Summer’s here, and so was the sun. But we all know the British weather loves to keep us on our toes! One minute you’re soaking up the rays, the next you’re dodging a downpour. Don’t let the weather dictate your summer plans. Here’s your guide to weatherproof outdoor entertaining that isn’t at the mercy of the jet stream.
Inside Out Setup
For several years, with no signs of slowing down, the trend has been to transform outdoor spaces into extensions of our homes. Wander through any garden centre and you’ll see sofas and corner groups that look like they should belong in stylish living rooms, not gardens in the northern hemisphere. That’s not to say they aren’t any less desirable!
If you’re investing in a three-piece suite for your garden, you’ll want to be confident it can handle whatever the weather throws at it and that you’ll get to enjoy it more than just a few days a year.
Decks, verandas and porches
A covered deck is the perfect solution providing shelter from both sun and rain. For inspiration look no further than how Malvern Garden Building owners have crafted weatherproof outdoor entertainment areas alongside their garden retreats with a covered side deck, veranda or porch.
With our bespoke design service, you can select where to place doors and windows to allow for a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Your enclosed studio is the perfect contingency plan, if horizontal rain forces you to move guests swiftly indoors.
A gazebo, like the luxury thatched and timber Breeze House, is a stylish way to enjoy the outdoors while offering indoor comfort. The curved, bench seating maximises space in the circular designs, while oval layouts spoil you with areas for both dining and relaxing afterwards.
Adaptations like temporary canvas panels and fixed clear or timber panels offer added protection from the weather. On fine days (as the name suggests) you can enjoy a cooling breeze that flows through the open sides as you take in uninterrupted views of your garden.
Multi-functional Furniture
If you use your garden building as a workspace during the week but want to make use of it as an entertaining space on evenings and weekends, opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes. The right pieces can help you to work and play harder.
A garden sofa that converts into a bed for a guest’s impromptu sleepover. Modular seating designs will allow you to reconfigure the space when hosting larger groups or sun yourselves by turning into sun loungers. Some pieces even come with built-in storage to keep your space tidy.
Extendable and height adjustable tables give you the versatility of switching from work desk to a dining setup or casual lounge area with ease. Study beds also give you the option of quickly changing your garden office into a guest room with minimal fuss.
Foldable bistro, deck or director chairs and storage cubes disguised as stools are perfect for saving space, making them ideal for a dual-purpose room. If you still find you need extra storage you can customise your garden building by adding a side shed for hiding away children’s toys, gardening paraphernalia or unsightly wheelie bins from your guests.
Weatherproof Accessories
There is so much choice when it comes to outdoor rugs and cushions that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Made from weather resistant and often sustainable materials they are durable enough to be left out-of-doors and still look great when you’re hosting.
With this season’s trends, you can effortlessly create the look of a sun-baked terrace in the Mediterranean or capture the zesty joy of being poolside in the abundant sunshine of Palm Springs. Adding pops of colour with accessories is a dopamine hit we all need at this time of year, even if the sun is proving elusive. We’d also recommend keeping a stash of throws and blankets close to hand for cooler evenings.
Ambient Lighting
To set the perfect mood for your gathering give some thought to lighting. Portable, rechargeable, or solar table lamps create a cosy atmosphere and provide pools of light exactly where they’re needed.
Whether you prefer globe lamps, charming jam jar lights, stylish table lamps, or classic lanterns, there are tons of options to suit every taste. If you’re on a budget check out IKEA’s SOLVINDEN collection. If you’ve more to spend explore the elegant range from Lampsy.
Build your guests’ anticipation by lighting the way to your outdoor entertaining area. Check out Graham & Green’s festoon lights in pastel shades. With over 9 meters to play with, you can light up your garden no matter the size. We’re tempted by these enchanting solar-powered lights shaped like wild fennel, to add a burst of magic magic to your evening. Also in the collection are dinky battery-operated outdoor table umbrella lamps, perfect for enjoying while in your garden or taking on camping trips – with this kind of illumination, nothing can rain on your parade!
Warming Up or Chilling Down
After the sun has set be prepared for the drop in temperature. Invest in patio heaters or fire pits for outdoor warmth. A bioethanol tabletop fireplace makes a captivating focal point while sitting on your covered deck. You can even toast marshmallows or crumpets with some tabletop smokeless firepits.
If the mercury does rise beyond comfortable levels a portable ceiling fan or portable air cooler can give you some relief.
Keeping Everyone Entertained
A party wouldn’t be a party without some tunes. For a seamless audio experience, invest in Bluetooth speakers loud enough for garden use. Invite guests to pair their devices and collaborate on a playlist that reflects the group’s tastes and moods.
To keep your guests mingling, have a variety of games and activities ready to go. For under cover fun, stock up on classic board games that everyone can enjoy around a table. Or set up your own mini Olympics with lawn games like croquet or pétanque, which are perfect for enjoying the fresh air and adding a bit of friendly competition to proceedings.
Al Fresco Drinks and Snacks
Picnic-style grazing platters are the perfect summertime snack, easily moved from kitchen to garden. Fresh produce grown in a greenhouse or garden plot won’t have far to travel before its tickling tastebuds. Rustle up delicious treats like Phil Vickery’s summer vegetable tart or Rudding Park’s summer salad, bursting with homegrown flavours.
Summer is grilling season…but how many times has a cookout turned into a wash out. Barbecuing on a veranda, covered deck, or porch provides all the outdoor ambiance without the risk of being rained off. You can grill up your favourite dishes while staying comfortably sheltered. Try sticky chicken and chorizo skewers or halloumi burgers.
A bar setup fits perfectly under cover on a deck, offering a convenient and stylish way to serve summer cocktails or mocktails. Alternatively, a well-stocked bar cart can be wheeled between the garden and the house, allowing you to keep the refreshments flowing no matter where your guests are gathered.
Just Enough Tech
We’d usually advocate for escaping to your garden as a retreat from technology. Meaningful conversations are sparked when faces aren’t glued to phones or iPads, but there are exceptions.
An outdoor WiFi range extender for a strong signal in your garden is essential if you’re streaming music or videos. There’s nothing quite like taking movie night outdoors with a portable projector and a generous bowl of popcorn dusted with your favourite flavouring.
Keeping Bugs at Bay
Second to the weather, nothing can ruin an outdoor gathering faster than an invasion of bugs. Luckily there are steps you can take to keep those pesky bugs at bay.
Use natural repellents like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint in diffusers, candles, or homemade sprays. Planting insect-repellent plants such as marigolds, lemongrass, and basil around your outdoor entertaining area can also help. Additionally, set up bug deterrent devices like Tiki torches with citronella oil, bug zappers, and fan-based repellents to create a bug-free zone.
Keep your food and drinks covered using food tents, mesh covers, and tightly sealed containers. Timing your event for the middle of the day or early afternoon, when bugs are less active, can also minimise encounters.
With these all these tips and tricks, we hope you enjoy entertaining outdoors this summer whether the weather decides to cooperate or not.
