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Why choose rattan outdoor furniture

Marden PE Rattan Garden Sofa Set with Armchair

We’ve been subjected to a very mild spring – including unsettling record temperatures of summer proportions – and it has many thinking of getting their garden ready for summer. Top of the list is to replace the wobbly plastic chairs and old dining table, opting for outdoor rattan furniture. But why choose rattan garden furniture?

1 Environmentally friendly and sustainable

Rattan is a natural material. A fast-growing plant that enjoys the heat and humidity of the tropics, as quick as you cut the long, woody stems down, it sprouts new growth.

The bendy wooden stems are left to dry in the heat. The stringy outer bark is stripped away to reveal the inner strands, long and willow. When weaved together in certain patterns, it creates an incredibly strong material.

With very little in the way of a carbon footprint, it is no wonder that outdoor rattan furniture is popular not just in the UK but across the globe. Like some coffee plantations, there are rattan farmers being supported on some plantations to produce rattan and be paid a fair price for it.

2 Long-lasting and superbly easy to maintain

The problem with wooden outdoor furniture is unless you buy hardwood pieces – not always the cheapest nor the most eco-friendly – it will wither and rot away eventually. Metal furniture tends to rust unless it too is painted, likes its wooden cousin.

However, rattan chairs and the outdoor sofa set are not only super easy to keep clean, but they are also long-lasting and robust too.

No need to paint your rattan garden sofa set, just brush it down or give it a wash with warm water if it needs reviving after the long winter, leave it to dry in the gentle warm breeze of summer and that’s it – your rattan sofa set is good to go.

3 Rattan outdoor furniture is stunning

From high-backed fanned rattan chairs for the conservatory to the beautiful rattan outdoor sofas and chairs, it is a material that is used to create beautiful pieces.

From straight weaved patterns to more intricate patterns and weaves, the results are beautiful. With a modern twist of scatter cushions and throws, outdoor rattan furniture is a joy to the eye.

It can be used to create all kinds of pieces from the large, L-shaped outdoor sofa to the two rattan garden chairs and coffee table sets. Colours tend to be subdued, to mirror the gentle nature of rattan furniture because not everything needs to shout or compete with the brightly coloured blooms in your garden.

Grey rattan furniture is modern chic, with black rattan adding drama or stick with the variations in its natural colour of tan, brown and beige.

4 Any garden, anywhere, any size

Whether you have acres of garden space or a bijou courtyard or a balcony in a high rise block, there is a piece of rattan garden furniture to suit.

For the smaller space, opt for low backed rattan chairs with complementing coffee table for informal seating or for cubed rattan dining sets in which the chairs are pushed beneath the table canopy when not in use, allowing a streamlined, less cluttered feel to the smaller space.

For lounging in the garden, consider an outdoor rattan sofa, perfect for long summer days that seamlessly flow into evenings gathered around the fire pit. Or wine and dine friends and family around larger rattan outdoor dining sets, complete with comfortable chairs.

Spending a quality lazy day with your dog

August 26^this Dog Day, a chance to share your time with your beloved pooch, making them the centre of attention.

For most dog owners, their canine companion is the centre of their world every day with Dog Day just giving them an excuse to spend even more time with their best friend!

With this in mind, we canvassed the Modish Living team, all dog lovers, for their ideas on the perfect way of spending quality time with Fido. And here’s what they came up with…

A good book and a picnic

Unpack the picnic blanket from the wooden blanket box and head out with delicious treats for a woodland or coastal walk with your dog.

Once their excess energy is worn away, enjoy a picnic together sharing tasty treats under the blue sky of summer. Snooze in the sun or enjoy a few chapters of a novel before you head on home.

Host afternoon tea for your dog and their canine friends

Dogs are pack animals, enjoying time playing with their friends – just like we do. So we loved the idea of hosting an afternoon tea party for your friends but bringing their canine companions too.

As well as tasty cake and treats for your human guests, make sugar-free and dog-safe ones for your dog and their friends. From homemade liver dog cake to carob drops, there are many ways of making afternoon tea just right for your dog.

Potter in the garden

If there is one thing about your dog that he wishes he could tell you, is that all they want to do is shadow you. Whether that’s washing the car or pottering in the garden, being near you is the perfect way to spend the day.

After your morning walk, enjoy the papers in the garden along with good coffee and a croissant or two, followed by a few hours pottering in the garden. Spread out together on your large sofa for a mid-afternoon nap before you strike up the BBQ for dinner al fresco.

