Your garden can be so much more than a plain lawn and basic patio. Your garden can be an extension of your house, a place to gather and spend time with friends and family. What is more, being outside and in the fresh air is proven to have positive effects on your mood and wellbeing.
So why spend your time cooped up inside when you could be out enjoying the company of friends in the comfort of your garden? Here is some inspiration to help you beautify your garden and create the perfect social space.
5 Ways To Make Your Garden A Gathering Place

Take the indoors outside
If you want to make the most of your garden all year round then you need to think about the elements. You will need to create a space that can shelter you in the cooler or wetter months and provide relief from the blazing sun in the summer. Installing a roofed structure is a great way to do this all the while still enjoying the benefits of the fresh outdoor air.
Other great ways to take the comfort of the indoors to your garden is to utilize fashion items such as a garden rug, warm blankets for seating areas, and add a splash of paint to brighten up concrete walls or wooden structures. Not only will these additions serve as stunning design features they will help create a comfortable atmosphere and environment that you will want to spend time in.
Create walkways
If you have a large garden or one that is divided over distance and levels then creating walkways is a great way to make all aspects of your garden accessible. What is more, this will improve the safety of your garden and help to define zones in your garden, which will allow you to maximize the space available. For a truly unique and contemporary walkway consider investing in stamped concrete walkways.
Install an outdoor kitchen
Whenever you have a gathering in your house guests naturally gravitate toward the kitchen. It is and always has been the social hub of a house. If you want to avoid this from happening during your summer soiree then there is no better way than bringing the kitchen outside and installing an outdoor kitchen.
Alfresco kitchens not only look great and add value to your home they are also incredibly practical when eating and entertaining outside. Outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity and as a result, there are some truly stunning options available to you. Whether you simply want to add a fridge and a sink to your barbecue area or want an all singing all dancing fully functional kitchen, there will be able to find the option to suit you.
Use a fire pit
If installing structures and outdoor kitchens are beyond your budget then you will be hard pushed to find a more effective and cost-efficient way to transform your garden into a social space than with a fire pit. Fire pits provide heat and warmth and are perfect for ensuring your guests stay out in the garden as the sun goes down.
Add lighting
It is nice to spend time outdoors during daylight hours but don’t overlook the joy of cool summer nights outside too. With so many choices to suit patios large and small, you are sure to find just what you need at your local hardware store or online.
From solar powered twinkle lights to chandeliers, the options are endless. Even a few tiki torches for an afternoon party that extends into the evening can add ambience and illumination for your guests. To ensure a compelling atmosphere and provide the ideal scene for special occasions, you can hire a lighting service like Blingle to illuminate your garden.
No matter how small or large your outdoor living space is, you can make it a perfect place to gather with family and friends with just a few additions and tweaks. Take advantage of nice weather, get some much needed fresh air, and head outside to your own home away from home space.