No area is too tiny for an outdoor gathering! Lawns and large patios are great for bigger events, but even small yards and balconies can play host to al fresco gatherings with a bit of clever planning. A compact bistro set, a simple string of vintage-style café lights and a cluster of LED candles will create a perfect scene for a weekend brunch. A single tree can become something truly magical by adding a few lengths of connectable fairy lights and a hanging lantern or two. You don’t need a sprawling outdoor kitchen to treat your guests to five-star service: an at-home, DIY cocktail bar is a fabulously easy way to create a big party atmosphere in smaller spaces.

For a bespoke party setup, get crafty: it’s amazing what can be achieved with just a few bits and pieces and some cleverly integrated lighting. For larger spaces, a bamboo-cane cabana with a fairy light canopy creates a showstopping scene for outdoor dinner parties. Or, for an intimate evening gathering with a few close friends, opt for a mini canopy – complete with interwoven LED micro lights – above a garden bench. For seriously sparkling celebrations, we love this solar bulb chandelier above a decadently set table.

Create little pockets for relaxation for your guests using floor cushions, woven rugs, layered blankets, and even draped, decorative fabrics. As the temperature drops in the evenings, consider a blanket box of plush throws to cosy up in: choose designs in mismatched colours or prints for an eclectic gathering, or opt for neutral tones for a classy, luxurious take – perfect for weddings and “grown-up” birthday celebrations under the stars. Add quirky surfaces twinkling with LED candlelight to create simple, inviting conversation zones for guests to settle into post-dinner: upcycled apple crates are a unique, budget-friendly option for this.