The Outdoor Summer Garden Wish List
“Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” - as the author Henry James so perfectly puts it, there is nothing quite like a hazy, lazy sunny afternoon in July. Finding ourselves well and truly in summer, we’ve compiled together our outdoor summer wish list to make the most of this special time in the garden. We hope you enjoy the read!
Glass & Tableware
Alfresco dining is a favourite way to enjoy the summer months and make the most of being outside with longer daylight hours. Set a table for family or friends with Oka’s beautiful collection of glass and tableware. On our wish list is the Pandanus Carafe and Glasses set with natural rattan holders, as well as the Sherwood range of bowls and plates. Available as handy sets of four and named for its leafy design, the Sherwood collection has a swirling pattern of ivy in a pleasingly irregular print contrasting against the delightful hues of summer salads and fruits.
Photo credit: OKA
Summer Linens
No summer tablescape is complete without linen napkins and a tablecloth – we love Willow Crossley’s latest collection ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ for its classic summer colour palette of green and white; “this high summer tabletop collection is inspired by hot European summers: long pasta-fuelled lunches in the shade of olive trees, wildflowers picked before a siesta, cool drinks at sundown, friends gathered for supper under the stars.” The napkins and tablecloth are made from 100% linen with a wide green and white stripe pattern. We also love the colourful hand painted dot and stripe vase from this collection, perfect for flower arrangements on the table.
Photo credit: Willow Crossley
Under the Parasol
For those balmy summer afternoons, a spot of lunch, cold drink or even a siesta are best enjoyed in the shade. Neptune Home are known for their timeless furniture for both indoors and outdoors and for this summer have released their latest collaboration with Christopher Farr Cloth a renowned fabric designer. Consisting of scatter cushions and a parasol in a beautiful summer print ‘Carnival Celeste’ the collection evokes a feeling of ‘Italy’s sun-soaked piazzas in your own garden’. The print was originally designed in the 1970s with florals in a soft green colourway and peach and blue accents.
Photo credit: Neptune
Table Lamps
As afternoons fade into dusk, a perfect way to create a magical atmosphere in the garden and extend your social gatherings is with lighting! Pooky have a wonderful brass rechargeable table lamp available in a huge selection of their quirky and colourful lamp shades - a must on our wish list for this summer. Whether it’s a vibrant pattern, floral print or simple pin stripes, there are so many lovely styles to shop of their lamp shades.
Photo credit: Pooky
Throws & Cushions
To finish our outdoor summer wish list, we adore Susie Watson Designs throws and cushions in whimsical prints and shades. A top tip when hosting is having plenty cushions and throws to ensure your guests are comfortable and warm enough for outdoor gatherings. On our list is the newest Catkin Bukhara rustic linen cushion inspired by Susie’s travels, as well as the Rose Olive Harlequin wool throw which is sure to keep you cosy for if the evening cools off.
Photo credit: Susie Watson Designs
