Amongst all this lovely hot weather, it’s easy to forget that September is getting closer, and with it comes the end of the summer season. But just because summer is ending, doesn’t mean that your outdoor festivities have to.
Here at Oxford Outdoor Living, we are passionate about preserving your outdoor party plans for as long as possible. So, let’s share our top tips for preparing your garden for entertaining in late summer.
Refresh Your Outdoor Furniture
Your garden furniture is likely to have been well used throughout the summer, so late summer is the perfect opportunity to give it a refresh.
Start by cleaning your tables, chairs and sofas, removing any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Give cushions a clean and arrange them neatly to instantly make your seating area feel more inviting.
If your garden furniture is looking tired or you don’t have enough seating for guests, investing in a high-quality set can make a significant difference. Oxford Outdoor Living offers a range of luxury lounge sets and dining sets designed to combine comfort, style and durability, making them ideal for entertaining outdoors.
Add Shade for Sunny Afternoons
Even as summer begins to draw to a close, late August and early September can still bring plenty of sunshine.
Make sure your guests have somewhere comfortable to escape the heat by adding shade to your entertaining area. A parasol positioned over a dining table or seating area can provide welcome relief while also adding another stylish element to your garden.
Consider the position of the sun throughout the day when deciding where to place your furniture and parasol. This will help ensure your guests can remain comfortable whether you’re hosting lunch or an afternoon gathering.
Create Comfortable Lounging Areas
Not every gathering needs to centre around a dining table. Give your guests somewhere to relax after eating by creating a dedicated lounging area.
A luxury outdoor sofa provides the perfect place for conversation, drinks and relaxing after dinner. For a more individual retreat, consider adding a day bed, sun lounger or egg chair.
Oxford Outdoor Living’s collection includes lounge sets, day beds, sun loungers and egg chairs, giving you plenty of options for creating comfortable areas throughout your garden.
The key is to provide a mixture of seating so guests can move around and enjoy the garden in different ways.
Prepare for Cooler Evenings
One of the biggest challenges of late summer entertaining is the drop in temperature once the sun goes down.
Don’t let cooler evenings bring your gathering indoors. Outdoor heating can help you make the most of your garden for longer.
Fire pits, premium fire tables, garden stoves and table heaters can all add warmth while creating a welcoming focal point for your outdoor space. Oxford Outdoor Living offers a range of garden heating options designed to help extend the time you can spend outside.
Add a few cosy blankets to your seating areas and you’ll be ready for those cooler evenings when everyone wants to stay outside a little longer.
Bring Your Garden to Life with Plants
Late summer is a beautiful time to introduce more greenery and colour to your outdoor space.
Use planters to add height, texture and seasonal interest around your entertaining areas. Position them around patios, next to seating areas or at the entrance to your garden to create a more considered look.
Oxford Outdoor Living also offers garden accessories and planters designed to complement outdoor living spaces, making it easy to add those finishing touches to your garden.
Make Your Garden Work Beyond Summer
Preparing your garden for late summer doesn’t have to mean creating a space that only works for a few more weeks.
Investing in versatile, high-quality outdoor furniture means your garden can continue to be enjoyed as the seasons change. Comfortable lounge furniture, dining sets, outdoor cooking equipment and heating can all help you transition seamlessly from late summer gatherings into autumn evenings. The goal is to create an outdoor space that works for your lifestyle, whatever the weather brings
Final thought
Late summer is the perfect opportunity to make the most of your garden before the seasons change. By refreshing your furniture, creating dedicated dining and lounging areas, introducing outdoor cooking and preparing for cooler evenings, you can create an outdoor space that is ready for entertaining.
At Oxford Outdoor Living, our collection of luxury garden furniture, outdoor cooking equipment, garden heating and accessories is designed to help you make more of your outdoor space. From relaxed afternoons in the sun to long evenings spent entertaining friends and family, the right additions can help you enjoy your garden well beyond the height of summer.
