Summer in the UK is officially in full swing, and with it, the return of garden parties and al fresco dining. Set the tone for a memorable evening with friends with these eight garden accessories that will add a little magic to your outside space.
Something to relax in
A hammock is a great addition to any garden, offering the perfect space to relax and unwind in while luxuriating in the sun’s rays. Ethically manufactured and made from sustainable materials in a factory in Bali, this stylish design from Ticket To The Moon is both sustainable and finished with a cotton-like touch. Tether to two trees, or even a balcony or a veranda, for the ultimate outdoor escape. The HomeLine Hammock is available in six colours, comes with a set of hanging tools and can even be used indoors when the weather takes a turn for the worse. £112.46 from Ticket To The Moon.
Something to light up your space
Imagine this: you’re sitting outside with your closest friends, clearing the plates from a sumptuous dinner while your guests debate whether it’s time to open another bottle of wine. As the sun sets, your patio lights up with the ambient glow of your newly purchased garden lights, which come in a range of enchanting designs, including toadstool mushrooms and lanterns. Waterproof and designed to create up to eight hours of illumination, this set from Lights4Fun is both solar and battery powered and comes with a built-in timer that allows you to set up automatic illumination at the same time each evening. £89.99 from Lights4Fun.
Something for an al fresco siesta
Perfect for entertaining multiple guests at once, this garden couch from Sofa Club might seem a little steep for a sofa, but it’s definitely worth the investment. With enough space to seat four guests, the cleverly designed sofa can be taken apart and adjusted to suit your needs, or the shape of your outdoor space. But what about the British weather, we hear you ask? Fear not. The sofa is crafted from a blend of weather-resistant polyester and aluminium and comes complete with a waterproof
cover for the times where the UK summer inevitably lets us down. £1519.20 from Sofa Club.
Something to keep you warm
The best stories in life are told around the fire. Plus, they create a perfect backdrop for a romantic evening in the garden. This Fire Storage Brazier, from Cox & Cox, will swiftly become the focal point for your garden, setting the tone for all of your al fresco endeavours. With the ability to hold enough logs to keep a fire going until the early hours, this clever design can be used throughout the winter and the summer. £395 from Cox & Cox.
Something to welcome the warmer weather with
What better way to brighten up your balcony, patio or garden than with a lemon tree? Add a slice of the Mediterranean to your outdoor space with this four-season planter. The lemons will reach full maturity by September, and will pair perfectly with a G&T and make zingy jams or even homemade lemonade. Completely sustainable, each plant is selected by hand in the greenhouse by one of Flowy’s producers, each of which are certified by the MPS-A or A+ sustainability label, so you can rest assured that each plant has evolxved in eco-responsible conditions. The perfect plant for both beginners or expert gardeners, this plant needs plenty of sun and watering two to three times per week throughout the summer. Otherwise, it can be left to flourish alone. £84.50 from Flowy.
Something to store things in
If you have children, or even animals, then your outdoor space might be filled with toys and mess on a daily basis. If your daughter’s Barbie doesn’t quite match your aesthetic, why not invest in a Messy Table? This beautifully crafted table is made from Scandinavian Redwood and comes complete with three robust, removable trays that can hold mud, water, natural materials, toys and a multitude of other items, depending on your needs. Whether you want to use it as a storage tool, or to allow your children to play and discover (the table has been designed to inspire children to conjure up natural concoctions and encourage mathematic role play through the measuring functions), this is the perfect garden accessory for both adult and child. £311.99 from TTS Group.
Something for barbecues
Barbecues are one of the best things about summer. Bring the very best in charcoal cooking to your garden with the help of Heston Blumenthal’s Cube, a portable charcoal barbequing device that’s perfect for both the garden or the campsite. The design allows for the cooking of (or the equivalent to) six small burgers and three medium steaks and also boasts an integrated food-grade storage tray, preparation board and porcelain enamel firebox. Plus, the stainless-steel handles remain cool to touch even while cooking. £129 from Everdure By Heston.
Something for keeping the party going (and going)
Be warned – if you buy this, you’ll never get rid of your guests. Play bartender in your own garden with this tiki hut-inspired bar. Consisting of two rattan stools, built-in glass bar with bamboo detailing and a grass-style roof, this bar will bring the vibes of the tropics straight to your patio. Ideal for making piña coladas all summer long (and, hopefully, not getting caught in the rain). £200 from Argos.
Something to pop your coffee on
Add a stylish design feature to your garden with these elegant tables from Julien Lagueste. Each is handcrafted from birch plywood, with a six resin-top colours to choose from, including turquoise, emerald, navy, sky blue, green or amber. The tables take inspiration from the shapes of eroded stone, with the blue finishes evoking the ocean. Committed to sustainable practices, the designer cuts the wood in a way that minimises waste. £3,060 from Invisible Collection.
Something for a sweet scent
Go all out at your next dinner party with this luxury Notte scented candle from Santa Maria Novella, featuring notes of sandalwood, jasmine and rose. The candle is manufactured in the Via Reginaldo Giuliani facilty in Florence, using only high-quality, raw materials and emits a sweet scent with a burn time that lasts for hours. This candle is a must-have for summer evenings. £65 from Santa Maria Novella.
