This year, we're all looking to spend more time outdoors with friends and family - so now's the time to get your outdoor entertaining areas sorted. But how do you choose the right piece for your space? We've got a few hot tips to help you make the right choice when it comes to furniture and accessories.

1. Have a vision.

The first thing you need to do is look at the lifestyle aspect, and work out what it is you want your outdoor entertaining space to be. Are you designing a space that caters for the whole family? You might envision an outdoor meals space, or perhaps your thoughts are more aimed at cocktail and coffee dates. Maybe you're really just after an area where you can soak up the sun with a good book in hand; your own private oasis. Think about it and put it down in writing - perhaps even create a moodboard with inspiration and reference pictures - because this vision will determine the kind of pieces you need to create your dream area.

 

The FP Collection Colada 4 Piece Lounge Setting adds a light, bright and summery feel to any outdoor living space.

 

2. Be practical.

Yes, we'd all love a large and luscious eight-seater outdoor dining setting - but with only a small courtyard, that's not going to work very well, is it? It's really important to be mindful of styling for the space you have, and not the space you wish you had. If you have a sprawling space, choose pieces that will help to fill it and make it feel more cosy - a large dining table or a grand lounge setting might be exactly what you're after - or you could create multiple zones by adding in a smaller setting or single hanging chair. In tighter, more intimate spaces, cleverly-chosen small settings and occasional chairs will provide comfort while leaving you room to move.

 

3. Create a mood.

Consider the existing elements of your space, and work around them to create a harmonious mood. Perhaps you've got some beautiful blue cushions you'd like to make a feature of - they'll likely look stunning on one of our striking white powder-coated aluminium lounge settings. Or maybe you already have a timber side table - match it to a new timber lounge setting to create a rustic, Blue Mountains-inspired aura. Every element of your space should work together to create a single look and feel, so always consider what else you might need in terms of styling accessories when you find your perfect furniture piece - perhaps a lantern for the coffee table, or some large feature pots to place at the end of the lounge!

Flower Power's Palm Cove Dining Setting comes in 6 and 8 seater, rope and non-rope options in both black and white, so there's one to suit every space.

 

4. Control the elements.

Remember - indoor furniture is not designed to withstand sun exposure, wind or rain, and therefore should not be used in outdoor areas. Always choose furniture that's been designed specifically for outdoor use, as it will incorporate different fixtures and finishes that are specifically meant to withstand the elements and aid in the piece's longevity. However, care should still be taken - when designing a space, you should always ensure that furniture is positioned in such a way that it's as protected as possible during all seasons. You should also consider other measures you can take to protect your furniture - see below for more care tips!

 

5. Be creative.

At the end of the day, it's all about creating a space that YOU love - so make sure you add your own personal touch to it! Once you've sorted out the basic elements of furniture and placement, you can get down to the business of styling. Pick coordinating outdoor cushions, candles, pots, and even servingware to create a look that reflects the season and your personality. The best bit? If your taste changes, you can create a totally different look around the same pieces of furniture, simply by changing up your accessories.

 

Our FP Collection range includes a selection of dining tables and chairs sold separately so you can curate your own bespoke setting. Pictured, our Columbus 8 Seater Dining Table in Charcoal with Avoca Dining Chairs in Grey.

 

Caring for your outdoor furniture

While outdoor furniture is designed to withstand some exposure to the elements, by employing a few clever care techniques, you can prolong its life. Every Flower Power furniture piece will come with specific care instructions on the label, which you should always follow - but here are some general care tips...

  • Cover up. Flower Power's outdoor furniture is recommended for undercover use only. To keep your furniture looking its best, an awning, an architectural shade cover or a large outdoor umbrella can be used to provide protection. This will help keep both sunlight and water exposure to a minimum, slowing the process of weathering. Note: For our natural cane line, we recommend indoor use only to prevent weathering and extend the life of the piece.
  • Oil it up. Many of our outdoor furniture pieces include unpainted timber finishes. On these parts of your furniture, you should regularly apply a timber oil. This will help to protect the finish from dirt and grime, and will also repel water while highlighting the unique characteristics of the timber grain.
  • Wax works. For our popular powder-coated aluminium surfaces, give them an occasional clean with soap and warm water, remembering to rinse off the suds with clean water to avoid any residue. You can also apply automotive wax every two to three months to protect the powder coating from the elements.
  • Take it off. When chairs and lounges aren't in use, give your cushions and chair pads a holiday, too. Store them indoors in a cool, dry environment - while our outdoor cushions are water-resistant, they still prefer not to get wet - and, if needed, you can spot-clean or wash the fabric covers to freshen them up.

 

Browse the range

Ready to shop outdoor furniture? Check out our outdoor furniture catalogue here.

Get social with us!

Have you styled your space using our outdoor furniture or accessories? We'd love to see what you've come up with! Tag us at @flowerpowergardencentres on both Facebook and Instagram, and don't forget to follow us for styling inspiration and gardening advice!