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If you’ve been following our Interior Squad member Luke’s journey on his Instagram feed (@man_about_gardening) , you’ll know that he’s been transforming his garden into a vibrant, inviting space with the addition of a pergola. With summer on the horizon, we thought there was no better time to get his advice on how to prepare your garden for hosting unforgettable gatherings.
I always notice the planting first - what’s blooming, what smells amazing, and what’s new. When I’m expecting guests, I make a point of tidying up those areas, especially around the seating zones. Deadheading anything that’s past its best makes the space look fresher. Lighting is also key for atmosphere, so I’ll light a few candles or set up the fire pit for when the sun goes down.
“I’m really excited about using the lighting built into our new pergola—it adds so much ambience and makes the space feel cosy and welcoming.”
The best tip I can offer is to think about how your garden works throughout the seasons, not just in summer. I always start by choosing a spot that feels good to sit in whether it’s a crisp spring morning, a warm autumn afternoon, or a late summer evening. For me, that’s under the pergola. The louvred roof is a gamechanger. It tilts open to let the sunshine in or closes fully when it rains, which means the space stays usable no matter what the British weather decides to do. I also like to mix plants that peak at different times of year, so there’s always something in bloom or offering texture. It keeps the garden feeling alive without loads of upkeep, and it means guests always have something beautiful to look at.
If you’re expecting a group, don’t worry about having perfectly matching furniture - mixing pieces makes the space feel more relaxed. I often pull a couple of indoor stools outside for extra perches, and floor cushions are great for kids or anyone happy to sit lower down. For smaller gatherings, I tend to cluster seating more closely to make it feel cosy. For bigger groups, I spread everything out a little so people can drift and chat in smaller pockets. Flexibility is key.
I’m all about the small details that make a space feel loved. Outdoors, mirrors and decorative signs add personality and help reflect light back into darker corners, which makes the whole area feel bigger and more inviting. Soft furnishings like throws and cushions instantly make it feel as comfortable as being indoors, and they’re such an easy way to bring in colour or tie a theme together. I’ve even added a little water fountain this year - that gentle trickling sound makes such a difference to the atmosphere under the pergola. All these little touches work together to create a space that feels relaxed, welcoming, and thoughtfully styled.
One small thing that makes a big difference for hosting is managing pests. I always keep a couple of citronella candles nearby - they smell lovely and experts confirm they help keep the bugs away. Planting lavender or mint around seating and dining areas can also help as they have strong scents and are commonly used in gardens for their fragrance. Their aromatic oils are widely believed to discourage certain insects.
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to change the feel of a garden, and each type does something different. I like using solar stake lights to guide people down the path or around the seating area, they’re subtle but really helpful. String lights are brilliant for creating that warm, relaxed ambience overhead, especially on summer evenings. And if you’ve got feature plants or a beautiful tree, a bit of uplighting underneath it looks incredible once the sun goes down. It creates a focal point and adds a bit of drama without being over the top.
A pergola completely transforms the way you use your garden. It gives you a defined ‘room’ outdoors and draws your eye upwards, which makes the space feel bigger. But more than anything, it creates shade and shelter. I love having plants and little decorative accessories around mine - it’s amazing how much difference a few decorations can make. These elements add charm and visual interest. Think of it as styling your living room, just with the added bonus of fresh air.
Start by figuring out where you naturally want to sit and spend time. Once you’ve picked that spot, bring in a few colourful pots or planters. You can get summer bedding plants really affordably at most supermarkets, and they’ll brighten your space instantly. A simple bench or bistro set can turn a quiet corner into a retreat, especially if you add a couple of cushions – I love that with Hillarys you can get cushions in fabric that matches their curtains and Roman blinds, including their Exclusive Collections. It doesn’t take much to create a space that feels welcoming - you just have to make it yours. And you’ve probably got things indoors you can use already, cushions, throws, lanterns, candles that kind of thing.
“No matter what your budget there’s always something you can do, whether it’s a few pots, some string lights, or a fully styled pergola, it’s all about creating a space that feels good to spend time in.”
When I’m hosting, I always set up a simple food and drink station so guests can help themselves. A small side table under the pergola works perfectly, it keeps everything shaded and close to hand. I try to keep it practical: a jug of iced water, glasses, a few snacks, and maybe a big sharing platter. If you’re cooking outdoors, group the essentials together in one spot so you’re not running back and forth to the kitchen. It keeps the flow relaxed and lets everyone settle into the space.
If you’ve got plenty space and are dreaming of something a little more structured, consider creating an outdoor dining area that feels like an extension of your indoor space. Think of a generous dining table paired with comfortable chairs, the kind that invites long, lingering meals rather than quick nibbles. You could site it under an awning or pergola awning if it’s next to your house, providing shade if the middle of the day, with the options of light and heat for evening meals. This sort of setup lends itself to more elevated outdoor dining area ideas, where table linens, warm overhead lighting and well-placed planters combine to create a setting that’s perfect for weekend brunches or summer evening suppers. A defined outdoor dining area doesn’t have to be complicated; it simply gives you a dedicated place to gather, serve, and savour, bringing a sense of occasion to eating outside.
If we’ve got friends or family over, I like having a couple of simple games on hand, nothing too competitive, just things that get people chatting. A garden skittle set or a garden Jenga set is always a good shout, and they don’t take up much space. Even something as simple as a blanket and a deck of cards gives people an extra spot to gather. It’s all about keeping things light and fun.
Make it fun, make it relaxed, and think about the senses. Good food, good tunes, a bit of greenery and twinkly lighting, t’s a winning combination. And don’t forget to keep things flexible. Mix and match your seating, have some blankets ready, and make sure everyone’s got a shady spot to retreat to if it gets too hot.
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