It’s turning out to be a beautiful warm summer that is ideal for hosting alfresco gatherings at home. If you are fortunate enough to have an orangery, it’s the perfect way to blend the comfort of indoors with the beauty and openness of your outside space.
Here’s how to create a stylish and practical space for relaxed and welcoming summer gatherings.
Focus on the transitional zone
The weather has been great so far, but let’s face it, in the UK you never really know when you are going to be hit by a sudden downpour or a rather disappointing drizzly day. If you have an orangery or conservatory, this means that your guests will have somewhere to retreat to. Maybe it’s a complete scorcher, and the indoor space is a pleasantly cool retreat.
The key is to avoid the feeling that your gathering is in one confined space. Orangeries or conservatories have large glazed doors that are designed to be left open in warmer weather, creating a fresh breeze and easy flow of movement between the inside and outside.
Create visual continuity between the two spaces by using patio or decking in similar inside flooring materials, or use rugs or mats to create a link. Add planters with ferns or seasonal flowers just outside to help extend the orangery out into the garden.
Choose and theme and colour palette
A well-chosen theme and colour palette helps the whole space seem more united and also helps to create a mood. For example, you could emphasise the prettiness of an English country garden if you have that style of property, by placing jars of freshly cut flowers and cushions in summery colours such as sage, coral or yellow.
If you have a more modern property, you could aim for a Mediterranean cocktail bar vibe or simply keep it to stylish neutral colours with touches of metallics or pops of colour. If the gathering will extend into the evening, use fairy lights, lanterns or LED candles to create an atmospheric glow.
Create thoughtful dining arrangements
One of the beauties of an orangery is the flexibility of dining spaces, especially in unpredictable summer weather. The orangery can be a serving station for informal dining situations such as buffets and grazing tables. If it’s a beautiful blue sky type of day, it can be used as a prep area and space to keep food and drink cool.
Provide different zones for a range of moods
At larger gatherings with a mixture of age ranges and personalities, some people will want to sit and chat and enjoy the garden, while others might want to dance the night away. Create spaces for different moods, such as a quieter zone in the orangery with comfortable seating, and a music zone for dancing in the garden.
If you have a nice flat grassy area, use it to set up lawn games such as Jenga, croquet and boules. For younger guests, create a fun corner for children’s games and crafts.
Be adaptable for the conditions
The climate is changing, and our weather is no longer as mild, moderate and predictable as it used to be. While we can hope for the best, aim to plan for a range of weather scenarios. Even a beautiful warm day can become chilly when the sun goes down, so make sure there are comfortable indoor seating areas with light throws if it’s going to be a late finish.
If it’s heatwave territory, consider using fans or reflective glass to keep the interior cool, and have a few umbrellas or parasols scattered around the garden.