Thanks for all the comments on Friday’s gardening post. You’ve definitely given me the boost I need to get a grip and get the job finished. I just wish the sun would come out again.
As usual my thoughts have turned away from the practicalities and more to the pretties. While I should be painting my rather dilapidated bench a fetching shade of grey, I’m more likely to be found scouring the internet for new outdoor cushions.

It seems these days that your outdoor space should be treated with the same attention you’d give to indoor decor. Therefore rather than an interiors post today it’s more of an exteriors feature rounding up a few favourite resources for decorating gardens and patios.

Rugs and Mats

Last year I bought an indoor/outdoor polypropylene rug from Joss and Main. It was actually meant for our summer house but when I realised how durable it was I dragged it outside one day and it ended up staying put for the whole of the summer. It’s hands-down the best garden purchase I’ve ever made as it transformed our blank stone patio into a chilled relaxed lounging zone. As we don’t have any grass in our garden it’s created the perfect area to have an afternoon nap. I drag out piles of cushions and my moroccan pouffes and in the winter simply hosed it down before storing back inside. It’s worn really well despite many bouts of sunshine and showers.

Wayfair and Primose also stock outdoor rugs (though I must say its the same designs doing the rounds) in lots of different sizes. Try layering up several rugs at angles for a super duper on-trend look.

For a more short term lounging layer then I recently discovered an uber stylish round towel from Australian company The Beach People. Perfect as a beach mat, play mat or picnic blanket you can get you hands on their round hand drawn towel from UK stockist This Modern Life.

Cushions

Truly outdoor waterproof cushions have always seemed exceptionally pricey to me. Instead I buy regular cushions and just try to remember to bring them inside when I retire at the end of the day.
In the past I’ve purchased from Dunelm Mill and Sainsbury’s but this year I’ll be buying from Ikea and H&M.
For some reason unbeknown to me I didn’t pick up a few cans of spray water repellant in Aldi last year. They were £1 each for heaven sake and would be great for protecting the cushions from any surprise downpours.

Lighting

Swathes of festoon lights make me so happy. I have a couple of strings of the Ikea solar lights (as far as I can tell it’s only the electrical ones available now) but the glow is very subtle so I was very pleased with myself when I found the Next retro string lights for £30. However when I first purchased these lights the description mentioned they could be use for both indoors and out, however now it looks like it’s been updated to just indoor use which is a shame. Do shout if you’ve found any resources for reasonably priced carnival style bulb lighting.

Considering my whole house is decked out in masses of candles, it’s no surprise my garden is too. I love to use recycled jars dotted along the sleepers and lanterns hung amongst the thick branches of my wisteria. I particularly like these terrarium style lanterns from The White Company as they’d be gorgeous inside the house too.

If more permanent lighting is your thing I’ve been impressed with the offering from Garden Trading.

Tableware

I’ve recently started collecting a little stash of mismatched ethnic inspired crockery for my summer soirees with HomeSense always being my favourite resource for reasonably priced plates and bowls. However it’s not always practical to have such breakables around. As far as I’m concerned Marks and Spencer have aced it this season with their range of melamine picnicware with both tropical and vintage style pieces to choose from.

I’m never really convinced about sipping wine from acrylic but I could be tempted to change my mind with their plastic pressed glass. I’ll also be whipping out my M&S drinks dispenser for the third year running especially as folks are always shocked to find out it’s not glass.

On the subject of tableware, I adore an outdoor table dressed with the same panache as one indoors. I usually use my H&M linen table cloth and have my eye on these Anthroplogie fiesta placemats as I can’t get enough of tassels and fringing at the moment.

I’m undecided whether my wooden table and chairs have another couple of years in them. If I did replace them I’d be tempted to deviate from the traditional style and consider something a little more industrial like this metal table from Out There Interiors.

My husband detests eating outside but as far as I’m concerned dining al fresco is absolutely the best way to eat. I am blinkered to the wasps and the slightly warm wine and love any excuse to graze in the sunshine. If you’ve got your picnic rug at the ready then be sure to read my post from last year on planning the perfect picnic. If you prefer to stay closer to home then have a look through the archives at the tips for easy breezy outdoor dining.

What are you favourite shops for bits and pieces for your outdoor space? Any trinkets you bought for inside the house that you now use in the garden? Ooh and before I forget we’re thinking of ditching our mammoth ‘party’ sized barbecue for a much smaller version. We’re thinking of getting a Weber kettle BBQ so would love to hear if anyone has one and can recommend. Thank you kindly.

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