It's starting to get nice enough to spend more time outside without needing a rain coat. Is your garden ready? If you aren't making the best use of your patio or other outdoor space, this is a great time to really think about getting it ready, especially if you like to entertain.
Create a new outdoor space and dining area with some fantastic furniture and accessories.
Dine outdoors
You probably can't do it every day, but dining outdoors can be a lot of fun. For couples, a wonderful, affordable option is the Dudena 3-piece garden set. Available in four colours, it's perfect for intimate outdoor dining and made from durable, weather-resistant acacia. If you have a larger family and garden and routinely entertain, splurge on the Denver 6 seater garden dining set. Also made from acacia, it comes with comfortable cushions and in a soft green colour that looks great outdoors. It also comes in a 4 seater version for smaller spaces.
Also check out the brand new Spitalfields 4 seater tall acacia wood garden dining set. Perfect for cocktail hour with a bar like feel, this set is designed for socialization and its height means the table is great for putting drinks on while standing too.
Chill and relax
Pleasant spring and summer days are also great for taking your conversation and relaxation outside. Leave the television behind, and settle down in a garden sofa set. For example, the Osaka 5 seater garden corner sofa set fits perfectly into that corner of the house that surrounds your patio. It's comfortable, durable, and refined, and comes with attached side tables and a central table for your morning coffee or evening beer.
If you have a small garden or want something more intimate the Malta 2 seater garden bistro set is just beautiful. It consists of two armchairs with matching footstool and a small side table. The footstools are solid enough to be used for occasional seating, making this a great use of limited space.
Be flexible
No, we don't mean do your stretches, although those are good too. You may want to reconfigure your yard...for everything from an intimate dinner while the kids are away, to a family occasion, to a party.
Folding furniture is a fantastic way to do this. Use the Veniza acacia & canvas director's chair to add quick and colourful extra seating that takes up almost no space in storage. It comes in green, purple, and yellow to fit your style. The Ozevan square folding metal table provides a cheerful surface for drinks and appetizers, and you can get matching chairs too. You can even fold up a garden bench if it's in the way. These are all great options if all you have is a balcony or a small patio, too.
Modular or multi-purpose furniture is another great way to add flexibility. This acacia bench has two storage boxes that fit neatly under it and are great for toys, accessories, or even small garden tools. The boxes are sturdy enough to use as stools or take the lid off and use them to collect vegetables. Or check out the clever Bermuda daybed. Looks like a comfortable place to relax, but if you pull out the seats, remove the center cushion, and raise the table, it becomes a comfortable dining set that can seat as many as eight!
Be creative
Sometimes making the best use of your garden requires thinking outside the box. Consider these unusual options to fit into your garden's odd nooks and crannies.
If you have a balcony, you already may well be hanging planters from the railing, but how about a table? The Alata acacia hanging balcony table folds down when not in use and is great for lunch or coffee. Or if you have two people or need more table space, the Alata balcony set comes with a semicircular table and two chairs, all of which fold. This also works well for an intimate nook in your garden, perhaps against a wall or hedge.
Hanging chairs are also great for small nooks...not to mention simply being fun. The Branco hanging garden chair is perfect to curl up in with a good book, while taking up almost no "floor" space on your patio. For another awkward space, the Palmares garden tree bench set is designed to fit around a shade tree...perfect for enjoying shade and protecting your precious tree.
Accessorize
Don't forget the finishing touches. The right accessories will make your outdoor space look even more cheerful, welcoming, refined, or whatever look you are going for. And while you can bring out grandma's china, it's worth looking at proper outdoor accessories to finish off the space.
Outdoor rugs are something a lot of people don't think about. The Alexane indoor/outdoor rug is pretty with a subtle relief pattern to fit any style. It looks like wool, but is actually weather-resistant polypropylene.
And remember that accidents are more likely to happen outside - consider things like plastic beer and champagne glasses, plastic plates, and other less breakable items, especially for poolside or if you have pets. (And don't forget the pets...coordinated dog drinking bowls are an awesome touch).
Cover it up
Even in spring and summer, the U.K.'s climate can be hard on your garden furniture. Changes in moisture over time can make even weather-resistant items start to wear prematurely. Garden covers protect your investment from showers and drizzle, especially large pieces like sofa sets that can't easily be brought indoors. Don't forget to cover items such as patio heaters, BBQs, and fire pits as well.
Measure your existing furniture to make sure you buy the right size cover. In addition to those grey, drizzly days, brightly coloured upholstered furniture should also be covered on very sunny days to prevent it from fading from UV exposure. Your covers are an important part of preserving your fantastic outdoor space.
Regardless of the size of your yard or your style, La Redoute has garden furniture suited to your needs.
