How To Set Up A Balcony Garden

BBQ in pretty garden

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The weather's hotting up and you're making plans to entertain family and friends, but what if your garden is far from BBQ ready?

Ahead of National BBQ Week (29 May – 4 June), find out how to create the perfect garden setting to make the most from your BBQ occasions. Speaking to Thi Dinh, fair manager at the House & Garden Festival, we found out some top advice for transforming your garden and making it BBQ ready and alfresco fantastic...

1. Outdoor kitchens

Gardens have really become the fifth room for homeowners. There's a real trend of maximising space with garden office spaces, outhouses and even outside kitchen spaces. An outdoor kitchen creates a perfect summer setting for an alfresco dining experience. This eliminates the worry of running in and out of the house to serve your guests. Not only does this re-create the visual cooking experience for your diners, which is so popular in some of London's favourite restaurants, but it also makes serving a much easier streamlined process for the host.

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2. Think green

You won't have to look far to see that green is the colour for all things homes and interiors for summer 2017. This is great news as the shade so easily complements any garden and outdoor space. If you are looking for accessories and furniture that are on-trend this season you can't go far wrong if you keep green front of mind. Whether that be cushions, furniture, table cloths or even just accessories, make sure you have a splash of it on show when you entertain this summer.

Green garden bench in bright garden against brick wall

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3. Tools

Amazing tools and new garden tech will make any summer chef's life that much easier when under the pressure of entertaining. From spiralizers to wine cooler gadgets, there's a tool to make every BBQ task light work.

Spiralizer

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4. Keep it light

Light features create a lovely summer ambience and the perfect way to make that day-BBQ-into-evening-drinks transition. Whether you have an immaculate green space or a more confined garden area, a light feature is the perfect way to enhance the space.

Garden lighting above outdoor dinner table - friends

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5. Simple but effective tricks

Sadly, we are not all blessed with rolling beautiful landscapes but little touches go a long way. Add some colour with a few new pot plants and cut the grass, even if it's not in the condition you might like. Both will brighten and open out the space. Plants can easily become statement features that will catch the eye and draw it away from the other areas you may not want guests to focus on. Consider this also in your layout. Your setting and table area are the focal point and dictate the eye line of your visitors. Position it so eyes will rest on your garden's best assets and features.

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6. Finishing touches

Who doesn't love flowers? Add to the scenery by bringing blooms to your guests directly on the table. It's easy to forget simple touches such as table blossoms in the midst of wanting to serve your guests ample food and drink. Seasonal blooms and flower features are what set summer parties apart - the extra effort is worth doing and will not go unnoticed.

This year the popularity of the terrarium is still reigning strong. Not only do they look great but are also simple to make and last well after your party. You can enjoy them post-event and even re-use another time. Elegant long stems are another choice of trend and offer a beautiful finish for any summer dining table.

A miniature rock garden terrarium with small succulents.

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Style-seekers can get more inspiration at the House & Garden Festival from 21 to 24 June.

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