Upgrade your garden for a party of six
Your social life is getting a boost on March 29. Be party-of-six ready and give your garden a stylish makeover for a spring and summer of al fresco fun.
Hello social life! March 29 is the day we can see friends and family again in perfectly formed parties of six – and we’re a bit giddy with excitement. You’ve got to take your fun al fresco, but that gives you the perfect excuse to take your garden from grim to gorgeous in the interests of everyone’s social sanity – furniture, festoon of lights and a firepit will be this spring’s must-have items and we know just where to get your mitts on stylish gear .
TAKE A SEAT
If your outdoor dining sitch is more shabby than chic, it might be time to invest. Field & Hawken in Reading has a lush range of sustainably sourced Indonesian plantation teak furniture. This is sturdy stuff that's built to last. This stunning round table is perfect for an all-inclusive catch up.
Table £450
COOK OFF
We're going to be spending a lot of time socialising outside so ditch the piddly BBQ and pull out the big guns. Fired Up Cooking in Hungerford can create your outdoor kitchen of dreams – BBQ, pizza oven, fridge and sink. You may need a lottery win, but it'll give you the wow factor.
POA
LIGHTEN UP
Soft, subtle lighting is your end of lockdown friend. These solar festoon lights will help you see your food and create the perfect ambiance.
£34.99
Inside Outside
When plastic is fantastic. These fab indoor/outdoor rugs are made from recycled single use plastic bottles. They're washable, practically indestructible and incredibly chic. Never fear a red wine spillage again. Available from Field & Hawken in Reading.
From £138
ALL FIRED UP
The UK cannot often be described as balmy, so a fire pit is pretty much an essential piece of garden kit. This terrazzo effect firepit from Rosebourne in Aldermaston has style and substance. You can even sling a sausage on the top if you're feeling a bit peckish.
£199.99
COSY UP
Don't let sub zero temperatures bring a premature end to your party. Have a stack of throws to hand out to your guests. These Weaver Green blankets made from recycled plastic bottles are eco-friendly, luxurious and will keep you toasty long enough to finish that second or third bottle of wine.
£45
Shady lady
Obviously praying for a heatwave, but in the event of sunshine, you're gonna need shade. But garden parasols do not need to be dull. This Indian handblock print umbrella will jazz up your jardin a treat.
£137.38
POT LUCK
While we wait for the garden to bloom, add fragrance and colour to your table with these simple Scandi-syle plant pots with tray. Add fragrant herbs or early flowers and create a living table centre. From Berkshire-based Layered Lounge.
£26
DON'T BE SHEEPISH
For added warmth and cosiness, make like our Nordic pals and throw down a few sheepskin rugs. Bracknell-based Sheep.Style The throws are of the highest quality made from British, Icelandic, Dutch and German sheep.
From £39.99
SCENTS & SENSIBILITY
Lockdown cannot be described as clean living, but we can redress the balance one candle at a time. Berkshire-based Apothenie make nasty-free candles with 100% essential oils. Strike a light, burn the midnight oil and use the refill service.
£35
FRINGE BENEFITS
Shake your tassels at your table with these fun placemats from Newbury-based Gift Pop Boutique. They're made from jute and available in white, pink, aqua and blue tassels.
£24