Get organised

Downtime is great for anyone but with your dog at your side, it’s even better. Owning a pet is great for busting your stress levels so why not take advantage even more by getting organised for the week ahead sitting on one of the fabric dining chairs at your reclaimed wood dining table, your dog at your side listening attentively to all your ideas?

Meal-planning is perfect for a lazy afternoon, especially when you can make a list of your week’s meals and your shopping list for ingredients too.

Catch up on box sets

Whether you have a dog, cat or a guinea pig, we loved the idea of catching up on the latest box set whilst snuggling with your furry friend.

Recline on your reclaimed wood bed with your dog for company, using a throw to protect your duvet, and snuggle with Fido whilst you binge watch your favourites.

Stop and smell the roses

The best suggestion by far was ‘stop and smell the roses’ because who says that Dog Day has to be about ‘doing anything’? Just relax together…

How to throw an unforgettable Wimbledon garden party

Wimbledon officially kicked off on Monday and considering it has become synonymous with the Great British summer, we think it provides the perfect inspiration for garden parties galore this summer. Here are a few of our ideas to throw a truly unforgettable Wimbledon themed garden party.

Get your garden game ready

Did you know the grass at Wimbledon is kept as precisely 8cm throughout the tournament but is looked after all year round? The grass courts are preened to perfection so make sure you get your garden in tip-top condition before your party.

Make sure you’ve also got plenty of seating for all your guests so the party can go on long into the night. If you are planning on serving a sit-down meal, an outdoor table and patio chairs may be the perfect option. However, you may prefer to go for a slightly more relaxed feel, keeping preparation to a minimum and maximising enjoyment. If that’s the case, rattan outdoor furniture like a rattan garden sofa is a great option – you can fit loads of friends on a garden sofa and they’re super comfortable too!

For those that are going all out, we absolutely love the garden bar table and chairs sets. They’re absolutely fabulous if you love to entertain and are certainly Wimbledon worthy for serving all that refreshing Pimms!

And what about decorations?

Make sure your garden looks the part by decking it out with decorations perfect for the occasion. Fairy lights not only look great but they’ll also light up your garden long into the evening. Table runners (perhaps in a grass green with a couple of tennis balls as a centrepiece to boot) and bunting are two other great options to make sure your garden looks the part.

Depending on the space you’ve got to work with, you might fancy going all out and setting up a tennis court in your back garden. Or perhaps swing ball may be a better option!? Not only will this make sure your garden looks the part, you can also turn it into a mini-tournament from the comfort of your garden. It’s a great idea if you’ve got kids coming too (but no doubt the adults would love it too!)

Tennis Whites

Why not pay homage to the ‘all white’ rule at Wimbledon by having a dress code for your guests. Get everyone in the mood to play tennis and relax with crisp white shorts and summer dresses.

Alternatively, you could opt for a sports luxe theme – comfy and casual, perfect for a garden party in the middle of the day.

Ready, set, SERVE

Food and drink is clearly a key part of throwing a smashing garden party! With Wimbledon, it’s really easy to keep preparation to a minimum and please your guests all at once.

The classic Pimms and lemonade is a staple for any BBQ or garden party, but it’s even more appropriate at a Wimbledon bash.

The theme of dessert is also sorted, of course, with strawberries and cream. If you love to go all out, you could even serve three different strawberry desserts as a trio – perhaps the classic strawberries and cream (or Eton mess if you’d prefer), a strawberry cheesecake and a Victoria sponge with strawberries – all simple but absolute crowd pleasers!

Have you invested in any reclaimed wood furniture for your garden this summer? Perhaps you’ve thrown your own Wimbledon themed garden party already? We would love to know!

Can bistro garden style work if you have a small garden?

The bistro garden has an informal relaxed style but more than that, its compact dimensions make it the perfect addition for the smaller garden. Most bistro chairs are folding, perfect for storing away when not in use. But it has to be said, the different shapes, materials and colours now available make the outdoor bistro set a must-have for any garden.

But how can you use this relaxed style in your outdoor space?

Reclaimed wood table and folding bistro chairs

There are many bistro garden sets from which to choose but there is something pleasant about a larger table, complete with reclaimed wood table top with mix and match bistro chairs to complement it. If you are choosing coloured chairs, match them with the table frame for a cohesive sense of style.

Square or round

The idea behind introducing a garden bistro set to a garden is to introduce an informal dining space. In effect, it is your own choice whether to choose a round or square table, as both hold a fantastic allure.

The Dean Street garden set is a delightful example of a square table with two chairs, perfect for dining al fresco on a warm’s summer day.

