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Ideas To Transform Your Garden For A Summer Of Entertainment

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Image credit: Becky Fantham on Unsplash

Garden party season is almost here! With summer just around the corner, it’s time to take your garden entertainment to a new level. Whether you’re looking for something new to cook up a storm in or some finishing touches to add to your outdoor decor, check out our edit of fantastic products for your outdoor spaces.

Choose pretty textiles

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Image credit: Left: osborninteriors.com Right: www.weavergreen.com

Inject your personality and cosy elements to your outdoor aesthetic but adding cushions and even a rug. Weaver Green have a gorgeous collection of soft rugs which feel as soft as wool and cosy underfoot. What makes these rugs extra special however is the fact that they’re machine washable and completely made from up to 3000 recycled plastic bottles.

These recycled plastic rugs are super practical for using outdoors as they’re easy to clean, stain-resistant, water-resistant and extremely hard-wearing. Choose their hardier options for sprucing up your outdoor spaces such as Juno, Kasbah, Henley Stripe, Nomad or Iris designs.

For soft cushions, check out Osborn Interiors and their neutral tones for outdoor living. Continuing with the theme of responsible sourcing, their cushion fillings are ethically sourced from France and comply to the Downpass standard and the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). They use the best quality 100% cotton cambric and each pillow case is double stitched so that no feathers poke through any seams.

Discover the range of rugs over on Weavergreen’s website and the soft furnishing over on Osborn Interiors.

Find the perfect outdoor furniture

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Image credit: www.bramblecrest.com

For entertaining outdoors, you want the perfect outdoor furniture for lounging, dining and relaxing. Bramblecrest are a brand born and bred in The Cotswolds that have become synonymous with outdoor living.

With an envious range of high quality, stylish garden furniture made from responsibly sourced materials, Bramblecrest have a real passion for design combined with quality craftsmanship.

From dining sets to sofa sets and casual cocoons, explore the full range of garden furniture over on their website.

Decorate your table

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Image credit: www.daylesford.com

Daylesford are one of the go-to places in The Cotswolds for outdoor living and all things organic and sustainable. From the softest table linens and unique dinnerware, Daylesford work with artisans who are as passionate about sustainability, quality materials and elegant design as they are to develop exclusive beautiful, useful home and garden items.

Take a look at all the gorgeous home and garden items over on the Daylesford website.

Upgrade your summer barbecues

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Image credit: www.biggreenegg.co.uk

If you haven’t heard of the Big Green Egg yet, then you’re in for a treat! Versatile and weatherproof, the Big Green Egg comes in three different sizes and is the best way to achieve restaurant-quality food at home all year round.

What makes the Big Green Egg so special? It can do it all! Cook up a feast in seven different ways - for example, roast an al fresco Sunday lunch, smoke and grill up a storm or bake some sourdough on the Egg’s baking stone.

Find out more about the Big Green Egg over on their website.

Be the best pizza party host

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Image credit: luxury-outdoor-living.co.uk

If you love pizza, then now is the time to invest in a stunning outdoor pizza oven! No more being constrained by topping options and get everyone involved with making their own pizza as a great way to kick off an evening with friends and family. Luxury Outdoor Living have an amazing range of wood fired ovens and pizza ovens. Sure to be a focal point in your garden, we love the Gozney Black Edition Pizza Oven. With a traditional pizza oven look, this product is luxurious, made with exceptional quality and will enhance any outdoor kitchen area or space.

If you love a good pizza oven but want something with a little more versatility, then their Phoenix Grill is a sleek and stylish wood fired oven that can take on the role of BBQ, fire pit or pizza oven.

Check out the pizza ovens and wood-fired ovens over on Luxury Outdoor Living here.

Last but not least, a unique option if you don’t want to cook!

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Image credit: thecotswoldplatterco.com

If you’re excited to entertain but want to put on a beautiful spread with minimal effort, why not order some gorgeous platters from The Cotswold Platter Co? Whether you’re planning an al fresco brunch or evening of fine wine and treats, there are plenty of options available.

The Cotswold Platter Co. was born from a concept of grazing tables as a new style of casual, social dining. However lockdown last year is what brought this company to life and their aesthetically pleasing grazing boxes feature cheese and charcuterie treats which have more than proven themselves to be popular among locals.

Click here to check out The Cotswold Platter Co or read our 'enjoy from home' foodie guide to The Cotswolds for more ideas!

Create a Stylish Pergola Retreat

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Image credit: solapergolas.co.uk

Pergolas have become one of the most sought-after additions to outdoor spaces, transforming simple patios into elegant outdoor rooms. Whether you're seeking shade during sunny afternoons or a cosy space for evening drinks, a pergola creates a defined entertaining area that feels like a natural extension of your home.

Dress the space with climbing roses, jasmine or wisteria to soften the structure and add seasonal fragrance. Layer with outdoor cushions, lanterns and throws to create a welcoming setting for guests throughout the summer. For homeowners looking to create a truly bespoke outdoor entertaining area, Gloucestershire-based Sola Pergolas offers made-to-order aluminium pergolas that can be tailored to suit everything from traditional Cotswold gardens to contemporary outdoor living spaces.

Introduce Layered Garden Lighting

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Image credits: gardentrading.co.uk

Thoughtfully placed lighting can completely transform the atmosphere of a garden, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space long after the sun has set. Rather than relying on a single light source, layer different types of lighting to create depth and ambience.

Festoon lights draped above seating areas create a warm glow, while lanterns and subtle pathway lighting help define spaces and improve practicality. Solar lighting technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making it easier than ever to illuminate your garden without extensive wiring. Garden Trading's Aldsworth Festoon Lights are a particularly stylish choice for entertaining areas, helping to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for family gatherings and summer celebrations.

Add a Fire Pit for Long Summer Evenings

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Image credit: cotswoldcookingcompany.co.uk

One of the simplest ways to extend your entertaining season is by incorporating a fire pit or outdoor heating feature. Not only does it provide warmth as temperatures cool, but it naturally encourages guests to gather and socialise.

Position a fire pit within a dedicated seating area to create a focal point for evening entertaining. Pair it with comfortable seating and soft furnishings to create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying the last of the summer light. For a contemporary take on outdoor heating, the Urban Astra Firebowl, available through Cotswold Cooking Company, combines striking architectural design with practical warmth, making it an impressive centrepiece for outdoor gatherings.