It’s autumn and your outdoor fun doesn’t have to stop! Wrap up warm and use our tips to create the perfect set up to make the most of the autumn sun.
Warm it up
Temperatures can be unpredictable during the autumn and, once the sun sets, the chill can really set in, so make sure you have ways to keep your guests cosy. Consider a fire pit, chiminea or environmentally-friendly bio fuel heater to help everyone stay toasty and create an atmospheric glow. Make sure you have a few blankets or throws to hand for people to snuggle up under.
Add texture with knitted throws and faux fur or borg cushions to benches and wicker chairs, or invest in a sofa set with sumptuous cushions that people will happily sink into. The Bahamas Deluxe ‘U’ Corner Sofa Set is perfect for relaxed entertaining, with plenty of comfy seating, stain-resistant cushions and a u-shape configuration that keeps everyone part of the conversation.
An outdoor rug is another way to create that cosy feel and bring the space together. They’re designed for outside use, so are easy to clean and can be rolled up and stored away when not in use.
Pick a theme
You could opt for a Halloween-themed bash, with spooky embellishments, carved pumpkins, and maybe even obligatory fancy dress if you want to go all out, or you might prefer a classic autumnal theme with a palette of rich red, brown and gold tones, a handmade seasonal wreath and an abundance of vases filled with autumnal flower displays to make your outdoor area really pop. Picture faded hydrangea heads, pampas grass, dahlias, marigolds and nigella or poppy seed heads for a stunning effect. For a traditional celebration of the Harvest festival and the chance to give back to the community, you could have a collection point for your local food bank, where guests can bring goods that will be donated after the party.
Make seasonal snacks
Whether you plan on having a full autumn menu or just serving up snacks, make sure there’s something seasonal, warm and tasty on offer. If you’re hollowing out pumpkins and squash to carve for your displays, put that flesh to good use by whipping up an easy autumnal soup or even making a simple-yet-mouthwatering spiced pumpkin pie. To free up table space, serve soup in cups, so people can eat whilst circulating and enjoying the festivities. Barbecued sausages in warm, crusty rolls are another great handheld food, as are pizza slices, but keep them seasonal with autumnal recipes like butternut squash, sage and pancetta or mushroom shallot and spinach to enjoy fresh ingredients when they’re at their tastiest.
Apples are also in season, so whether you use them for a traditional game of apple bobbing, cook them up in a warming apple and blackberry crumble or transform them into fun toffee apples, there’s plenty of inspiration!
Our brand-new Topaz collection features elegant FSC™ teak side tables attached to chic sofa units, proving added space for refreshments, whilst the Nassau round side table – complete with convenient carry handle – can provide a tonal pop of colour and flexible extra tabletop, when needed. Choose from Peony Pink, Sage Green or Honey Yellow to beautifully complement your autumnal palette, or a minimalistic ghostly white for a Halloween party.
Light it up
Nothing creates atmosphere better than the right lighting. With evenings getting longer, you can take full advantage of twinkling fairy lights wrapped around trees or even incorporate that magic into table displays with lights adorning bare twigs or illuminating glass bottles.
Festoon lights have maximum impact strung overhead or fence panels, whilst strategically-placed lanterns draw the eye and create a stunning aesthetic – particularly with some cheeky candlelit pumpkins on show.
For the ultimate in outdoor living room chic this autumn, introduce an outdoor floor lamp, elegant LED table lamps, or statement hanging pendant light.
Have fun celebrating your outdoor space this autumn!