But small and compact doesn’t mean squashed together, elbows knocking as you awkwardly pass the salt. A metal garden furniture set seating four diners is perfect for a smaller garden without compromising on personal space at the dining table. The same style metal garden furniture set can be purchased in a two-seater format too.

Informal entertaining

The bistro-style concept is about informality in the garden, adding functionality with style. But that doesn’t mean when dining al fresco, whether, with family or friends, it has to be done sitting at a table.

The bar table is a brilliant alternative to an outdoor table and chairs. Complete with integrated cooler, it is the perfect addition to the smaller garden. Add some relaxed seating close by or a few bar stools and you have the perfect relaxed setting for al fresco dining, BBQs and summer parties.

Relax in the sun

What better way to relax and shed the stresses of everyday life than by sitting in your garden, enjoying not just the warmth of the sun but the sights and sounds of Mother Nature all around us too?

Of course, relaxed seating is essential too which is why so many of us opt for a small garden table, complete with bistro chairs. But there is an alternative for the small garden.

Swing gently, cocooned in the rattan Hanging Nest chair. Ably supported by its own stand, the egg-shaped chair can be moved easily and as soon as the weather cools in autumn, it can be easily stored in a shed or garage.

Small garden furniture: Versatility is key

Furniture that adorns a smaller space, whether that’s an interior room or a small garden, needs to work harder. It needs to be as versatile as possible and able to offer a lot whether that’s doubling as storage, foldable for easy storage or be freestanding so it can be easily moved.

There are amazing solutions for a small garden, and we think the outdoor bistro sets answer a lot of these needs. How well would it fit your garden?

Why we love sofas in the garden

West Strand Grey Corner Sofa Set with Coffee Table

If you love to entertain in the summer months, it’s good to spend some time thinking about how you can get the most of your garden. A garden sofa set is the perfect option to make your space more sociable, providing all the comfort of a living room – but in the garden.

We’ve been thinking about the best ways to make your garden a sociable spot and outdoor sofas are among some of our favourites. Dressed right, an outdoor seating area is capable of creating a real focal point. You could even create a wall of plants or add an eye-catching feature like a fire pit to grab your guests’ attention and draw them out into the garden. If you are limited on space inside, this is a great idea, as it clears out the kitchen for you to prep food and drinks with ease!

When you are deciding on the perfect sofas for your garden, think about the look you want to achieve?

Are you looking for something ultra modern to make your patio area an extension of your glossy kitchen? The West Strand Grey Corner Sofa may be the perfect option. Coming in a set with a matching armchair and an outdoor table, the West Strand set will create the ultimate space for entertaining family and friends all evening long. A modern set is also perfect set for those that love greenery in their garden – lush, palm leaves and brightly coloured flowers will pop against understated design.

For something more classic, a rattan sofa is a great option. To create more of an outside living room, the Harting Set is fantastic – the separate chairs mean you can create a really sociable spot where all your guests can chill with a glass of wine in hand. Alternatively, for something slightly more compact, the Walderton Corner Sofa Set looks ultra sleek. On warm evenings, you can even bring classic living room pieces out onto your patio area such as rugs, blankets and side tables to blur the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors.

If you are looking for something truly unique all your guests will want to sit in, our Rattan Hanging Nest Chair is truly superb. Paired with a rattan sofa set, a statement chair such as this is bound to be the star of the show. Finish the look with some statement Morrocan inspired cushions you can put out when you are entertaining and set the mood with some fabulous outdoor lighting to ensure that your outdoor space remains a hive of activity long after the sun sets. The large cocoon shape of the seat makes it perfect for relaxing in and being fully waterproof, the seat will bring enjoyment for many years to come.

What do you think? Will a garden sofa set be making its way into your garden this summer?

Outdoor ideas to steal from the most popular trends of the moment

Chilson Dining Table and Rattan Dining Chairs

As the start of spring/summer finally seems to be upon us, now is the perfect time to start giving your garden a spruce up ready to enjoy the outside in the warmer months to come. Whether you use your garden occasionally for a morning coffee, for a sunny evening glass of wine, or to entertain friends and family, here is a rundown of some of the big gardening trends for 2018.

The British weather may be unpredictable, but that doesn’t stop many of us enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle over the summer months by dining alfresco. Outdoor entertaining spaces are key this year – not only perfect for spending time outside but also practical if you lack space in your kitchen. Create a sophisticated yet comfortable area on your patio area complete with luxurious outdoor seating and an outdoor table you and your guests can pop a drink and some nibbles.

