It’s time to start getting your garden ready for hosting this summer! Find out how with some tips and tricks from industry experts.
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Laura Rich, Creative Product Lead at Furniturebox, explains how simple garden preparation tasks can go a long way…
Decluttering your space is one of those arduous tasks we may be tempted to procrastinate doing, but it’s crucial to improve the aesthetic and functionality. It doesn’t have to be totally void of contents; a garden can look lived-in, but removing fallen leaves, recycling unused or broken plant pots, trimming overgrown hedges, and clearing pathways is a great way to drastically improve your space.
Cleaning outdoor furniture is an underrated step, but you (thankfully) don’t need to break the bank to clean it effectively, you actually only need a few household items to get it looking spick and span. Start by sweeping them off then hoover any remaining bits of debris. Olive oil is a handy yet underestimated cleaning tool. Just a teaspoon and a soft cloth can be a cheap, quick, and easy way to protect your rattan garden furniture from the elements. And don’t forget the power of white vinegar!
Many of us don’t have the luxury of a large garden, so making your spaces multi- functional is a great way to utilise what’s available, especially in urban gardens. Opting for furniture that is multi-purpose, like modular sofas that can be moved around to suit you and your guests, allows for flexibility.
Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, shares the tasks you should prioritise when looking to refresh your garden furniture ahead of al fresco dining season.
I would always suggest thinking about how your layout supports different moments throughout the day. A small bistro set can work beautifully for morning coffee, while a larger arrangement can be positioned for entertaining later. Getting that balance right early makes the space much easier to use.
There’s a growing appetite for statement pieces that feel almost sculptural in the garden. Twisted forms, generous proportions,and more architectural details can really elevate an outdoor setting. At the same time, space-saving designs remain important.
Smaller bistro sets and compact furniture continue to perform well because they make balconies and smaller gardens feel usable without overwhelming them.
Comfort is absolutely essential when it’s your turn to host. Supportive seating, generous proportions, and well-made cushions are what turn a good-looking set into a space people will genuinely enjoy spending time in. I would also say it’s important not to overlook the smaller details. Thoughtful accessories, well-chosen table styling, and subtle layering can make a space feel finished without overwhelming it.
Pesky pests
Once you’ve got the aesthetics sorted, Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner of EcoCare Pest Management, is here to help you keep pests at bay!
Before you think about fairy lights and table settings, it’s worth doing a quick sweep of your garden for anything that might cause problems on the day. Check for wasp nests in sheds, fences, and roof overhangs in June before they grow large. A small nest treated early is straightforward to deal with but leave it until August and you could have several thousand wasps a few metres from your guests.
Outdoor dining is the biggest attractor of wasps, flies, and ants in summer. Keep food covered until ready to serve, use lids on drinks, and clear plates promptly. A small dish of diluted jam placed at the far end of the garden draws wasps away from the table.
Fresh herbs are one of the best dual-purpose additions to an outdoor table. Potted basil, mint, and lavender look beautiful as centrepieces and the scent actively deters insects. It’s a completely natural solution that costs very little and looks intentional rather than defensive.
As the sun goes down, mosquitoes and midges become the main issue, particularly in gardens near water or long grass. Citronella candles help and look great as part of the decor. A fan pointing gently across the seating area is one of the most underrated tricks as insects struggle to fly in a light breeze. Keep the lawn mown short and clear any standing water from pots and saucers beforehand.
Ants tend to appear around patio areas and food prep zones in summer. Sprinkle ground cinnamon or chalk powder along the edges of patio slabs and around table legs before guests arrive. It creates an invisible barrier that ants will not cross and leaves no trace for your guests to notice.
