Garden decor ideas: 10 fabulous ways to decorate your outdoor space
Garden decor ideas: 10 fabulous ways to decorate your outdoor space
Garden decor ideas are a lovely way to give your outdoor space a more magical feel. They're certainly worth thinking about for the warmer months when a lawn or patio can provide the perfect backdrop for special occasions.
After all, when the sun is shining and your prized borders are at their best, why keep the party restricted to indoors? Our gardens have become important extensions of our homes and now, with the likes of stunning seating, outdoor fireplaces and ambient lighting, they are destined for entertaining friends and family. So, if you have a birthday or anniversary on the horizon, or even if you just want to celebrate for no real reason at all (why not!), then these garden decor ideas will help you curate a gorgeous setting.
From paper lanterns and floral themes to monochrome looks and stylish dinnerware, we've rounded up lots of pretty designs that'll get you inspired for your next big – or small – do. So take a look, find your favorites, and get ready to transform garden furniture with these inspiring ideas. We guarantee they will get you excited about throwing an enchanting bash that your guests will love.
BY HOLLY CROSSLEY
1. Hang patterned shades over an outdoor table
Patterned shades aren't just for lamps indoors. Hung from a tree or a pergola, they can bring a gorgeous indoor-outdoor feel to your garden celebrations.
These patterned numbers are utterly charming and we love the bright red tassel details. Complementary cushions and tableware add to the folk-art theme and create a bold set-up that's perfect for a get-together with friends.
For extra style points, choose your cut flowers to match the color scheme. These white hydrangeas and hypericum berries are a great match (although be careful they don't get too close to food – as it turns out that both are poisonous).
2. Create a charming summer scene beneath a canopy
It's amazing how the simple act of moving furniture away from its usual place can make a space feel refreshed. So, try placing your patio table on the lawn, or bringing your indoor dining table outdoors for the day.
For long, wooden tables, opt for horizontally-laid runners rather than tablecloths. That way, you can still protect the surface and add a patterned pop of color, but the exposed natural material will offer a rustic edge. A pair of oversized vases filled with flowers makes for pretty centerpieces. Try long-lasting waxflowers for their delicate blossoms, then bring them indoors to enjoy once the party's over.
The perfect finishing touch to this summery scene has to be the canopy overhead. Not only will it help to define the special dining zone, but it will also protect you and your guests from the sun's midday glare. A white design like this will keep things feeling light and airy.
3. Try a monochrome theme for an air of elegance
A monochrome palette is a failsafe choice for elegant entertaining. Add a white lace tablecloth for a vintage touch, whilst a cluster of glass candle holders ups the romance factor.
For us, the real pièce de résistance here has to be the tumbling flower-shaped fairy lights, which add a magical essence to the scene. To recreate the look, suspend them from a pergola, or even an overhanging tree branch – although make sure they're not too close to the open candle flames beneath.
Just add a nice glass of vino and some good company and you're all set for an enjoyable evening.
4. Embrace flower power for your garden decor ideas
Floral patterns will always be in vogue when it comes to garden decor ideas.
Layer up different sized tablecloths for an eclectic look – this white cut-out design looks stunning across the colorful print beneath. Cute chair covers with pom-pom details and matching cushions elevate even the most basic of bistro chairs and will make them comfier to sit on, too.
Arrange posies of freshly-cut summer blooms into patterned jugs and old jam jars. Then, hang paper pom-pom flowers and honeycomb balls above to complete the laid-back yet very pretty look.
5. Opt for pretty pastel shades
Is any outdoor party complete without a string or two of bunting? The answer is 'probably not', at least if you're after a country-classic vibe.
This lilac, gingham style is totally adorable and makes a great decoration for a summer tea party. String along fences, between trees, or around your she shed – it's a simple and inexpensive way to make your plot feel extra special.
Sherbet lemon, soft coral and cool mint hues add to the pretty color scheme in the form of printed textiles, paper decorations, and a vintage-inspired lantern. Arrange them against backdrops of white to keep the look feeling modern and considered.
Try bringing your favorite potted plants into the scene too, for a pleasing dash of fresh foliage and flowers.
6. Go for eco-friendly tableware
Birthday parties often call for plenty of guests, and sometimes it's simply easier (and safer) to opt for disposable dinnerware. Fun prints will bring a sense of cheer and look great alongside vibrant flower posies and large serving bowls.
Opt for fully-recyclable, 100% plastic-free paper sets like the one above. It's much more environmentally-friendly than plastic alternatives, or having to simply throw it out with the general waste. This versatile design would work well for any birthday party – no matter how many years are being celebrated.
7. Add stylish textiles and choose your glassware to match
Table runners can make a stylish statement when used as part of your garden decor ideas. Designs like this work both indoors and out, so add a homely, outdoor-living vibe for garden celebrations. We love the geometric pattern, which is block printed by hand onto study flat-weaved cotton.
The tones of blush, terracotta, opal and ochre are mirrored by colored glassware and scatter cushions nearby, adding a sense of cohesion to the scene. Arranged around a low-lying table, the set-up feels relaxed – just make sure to provide a cozy outdoor rug or two to up the comfy factor further.
8. Elevate a bench with plenty of soft lights
Good garden lighting can totally transform the mood of a space – turning lacklustre places into warm and inviting zones. In this case, a simple wooden bench has been given a new lease of life with the help of plenty of LED candles. They're just as romantic and atmosphere-boosting as the real thing, but are risk-free and waterproof.
Strings of festoon lights above will add to the magical ambience. For a final flourish, try making a centerpiece of lush foliage and tie velvet ribbons in a sumptuous tone for each place setting. Both are easy and affordable ways to create a truly memorable scene.
9. Make the most of the vertical space
We've covered shade-creating canopies above your outdoor table, but how about this as a lovely solution for evening soirées?
We love the jumble of eye-catching lanterns in blue tones for this outdoor scene. Hung up in a line along a sturdy metal structure, they provide a subtle glow as well as a gorgeous focal point. Glazed ceramic vases adorn the table beneath adding to the sense of sophistication, whilst opting for foliage rather than flowers adds a pared-back element of cool.
Pair with sleek furniture made from pale wood with black finishes to finish the contemporary look, and don't forget a cozy fire pit nearby to keep the party going well into the night. These garden decor ideas aren't reserved for parties – they'll elevate your outdoor space all summer long.
10. Add plenty of color
Every birthday bash has to have a few balloons! These party staples will never grow old and, for many, are a must-have for celebratory garden decor ideas.
Supersized versions in bold colors spread tons of cheer when clustered together on a garden gate, at the end of a bench, or from a tree. Marble-effect styles offer a stunning alternative to the classic block-color look. Whichever hues you go for, opt for biodegradable ones to be kinder to the environment.
For a really summery theme, keep the vibrancy up with bright dinnerware, bunting, cushions, and flowers for your garden table.
Make alfresco occasions extra special with these garden decor ideas – from funky tableware to colorful lanterns and more