It may not seem so, given the present climate, but soon the weather should make a turn for the better - allowing us to take advantage of our outdoor space. It doesn’t matter whether your outdoor space is a garden, patio or balcony (or, in the absence of any personal outdoor space – your local park) as soon as the sun gives respite from the inevitable rain you need to get out and indulge in a spot of outdoor living.
From barbeques to hammocks we’ve trawled the web for some of best value outdoor living essentials. Don’t be left out in the cold, check out our Top 5 Outdoor Living Essentials.
Outdoor Cooking…
Blooma Kembla Rectangular Charcoal Barbecue – £15 from B&Q |Redwood Leisure 14-inch Round Barbecue from £11.59 at Amazon | Retro Portable Barbeque – £22.50 from Tesco Direct.
There’s no better away to spend a sunny afternoon than gathering your cohort with the promise of warm beer and burnt meat. Yes, I’m talking about barbeques – the reason why summer was invented! In my view, any slight shard of sunshine is fantastic excuse to get the barby out. And, for the record, gas barbeques are cheating.
Outdoor Living…
4 Seat Hardwood Dining Set – £169 from B&Q | Kingfisher Outdoor Dining Set from £52.95 at Amazon | La Hacienda Cast Iron Chimenea – £50 from Tesco Direct.
Once you have the important bit sorted, next you’ll need somewhere to sit, eat and relax. Make your outdoor space liveable by adding furniture. Don’t just plonk a few chairs against wall, create a focal point for gatherings. To do this you could add an outdoor dining set, such as above. For an interesting feature, why not create the illusion of an outdoor living room by using an outdoor lounge set, also above, alongside garden features such as large planters and lighting. This works particularly well on a gazebo or a balcony. Carry on the party outdoors, long after the sun has faded, by adding a wood burner, chimenea or gas heater. Even a brazier would be an attractive warming touch for your garden or patio.
Lounging and Snoozing…
Windsor Wooden Swing Bench Set – £199 from Tesco Direct| Amazonas Barbados Hammock – £62.99 from Tesco Direct| Hanging Crow’s Nest – £90.08 from Tesco Direct.
After you’ve eaten, it’s time for a little nap in the sunshine. Investing in outdoor lounging furniture, such as hammocks and swing benches, will add a comfortable focal point – make your outdoor space the place to be. Swings benches are definitely the best buy, offering both comfort and shade – but only if you have the space. Don’t be fooled by the false economy of the much cheaper plastic or hollow metal framed sets. Invest in a heavy wooden design which should give you a lifetime of outdoor comfort. Hammocks are great slung between trees and other sturdy garden fixtures such as sheds and fences. If you have restricted space, such as a balcony, you could try a crow’s nest style hammock hung securely from walls or fences (not over the edge of a balcony though)
Solar Powered Terracotta Cascade – £49 from Amazon| Decorative Planters from – £0.80p at Wilkinson Plus.
Next, offset all that furniture with cool outdoor features such as garden ornaments, water features or some planters, to create a relaxing environment.
And If You Don’t Have Your Own Oudoor Space…
Draper Picnic Rug – £9.90 from Amazon| Folding Camping Chairs – at Amazon |Red Offset Parasol – £40 from Wilkinson Plus |Travel Jonn Disposable Urinal – from £5.01 at Amazon.
…make the most of your local park, roundabout or grass verge. All you need is a blanket, parasol and some folding chairs and you’ll be laughing. And don’t forget the Travel John, in case you get caught short!
There we have, all you need for a days sun worshipping and barbequing. For more garden and outdoor living bargain check out our Outdoor Living voucher codes to see home much you can save.
