Having set up the cult online emporium, Rockett St George back in 2007, this creative duo know a thing or two about style, indoors and out. Here they tell us how they do outdoor entertaining..
Perfect Your Priorities
Whether you have a large garden, a rooftop terrace, courtyard, or bijou balcony, no space is too small to enjoy in the summer. Jane and Lucy's first piece of advice is to treat your outside space as you would with any other room in your home and prioritise what’s most important to you.
'If you’re anything like us, chances are you’ll want to make the most of the long evenings by entertaining outside, in which case seating is key – whether that’s sun loungers on the lawn, a fabulous hanging chair that makes an eccentric style statement or foldable dining tables and chairs that can be easily tucked out of sight when the party gets going.'
Set The Scene
Whether it’s everyday dining or hosting a few of your favourite people, set the scene with linen tablecloths, natural wooden boards, beaded coasters and quirky candlesticks, as well as some showstopping tableware.
For smaller spaces, coffee and side tables also look fabulous outside in place of a dining table - just make sure you bring them back in to avoid weathering. Once the table is set, pair with plates of delicious food and plenty of wine for the ultimate alfresco experience.
See these easy ways to refresh your outdoor space.
Tempting Textures
You can be as expressive outside in your garden as you are inside and just like with your interior, texture plays an incredibly important part in setting the overall tone of your space.
Don’t be afraid to blur the boundaries and steal a few key pieces such as rugs, cushions and even mirrors from inside your home to create a flexible outside living space that is completely unique to you.
Light The Way
Consider fixing outdoor wall lights to your house’s exterior to cast beautiful shadows on your wall and across the garden.
For added atmosphere, style lanterns around your seating area, light candles on your side tables and wrap festoon lights around the trees.
Find cool outdoor living spaces here.
-
4 serene window ideas to keep the festive warmth in and the winter cold out this ChristmasGive your windows the gift of new dressings this Christmas, complete with a customised and stress-free service from Hillarys
-
12 pieces of timeless furniture - the Livingetc edit of what will never go out of style
If you're hoping to build a living room or bedroom that defies fickle trends and endures year after year, start by shopping our edit of timeless furniture here
-
Front door ideas – how to choose the perfect style for your home
Our front door ideas will guide you through picking out the most practical, and stylish design to create a beautiful first impression
-
18 stylish decking ideas for gardens, backyards and patios
Let these gorgeous garden decking ideas inspire you to upgrade your outdoor space no matter what size you are working with
-
37 modern garden ideas to transform your outdoor space whatever the size
Get inspired by these striking modern garden ideas, from sleek patio ideas and how to style a deck, to gorgeous flower bed design and tips on perfecting your planting
-
Modern outdoor furniture ideas – stylish looks for modern gardens and backyards
We've pulled together plenty of modern outdoor furniture ideas to refresh and revive your outdoor space no matter what size or style
-
The simple way to a more sustainable and stylish life with Fisher & Paykel
This incredible new tech saves time, energy and has become the washing machine you need to know about
-
Small backyard ideas – 10 stylish ideas for small backyards
These small backyard ideas add masses of style to small outdoor spaces
-
Forget Cottagecore - Flora Fantasia by House of Hackney is Cottage hardcore
House of Hackney's Flora Fantasia collection blends the romanticised rural aesthetic with riotous punk elements
-
Bert & May's new hexagon tiles collection is tapping into one of this year's biggest micro trends
Tap into the microtrend for hexagon tiles and make myriad patterns with this new collection from Bert & May
