How to transform your outdoor space into a magical setting

Now is the time to make the most of your outdoor space. We always recommend getting outside, regardless of the weather, for the simple joy of it, as well as the mental and physical benefits of being in nature and recharging our batteries. But summer days are extra special, when the sun shines and we can kick off our shoes, sit back and simply enjoy being outside.

We have lots of ideas for garden style to turn outdoor gatherings and BBQ season into something worth talking about. Treat your outside space - whatever size it may be - as an extension of your home and bring the inside outdoors, extending the same sense of relaxed, welcoming comfort.

Keep things casual with easy seating that can be used indoors or out. Crafted from seagrass, the Havana Pouffe adds style and texture to any space, and is easy to move around, which makes it perfect for visitors. Should those garden guests decide to stay, a BBQ Bucket is a quick and easy food solution for outdoor gatherings.

Al fresco styling

A few easy summer styling ideas will transform any outside space - it is simply up to you how much you want to do. Base your garden décor around the type of property you have and your preferred style inside your home, and add to the look over time with pieces you love.

Set the scene for alfresco dining with glassware and tableware, just as you would indoors. Opt for hurricane lamps, which protect candlelight from summer breezes, instead of candlesticks, to create a magical atmosphere day and night. Our Etched Glass Hurricane candleholders come in three sizes, which you can mix and match as a centrepiece by grouping together, or line up three along the centre of a table. Match the colour of candles to napkins or pick up a shade from tableware for a cohesive look.

You could also tie in a colour theme with fresh or faux blooms on the table. Our glorious Faux Hydrangea Paniculata stem always makes an impact - a single stem with multiple blooms is enough to make a style statement and is a great colour to tie in to candles or accessories. Our Faux Blossom Stem and Pink Blossom Branch also have wonderful impact and offer different colour options. A glass or stoneware vessel will look striking with any of these stems to create a super-simple centrepiece.

Lantern love

The antique-style bronze finish of the Travelli Hurricane Lantern has been laser cut to cast a beautiful dancing glow of light. Available in two sizes, these look particularly effective at the edge of decks, patios and pergolas, or placed on steps. The petite, antique-style Jali Lantern adds a Moroccan look, while a glass insert protects the candle from the wind allowing light to flicker through laser-cut shapes in the metal. Our Filo Hurricane Lantern is a gorgeous glass bowl with a base cocooned in rattan, which adds pretty light as well as tactile texture to indoor and outdoor décor.

Keep any outdoor sitting, drinking or dining areas bug-free with our pretty Citronella Candle in a Terracotta Pot. The natural essential oil deters insects without killing them, which makes them great for patios, decks, pergolas and tables.

Magical moments

Garden Candle Votive Stakes are a simple way to catch the eye in gardens, and on decks and patios. The ambience they create is lovely with flickering tealights casting a soft glow. Designed with a forked end, they are easy to stand in a planter, the grass or the ground. A little glass holder inside protects the flame and they look quite magical dotted around.

Add a tablecloth to an outdoor table for a more special al fresco dining occasion. Glass is perfect for outdoor dining as it catches the light beautifully and reflects flickering candlelight, creating a warm glow. Our Etoile Tea Glass is a versatile piece; a vintage-look glass that adds elegance to any table with a lovely etched design. Use for drinks or as a pretty vase filled with summer blooms. Another versatile favourite is our hand-crafted Etched Prosecco Glass. Made from recycled glass, it has beautiful etching that catches the light, and works hard as a fizz, wine or dessert glass.

With summer garden styling, repurpose some of the ideas you would use indoors. For example, a mirror in a shady corner will help to reflect and bounce light around, visually opening up the space. Our Shuttered Garden Mirror is perfect for rustic, country cottage or informal gardens. Incredibly versatile, an outdoor mirror can also be used to cover unsightly marks on walls or fences, or add interest to bare walls or sections. 

With a little effort, outdoor space can become quite magical, while eating, drinking and relaxing with friends and family outside can become a truly memorable experience.

Father’s Day suggestions

Many of these pieces also make excellent Father’s Day gifts, alongside the likes of gorgeous and very affordable terracotta plant pots and bowl planters, bird baths and nesters, statuary for indoors and out, decorative cast-iron pieces, and pretty but practical plant supports, window boxes and our very popular dachshund boot scraper. We have curated a section on our website that we hope makes gift-buying a bit easier, including a gift voucher option, which never goes wrong.

As ever, do pop into the shop or email us for inspiration, advice or help in sourcing special items – we are always happy to advise.