For those of you that love to inject colour into your interior and exterior spaces, this trend will be right up your street. The ‘Verdure’ current palette is big business for gardens this year and incorporates the colours you would expect to find in lush woodland like redwood, berry-toned purples, green or soft blue.

If you have rattan chairs, why not add some bright coloured cushions? If you really want to make the most of the trend – paint old furniture like your garden table and chairs set that’s beginning to look a bit tired, or the wooden features around your garden – sheds and fences are the obvious choice here and could look great painted in a soft eggshell blue and decorated with an abundance of solar fairy lights (solar lighting is another big trend!).

Mindfulness has become hugely popular in the past few years. This year we’ve noticed that mindfulness – the ancient Buddhist tradition of immersing yourself in the moment – has reached the garden. In order to take advantage of this ‘trend’ we would suggest you opt for elements which stimulate the senses. A water feature is a great option to create a relaxing ambience. If you have the option to install a water feature where you already have a garden set or a couple of outdoor chairs, you are able to create the perfect spot to have 15 minutes to yourself reflecting on your day or reading a book.

Finally, with veganism and sustainability having become a lifestyle taking the world by storm in the past decade, the ‘grow your own’ movement will really grow in popularity over the course of 2018. A greenhouse is a great investment if you are looking to become more sustainable however if you don’t have much space there are plenty of vegetables you can grow vertically, like peas and runner beans! Growing your own vegetables is also a great thing to do if you have younger children slowing watching their precious vegetables week by week before they end up on their dinner plates!

What will you be doing in your garden in the coming weeks and months to get it ready for the British summer we all crave so much?

How to throw the best garden tea party

Garden Dining Table and Rattan Dining Chairs

Not just fit for royalty, the genteel garden party is a great way to entertain family and friends. Make the best use of your garden this summer with a garden tea party – and with these hints and tips, it is sure to be a success!

A fine British tradition, bring back a touch of the traditional with your own modern twist by setting your outdoor table with everything you need to host a tea garden party.

The basics

The equipment needed is basic but essential. As well as a sturdy outdoor table and patio chairs, you’ll need a few extra bits;

Crips white tablecloth and pretty pastel coloured napkins or serviettes – match these with yards and yards of bunting!
As well as your patio and pergola, why not invest in a gazebo? And a garden bar is perfect for less formal garden parties too.
As well as the big stuff, you will need plenty of pretty crockery, spoons and forks along with cake stands.
Don’t forget to accessorise your garden and gazebo or pergola. Outdoor furniture is not just limited to table and chairs – a decorative ladder with potted plants and garden lights make for an elegant backdrop.
Cushions and throws add texture and for a chillier afternoon or early evening, a throw for guests is the perfect way for them to stay warmer (and linger at your garden party too!)

Tea on arrival

When you invite your guests to your garden party, give them an arrival time so that you can have everything prepared. As they arrive, welcome them with a drink.

If you plan on seeing the afternoon into the evening, there is nothing wrong with a little glass of bubbly on arrival.

Or to keep it traditional, tea served in a delicately patterned china cup and saucer is simply perfect.

Top tip – scour local charity shops and thrift stores for cup and saucer sets. Don’t be frightened to mix and match colours and patterns either.

The cakes and sandwiches

The spread is the essential part of any garden tea party. Flavours should be delicate rather than deep and spicy. Keep portion sizes small and easy-to-eat too. And stick with the traditional – say goodbye to pizza slices and pasta dishes, and welcome back the delicate finger sandwich…

Sandwiches – from thinly sliced salmon to cucumber, sandwich fillings are more of a tasty morsel than a hearty meal. Cream cheese also works well. Use fresh bread and cut off the crusts before serving.
Cakes – like its savoury cousin the sandwich, the cake slices and portions should also be bite-sized and delicate unless you are opting for a sit-down garden tea party. Again, flavours and light and summery. And don’t forget that fruit is essential too. Bring out the zesty flavours with summer berries for a real traditional flavour.

Scones – no afternoon garden party is complete without scones, jam and cream. If you are opting for a sit-down garden party, have a pristine white table cover for your round garden table and chairs, along with pretty plates and bowls. Serve the best clotted cream you can find too. Serve tea from a serving tray for an authentic look.

Remember, the name of the game when it comes to a garden party is genteel, traditional fun. So, relax and enjoy!

5 easy steps for a stunning garden arrangement

Just like the interior of your home, arranging your outdoor furniture to make the best of the view and your garden makes it’s a welcoming place to sit, relax and dine. But what do you need to consider?

Step 1 – Tracking the Sun

Surely, you may think, the garden is awash in natural light! It is, in most cases, but there is something you need to consider – sunlight can be harsh, as much as it is warming and welcome.

