Many of us feel unprepared to host in our gardens - Here's 7 expert hosting hacks

Hosting season is on the horizon, and homeowners are transforming their gardens into stylish, functional spaces for entertaining and whiling away the hours together, but according to new survey from Furniturebox in conjunction with YouGov, 17% of Brits admit their garden isn’t in good enough condition to host guests.

Experts at Furniturebox outline the 7 essential ways to properly prepare your garden for hosting, whether you’re planning sunny brunches, family BBQs, cocktail parties, or evening dinner parties al fresco. Thoughtful preparation makes a world of difference, making your outdoor space not only inviting, but comfortable, convenient and practical for all.

Laura Rich, former estate agent and garden designer at Furniturebox, weighs in on the increased popularity of outdoor living, and explains how the simple garden preparation tricks can go a long way: “Us Brits are guilty of getting excited the second a glimpse of sunshine appears, and we love any excuse to get out into the garden. Preparing your outdoor space for hosting can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming; a handful of simple hacks can ensure your garden is a welcoming haven for guests!”

Laura offers 7 expert-backed hacks to host in style…

Declutter your space

One of those arduous tasks we may be tempted to procrastinate doing, but crucial to improve the aesthetic and functionality of your space. Decluttering not only makes your space look neater, but a tidy garden instantly feels larger and more inviting. 

It doesn’t have to be totally void of contents; a garden can look lived-in, but removing fallen leaves, recycling unused or broken plant pots, trimming overgrown hedges, and clearing pathways is a great way to drastically improve your space. 

Prepare your garden furniture (or invest!)

It’s time to uncover your garden furniture, so your guests can get comfortable and ready to while away the hours in your garden. And if you don’t have any, spring is the perfect time to invest, almost one in 10 Brits say they don’t have the right garden furniture setup for hosting, making it one of the key barriers to having guests over.

When choosing garden furniture, it’s crucial that it not only looks good and sleek, but also feels comfortable, and is practical for your favourite garden activities. Opt for furniture that is multi-purpose, like modular furniture, that way you can interchange your pieces and it’s great for every occasion. If you’re limited on space, there are ‘evergreen’ pieces available that function as both indoor and outdoor furniture, so your decor can transition with the seasons. 

Clean your garden furniture 

An underrated step and overlooked step, 12% of Brits admit they have never cleaned their garden furniture, but you actually only need a few household items to get them looking spick and span after winter hibernation. 

Start by sweeping them off, then hoovering any remaining bits of debris. Olive oil is a handy yet underestimated cleaning tool. Most of us have it in our cupboards, but it’s not confined to cooking, it’s equally good for cleaning and you only need a small amount. Just a teaspoon of olive oil and a soft cloth can be a cheap, quick and easy way to protect your rattan garden furniture from the elements. 

White vinegar is also a cheap, effective way to clean rust off furniture. Apply a small amount, let it sit for an hour, then rinse. 

Mow your lawn 

Not yet, though! You’re generally encouraged to do your first lawn mow of the year in mid-March, but you can prepare your lawn as early as February for that even, healthy coverage. Avoid walking across your lawn at all costs if it’s waterlogged or frozen, and on drier days, you can gently rake moss and debris from the lawn to improve air circulation. You can also consider applying a pesticide-free lawn treatment to help your lawn thrive.

Enhance your lighting

Lighting is everything, it can make the world of difference to how appealing and functional your garden is.

Layering lighting with pathway lights, string lights, and lanterns makes your garden space feel inviting and welcoming, and it’s crucial to extend your hosting hours! Soft, warm lighting is best for hosting - it’s both welcoming and ambient for you and your guests.

Create multi-purpose hosting spaces 

Many of us don’t have the luxury of a large garden, so making your spaces multi-functional is a great way to utilise what’s available, especially in urban gardens - making your garden work smarter for you. 

Opting for furniture that is multi-purpose, like modular sofas that can be moved around to suit you and your guests, allows for flexibility. Whether you want an L-shaped corner sofa, a U-shaped sofa, or a cosy 2-seater, modular furniture suits any occasion.

Add plants 

Seasonal colour can add that gorgeous pop of colour to your garden - adding to its visual appeal and character. Potted flowers, plants and fresh herbs, like rosemary, lavender and petunias are great low-maintenance additions to your garden for fragrance and decoration. Bonus points if you can reap the fruits of your labour and utilise your homegrown ingredients in your cooking.