Getting the Most From Your Garden - Entertaining Outdoors In Autumn

The warm afternoons and long evenings offered by summer give us all a taste of outdoor partying. However, transitioning into autumn presents its own challenges when entertaining in our gardens.

Moving the party outside means you can invite more friends and family over without worrying that any damage will come to your home. Here’s your complete guide to creating the perfect outdoor space for entertaining.

An Outdoor Fire

No modern home is complete without an outdoor firepit. The trend has been unavoidable for the past few years and shows no sign of going anywhere soon.

Firepits create a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, encouraging your guests to unwind in your garden. However, there are many elements of a firepit that make them ideal for entertaining in autumn.

First, an open fire will emit a considerable amount of light, great for the dark autumn evenings where the natural light quickly disappears. Moreover, an open fire is perfect for keeping your guests warm. We are all aware of the unpredictability of the British weather, where an evening can switch from comfortably mild to perishingly cold in the blink of an eye.

However, necessary safety precautions must be followed if you plan to add a fire to your garden. Don’t use the fire in windy conditions, keep an extinguisher nearby, and place the fire pit at least three meters from any trees, bushes, or fences.

Shelter In Style

An awning is a covering connected to your exterior wall, which, when retracted, is almost invisible. However, when the awning is extended, it provides the perfect shelter for entertaining guests alfresco in the autumn.

A motorised awning can be pulled out with the click of a button, providing the perfect fuss-free solution. Awnings are ideal for those who don’t want the inconvenience of a gazebo and are searching for something a little more permanent.

The beauty of these is that they are entirely customisable to the needs of your home. They range between 1.5 and 9 meters in width and can be developed in pretty much any colour or pattern. Additionally, the fixture itself will be made bespoke for your home, meaning the material and colour can be paired perfectly to your current windows and doors.

LED lights and heaters can be integrated into the system, allowing for a three-in-one weatherproofing design. In addition, Smartbox awnings come complete with state of the art wind sensors, meaning that the device will automatically retract if it detects wind speeds that it cannot handle.

Focus On Lighting

Creating the perfect ambience when entertaining outdoors in the autumn months can be challenging. The light slips away from us much earlier, often before your guests have even arrived.

Instead of hanging a few large bulbs, opt for softer fairy lights at varying heights. This allows you to light the whole entertainment area in a soft glow, making the garden warm and inviting.

Although they look fantastic, stay away from using candles outdoors. These can be disastrous where pets, children, and alcohol are involved.

Consider An Outdoor Cinema

No guest would reasonably expect an outdoor cinema every time they visit your property, but for a special occasion, these are wonderful.

Either purchase or hire a projector, grab some beanbags, and turn your garden into the place to be! Be sure to provide ample blankets to keep everyone warm, and even consider hot chocolates and popcorn for the ultimate cinema night.

Build A Summerhouse or Pagoda

OK, this option is a little more time consuming and costly than the other suggestions, but the outcome is truly magnificent.

Contrary to what the name might suggest, a Summerhouse is a permanent structure, which allows your outdoor space to be used all year round. It is generally made from wood, with a tiled or felt roof, and situated at the end of the garden.

People use summerhouses for many reasons, including home offices, playrooms, and even home gyms. However, they also create an incredible entertainment space, allowing homeowners to wow their guests.

Entertaining outdoors as the temperature drops can be tricky, but a summerhouse provides the perfect middle ground.

Consider A Theme

If overdone, themes can look tacky and completely put your guests off. But when executed carefully, the subtle nods to your chosen design will transform the space.

An autumn garden party lends itself incredibly well to a Halloween theme. In the UK, we’re only just catching up with the extravaganza across the pond, but that doesn’t mean you can’t throw an epic Halloween party.

Remember, subtle hints to the theme work better than all-out chaos, especially when hosting adults. Your friends might not be onboard with fancy dress dinner parties, but they will surely appreciate some scattered pumpkins and spooky cocktails.

An Outdoor Bar

No outdoor entertainment space is complete without a home bar. Keeping all the refreshments inside means that you will inevitably spend half of your evening moving back and forward into the home, catering for your guests.

A small table on wheels can create the perfect portable outdoor bar, allowing your guests to help themselves to drinks throughout the night. Fill the table with your choice of beverage, glasses, mixers and straws.

Be sure to cater to any little ones who might be attending too, who will love the chance to mix their own soft drinks!

Comfort Is Key

Keeping your guests comfortable when entertaining in autumn is of evident importance. Use cushions and blankets liberally, making the outdoor area feel like a cosy sanctuary.

A little DIY upcycling can turn hard outdoor furnishings into trendy, comfortable pieces, which will be the envy of all of your guests.

How Smart Blinds Can Help

An awning is the perfect solution for entertaining outdoors in the often unpredictable British weather.

For a no-obligation chat about an awning, or any other blind related queries, contact our friendly team on 01635 866600 or 01189 509449. Alternatively, email us at info@smartblinds.org, and we will be happy to help.