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The sun is shining, let’s go outside!
Summer is for spending outdoors, and sunny days are for sharing with friends in the fresh air. So here are some of our favourite ideas for making sure your garden, or balcony, is summer-ready!
Homegrown, homemade
Fresh herbs and salad leaves can’t be beaten. So start growing them in your own backyard for a plentiful, close-at-hand supply. Leanne in Australia hangs hers beside the barbecue, so she can always serve grilled meat and fish with healthy greens.
Celebrate summer
Whether you’re eating solo or with the whole family, make the most of sunny morning skies by taking breakfast outside. For a light but energy-packed start, try Tamar’s homemade granola recipe with fresh fruit.
I treasure waking up to a quiet house, and eating breakfast outside with my cat
Fast family food
When family, not food, is your priority, consider cutting down the workload by serving up or cooking outside. Enlist the kids’ help; ask them to bring as much food as possible to the table – think salads, bread, drinks and dressings – so there’s no need to dash inside once you’ve started eating. That way you can all concentrate on each other – and the tasty meal in front of you!
When we’re at our treehouse, I don’t want to spend too much time cooking inside – we want to spend it together
Personality points
Preparing for a party can be almost as much fun as the gathering itself! Artist Graça in Portugal covered her patio’s balcony railing with strips of fabric, creating a soft and summery backdrop. And her table settings are just as cheerful; she adds a quirky touch to each guest’s place, like a painted paperweight or decorated table mat.
I love to mix colour and patterns, and put my personality into the things I make!
Laid-back lunches
Help your guests feel at home by making food they can serve up themselves. One-pot dishes are simple to cook and easy to pass around, so everyone can take just as much as they want. Plus, when friends feel like family they’re more likely to go for seconds, so there will be nothing wasted!
The house has a real festive family air – we designed it for enjoying the great weather and hosting traditional Spanish fiestas
Twilight time
Once the sun has set, extend the day by lighting clusters of lanterns; hang them from trees or rafters, or set them down on the floor or table. Bring out comfy chairs and footstools, and lay down rugs or blankets to read or play on.
After an hour or two relaxing here, you start to feel like you’re elsewhere…
We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.
