How to make the most of your outdoor space this August
No matter how small or large your garden is, whether it’s turf or patio, we can guarantee that it is possible to make it into an amazing outdoors oasis.
With another bank holiday weekend to look forward to at the end of this month, we have a few ideas as to how you can achieve this, especially as we’re hoping the sun will be out. So grab your sun cream, put the barbeque coals on and dust off those old garden games!
Naturally, many of us will spend the weekend indulging in delicious food, so make sure you have a luxurious seating area set up so that afterwards you can comfortably rest your food baby. Outdoor living areas are becoming an exterior must, with many homeowners opting to literally transform their patios and decking areas into a second lounge, pinning up curtains, investing in outdoor rugs and decorating rattan furniture with stylish rugs and throws. With the right furniture and personal touches, an outdoor area can quickly become a gloriously social area. Why not add home-made lanterns or candles too as additional features?
Now that the seating area is sorted, it’s time to start thinking about the most important aspect of the bank holiday weekend – alfresco dining. For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, a barbeque can still be completely amenable. In fact, even for meat-eaters, vegan or vegetarian options can add a tasty and unique twist; consider adding dishes such as chickpea and sweetcorn burgers, grilled garlic corn and spicy cauliflower bites. Sides of grilled asparagus and pepper are deliciously complimentary – especially when topped off with a crumble of creamy feta cheese, but for those who just resist a bit of juice steak fresh of the grill, marinating the meat in olive oil, garlic, some dried chilli and a dash of fresh orange juice well in advance of the BBQ creates the most incredible flavours.
Of course no BBQ is complete without dessert. With fire pits becoming increasing popular, we’d recommend making your own s’mores – something which the kids can get involved with too –perfect for roasting marshmallows over as the day turns to dusk.
Finally, stock up on garden games; they are just as fun for adults as they are for children! From boules to swing-ball, there is nothing more refreshing than leaving the tablets, phones and remote controls inside for an evening. If you don’t have any outdoor games, preoccupy the entire family with DIY crafts, which could include decorating plant pots or building creature habitats.
With all these ideas in mind, the bank holiday is set to be filled with luxurious exteriors, exceptional food and fun for all the family. Now all that’s left to add is a tipple of your choice!