Our in-house interior design guru Bee Osborn gives us her top tips for decorating your outdoor spaces for entertaining friends and family this summer!

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As we all seem to work 24/7 I feel that eating outside should be the perfect antidote to this. It should be very relaxed, and keeping it simple is imperative

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I love a mixture of furniture, rather than a more showroom ‘y’ feel of all the furniture matching. It creates a more personal, relaxed and informal look

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Choose the area to place seating carefully, preferably with shelter from the sun and rain, either with trees, sails or umbrellas

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The size of outdoor space doesn’t matter, it’s about creating atmosphere and intimacy with textures

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Make sure the seating is comfortable with lots of cushions, throws and blankets to hand.

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Dress the table with care, I always pick wild flowers for a softer look, plus they are free! Use soft linen table cloths in pretty colours and charming plates and glasses. I often use old wooden boards with fruit on as centrepieces too.

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Outdoor heaters are a must, to make the space versatile but we also love an outdoor fireplace or firepit for atmosphere.

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I tend to use lots of candles, and battery candles are a good option to cope with the elements. I also love hanging tea lights in old jam jars in trees.

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Outdoor cooking areas are becoming increasingly popular, with everything from outdoor grills to a complete outdoor kitchen.

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I think it is wonderful to be as near to nature as possible. Picnicing in the woods, or near a stream, preferably with a view, are all magical. Grab a rug and some cushions and a bottle of wine and some snacks for an inpromtu outdoor experience.

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One other thing I have done is literally carried my dining table and chairs outside, for alfresco parties, to save on buying additional outdoor furniture.

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Bee brings a personal approach to each client and over the past two decades has designed a vast array of residential and commercial properties, both in the UK and overseas. Inchbald trained, Bee and her professional team provide expertise, attention to detail and exceptional creativity to every project they undertake, whether it is a home or a boutique hotel.