Outside Living

Well what a Summer we are having, endless sunshine, warm balmy days and nights and a total urge to be outdoors as much as possible. I can honestly say hand on heart I don’t think I have spent as much time outside in our garden relaxing, working, enjoying a meal as much as I have the last couple of months. Neighbours aside it has been rather joyful.

We used to keep chickens and had a huge part of our garden taken over by their run but sadly we had to re house our last girl as she was too noisy bless her. Sad as it was saying goodbye to 9 years of hen keeping it was lovely to regain a piece of the garden to turn into a gravelled seating area that is shady.

We have managed to create 3 separate seating areas in our tiny garden which is quite something, one on the patio that gets the morning sun that is perfect for having breakfast or morning coffee, I treated myself to some Ypperlig chairs from Ikea that work wonderfully here. The second being a little area in the main garden but big enough for a little deck to fit a double seat on that I love from John Lewis and thirdly the new gravelled addition that houses a couple of wooden chairs, plenty of shade loving plants in vintage containers and the all important fire pit that comes in very handy when the sun goes down, basking in its warmth and being able to toast marshmallows is the biggest treat of all. The trusty fire pit takes you right through into the Autumn months, wrapping up in blankets and warming your hands by the fire or around mugs filled with hot chocolate. This beauty is from The Wood House and comes in different sizes depending on the area you need to fill. One other essential thing needed when outside especially in the evening is candles, ones that keep the bugs away from biting your ankles, I highly recommend the Bug Off candle from Essence + Alchemy. Not only does it give off a warming glow but it is infused with a sweet, citrus and minty insect repelling combination of citronella, eucalyptus, lavender and cedarwood essential oils. I will be taking this away with me in the caravan too for our evenings relaxing in our caravan awning.

Each section has a different feel so you can move around the spaces to suit your mood or the part of the day that you want sun or shade. Just a little bit of time spent on the garden to make the surroundings pleasant to sit in and then all you need to do is add the accessories to bring the inside out. Outdoor living is good for the soul when the sun shines but making it a haven for peace and tranquillity with homely pieces such as blankets and throws and an odd cushion or two make it all the better. When enjoying a meal outside why not dress the table too, it makes for a convivial display and you are more likely to stay outside longer because of it.