For example, if you want to enjoy a mid-day snack, sitting in full sun may not be the most comfortable experience. And as for evening dining, enjoying the last rays as the sun drops below the horizon makes sense.

In other words, track the path of your sun in your garden. Where is it at the hottest part of the day and from which angles are sunrise and sunset most enjoyable? Most outdoor table sets are easy to move but why not opt for a café garden set for breakfasting and lunch in the garden, with a more robust outdoor table and chairs for more formal and evening dining in the garden?

Step 2 – Traffic flow

Like an indoor room, there tends to be a natural traffic flow in the garden. For example, if there is a hard-landscaped path, most people will follow that. Failing that, you will probably find you take the shortest route to your destination, whether that is a bench shaded by a pergola or a pretty outdoor garden set for lazy afternoons in the sun.

By placing garden furniture at certain points, you can encourage traffic flow to take a different route.

Step 3 – Measurements

Now comes the trickier part of making sure that dimensions of the outdoor furniture and garden are in keeping with each other. Too big, and the furniture dwarfs the garden but clearly, you want enough seating to accommodate your family.

However, if there is no getting away from the fact that your garden is bijou and your furniture needs big, then make the furniture the star of the show. From a dining set to the stylish aplomb of outdoor rattan furniture, if the dimensions of the item are big, don’t disguise it – make IT the centre of attention!

Step 4 – Multi-purpose

For any garden, the answer lays in the flexibility of outdoor furniture to meet your needs. From hidden storage under benches to fantastic outdoor boxes that double as benches, try to get as much out of your outdoor furniture as possible.

Step 5 – Ambience

And finally, with your metal garden furniture dining set, rattan chairs, or a rattan corner sofa complete with a glass-topped coffee table in situ, you can set about creating the ambience to your garden arrangement.

From pretty lights for when dusk falls to the gentle flicker of candlelight, to the soft touch of scatter cushions and rugs, add texture to create a welcoming ambience about the space.

And now, sit back, enjoy the view and everything your garden has to offer.

How to renovate a garden for perfect outdoor entertaining

Renovating the garden is possibly one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake. These simple hints and tips work whether you are stripping out the whole garden to create the perfect outdoor patch, or whether you want to make one or two changes that improve how you use the space.

Step 1 – Get organised!

Before you start digging or laying a patio, you need to get organised and that means asking a few key questions about what you need and want from your renovated garden. How will plan on using it, for example, is a question that often lays unanswered.

If you plan on entertaining in it, you will need plenty of flexible space that allows you to use it for formal and informal entertaining. For example, a patio that can accommodate one of the many stylish outdoor dining sets makes sense.

For less formal dining, a café garden set is a great alternative but like all renovation projects, you need to be confident you have the space so that it doesn’t look too cluttered.

Step 2 – Planning your look

What style of garden attracts you most? Does a formal garden, complete with manicured lawn and flower borders attract you, or are you thinking of something less formal, more relaxed and meadow like?

The style is important because you don’t want it to jar against the interior of your home. And with a bigger choice of outdoor tables and chairs to choose from – just look at this industrial styled outdoor dining set, for example – there is no reason why you cannot marry the interior with the exterior – especially with the ranges of rustic outdoor furniture available.

Step 3 – Start from the ground up…

Like most other projects, when it comes to renovation we can become sidetracked by the ‘exciting stuff’, like choosing outdoor corner sofas and the like when in fact, we need to concentrate on getting the essentials right.

And that means starting from the ground up;

Lawns – adding a pleasing note of green, a lawn to stay looking green and lush needs care and attention. If you don’t have the time, why not consider an artificial lawn instead?
Hard landscaping – from patios to decking, there is a range of choice when it comes to hard garden ‘flooring’. Add interest by mixing materials, as well as a change in level. This also helps to zone areas, such as the reading zone and a dining area.

Step 4 – Practical additions

We are being encouraged to use our gardens more and this means renovating it to withstand the British weather. Canopies and fire bowls are just two additions that mean enjoying the garden in the rain is possible without getting wet or that you can enjoy cooler evenings, huddled around the hypnotic flames of a fire pit or bowl. What about a wooden ladder to offer some handy yet decorative storage space?

There are many other options too, but this means taking the biggest step of all…

Step 5 – … leaving it to the professionals

Small garden renovation projects can be perfect for long weekends in the spring or summer but when it comes to stripping out a garden and starting from scratch, getting in the professionals can make a difference between an ordinary and extraordinary garden…