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Entertaining

A Great Place To Relax
What could be more perfect than sitting in the garden having a great time entertaining family and friends on a warm summers day, with a few drinks, sizzling barbecue...laughter...relaxation......it's chill out time! These are moments to savour in our busy lives. We look back on them as very happy events; longing for the next fine day, when we can let time pass us by and forget the outside world. Just fantastic!
Think of the benefits - reducing stress, putting things into perspective, time for enjoyment, or just getting out in the fresh air in a confortable and relaxing environment. It's such a good way to unwind. And it doesn't have to be a full on event: it can just be a few impromptu nibbles and a glass of wine, or a few beers, with friends, after a long, hard day. I love these times where we catch up and have a laugh.

Creating an outdoor living space, or even an outdoor garden room, is fairly easy, and doesn't need to be expensive. With a little imagination, you could have it made very quickly!
What Do I Need?
The good news is - not a lot really! A patio or decked area, with some colourful pot plants can be enough to make the area attractive and welcoming. The important thing is to section off the area in some way, so that it has the cosy and intimate feel ideal for entertaining. This could be done with just pots or planters. Think carefully about where to position your seating area for shade or sun to fit your specific needs. Adding some height can be a real bonus too because it gives a feeling of enclosure and can provide a framework on which climbing plants can grow. This can be done with a pergola, either built by yourself or in kit form. There are so many products available today to make your outdoor living space attractive, welcoming and interesting but, before thinking about these, it is a good idea to make decisions about the main structures.
Garden Structures
Decking and Pergola Combinations:
With a huge range to choose from, in all different styles, shapes, materials and prices, these are great for creating a fantastic area for entertaining, transforming your garden in a very short time. They can be used with attractive trellis panels to make cosy corners and private areas. Plants can be used either to climb over the pergola or planted in pots placed on or around the structure. Simple, yet superb!
Paving Kits:
Paving can be used instead of decking as a base for your seating area. Find some excellent ideas here: there are lots of pictures in the gallery! The main advantage of this company is that they are much cheaper than others who supply the same products, and they have great customer service. If you would like to include a pergola, this can be placed on the paving using bolt down post anchors, or fixed in the ground, around the paving, using post anchors or concrete. A very affordable option is to create a seating area using decorative gravel. It is relatively cheap, and comes in many different different colours and sizes. Gazebos: Gazebos tend to have a solid roof, unlike a pergola, although some wrought iron gazebos have an open top. Both can be used to great effect in the garden for entertaining and relaxing.
Wooden Gazebos
Stunning Rotating Gazebo
Metal Gazebos
Fabric and Wooden Gazebos
Garden Accessories
Here are some ideas for furniture and accessories that you can add to your area.
- Garden Furniture
- wooden, wrought iron, textoline, plastic, beanbags, outdoor beanbags, hammocks, hanging chairs.- Barbeques - gas, charcoal, self-build.

- Garden Heating - patio heaters, chimineas and fire pits.
- Garden Lighting - solar, low voltage, candles.
- Accessories - wind chimes, cushions, throws, incense burners.
- Water Features - self-contained.
- Hot Tubs - static and portable.
These accessories can make all the difference in creating a comfortable and relaxing area. There are so many materials and styles to choose from that you can create a truly individual feel. Used with wonderful structures and beautiful plants you will have a fantastic area for entertaining in no time at all! Have a vision of what you want your area to look like. Take some time to explore the links and see if anything fits in with your own ideas. Jot down notes about structures or accessories that would be suitable and then just piece it all together. Have fun exploring ideas for designing your outdoor living space. Let's get this party started!
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