots, bird feeders and decorative lights all help to create a space that is fun and inviting.
9. Build an intimate area
Surrounding your garden with a wall of plants creates a feeling of warmth and privacy that is perfect for hosting intimate get-togethers. A great option is the versatile and fast-growing bamboo plant – a tall and sturdy stance makes it ideal for creating a green screen.
Surrounding your garden with a wall of plants creates a feeling of warmth and privacy that is perfect for hosting intimate get-togethers. A great option is the versatile and fast-growing bamboo plant – a tall and sturdy stance makes it ideal for creating a green screen.
Tip: Make an outdoor dining space feel extra special with a trellis or arbour, which allows greenery to grow over and surround your table setting. Go for plant varieties with colourful blooms such as wisteria and bougainvillea, which will looking striking when in bloom.
TELL US
How do you tempt your guests outside? Share your summer entertaining secrets in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more stunning garden photos
TELL US
How do you tempt your guests outside? Share your summer entertaining secrets in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more stunning garden photos
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Hi Heidi (Cullen), in answer to your question, the pond/trug is still in place, but I have to say that nothing seems to like it much. I haven't seen any life yet. Maybe it's too sheltered? I don't know. I'm going to keep it, but I can safely say its doing zilch! But thanks for asking. Well done on your flowers. You are inspiring me to buy some flotsam! :)
I do have the old branch in there that now has moss on it. The newts will bask on there. I also got a clay pot with a hole in the bottom and put it on the bottom of the trug upsidedown. Put some pond mud in the bottom and you should have loads of critters. It can take a couple of years for your pond to become a 'happening' joint in the bug and amphibian world, but fingers crossed by next year you will be inundated x
Great ideas - we are hopeful for a lovely spring/summer/autumn after the long, wet winter! A guaranteed crowd pleaser that draws everyone around is a - perfect for continuing a party into the evening, or just sitting round with family and a drink. Solus Decor have lots of designs to suit all spaces and won't annoy your neighbours as they are smoke free, with gas, propane and eco/ethanol options. www.solusdecor.co.uk