The winter weather can take a harsh toll on your garden. Many are left looking bare and dead during the December and January but it can be the perfect time to plant for the warmer weather in spring and summer. Many people around the UK now use their gardens as additional outdoor rooms, making full use of them when entertaining guests during the summer months. A garden can be the perfect setting for many parties and gatherings – it can be the perfect way to make the most of our short, British Summers.

Having a clear entertainment area is very important when creating a new space in your garden. An entertainment area is usually best placed near your kitchen or bar. This will make it easier when entertaining guests and will men providing them with drinks or food is simple. Try and plan your entertainment area so it is somewhere which catches the sun – this will benefit your entertainment area in the summer months.

Adding a structure to your entertainment area will make it stand out in more in your garden and also help provide shade and shelter from the UK’s unpredictable weather. A common and popular structure is the gazebo, these wooden structures are great in most gardens and they can be used for almost anything. Gazebos come in all shapes and sizes to suit your entertainment style. If you want to create al fresco dining area choose a large gazebo, this will provide space for all your guests and a table. Gazebos are easy to build and because they are multifunctional they can be used for many different things. They can also be used as shelter for a large garden buffet or as a stage area for children’s parties.

A gazebo isn’t the only structure which will help your garden; if you wanted to go one step further you could install a bar into your home. Many people in the past have transformed garden sheds and log cabins into garden bars; they provide a quirky and original space to enjoy. Shed bars are memorable and fun but if you want something a little more sophisticated you could install a real bar. Lean to bars and thatched bars have become ever popular in the past few years. They may seem extravagant to some but just like a gazebo they’re not just bars. You can use garden bars for many forms of entertainment from children’s parties, evening meals or even summer barbecues.

Garden furniture is also very important when it comes to creating an entertainment area in your garden; furniture brings the party together. There are many types of garden furniture available the most common is wooden furniture. Hardwood furniture made from timber like teak is very popular due to its hardwearing qualities and high quality finish. Hardwood furniture is hardwearing and can be left outside all year round but it can be fairly expensive. If you want a cheaper alternative you could choose metal garden furniture, metal garden furniture is usually made from aluminium which has been specially treated to withstand outdoor conditions and rain. When choosing garden furniture it is important to plan for your entertainment events, if you have large parties which do not require a table then invest in seating areas and benches. If you host dinner parties and outdoor dining events then you will need a large table to provide space for everyone to sit down and enjoy the meal.

Creating a garden perfect for entertaining is all about tailoring it to suit your entertainment style. All parties are different and choosing the right garden accessories to suit the right types of party is always very important. Creating an entertainment area is simple and does not have to cost the earth. So why not do something different this winter and turn your garden into the place to be next summer.