8 ways to style your outdoor party

1. Get decorating

So you're hosting outdoors - that's no excuse to hold back on the decorations. Even if it's not a special occasion, surely warm weather is reason enough to celebrate. Go all out by setting up a proper dining table complete with name cards, napkins and colour-coordinated crockery. Add in playful accessories like giant balloons, floral garlands and lights to keep the party doing after dark.

2. Tipi time

A makeshift tipi is a great place to pile cushions, house games and keep drinks cool. Use bright materials like this sunny yellow tipi and clashing colourful patterns on cushions and blankets for a festive summer feel.

3. It's the little things

If you do just one thing to decorate, make it count. This floral pendant light brings a sense of occasion to this simple industrial table and chair set, the bright red flowers adding a happy colour pop to the space.

4. Keep it cool

Remember how fun making dens was a child? There's something about a homemade canopy that makes everyone smile – take two branches and a length of beautiful fabric to create a secluded spot, perfect for snacks ot of the sun.

5. Bring in patterns

Mixing bright colours and graphic patterns outdoors creates an instant party feel. The vibrant shapes on these customised seat pads can be easily recreated with mismatched cushions and they sit on upcycled oil drums painted in clean white, which stops the patterns from taking over the palette.

6. Hang out with your friends

As the evening draws to a close your guests will be wanting somewhere a little warmer to recline – fill hanging seats like this white canvas chair from Amara with cosy rugs and cushions to create a chic nest where you can watch the sun set in style.

7. Turn camping into glamping

For the coolest of sleepovers build an outdoor bedroom complete with beds – who needs a sleeping bag when you can have Egyptian cotton sheets? Oversized buoy lights provide lighting when the sun goes down, and don't forget to fill your tuck boxes full of treats.

8. Bathe outdoors

For the ultimate in al fresco decadence, find a secluded spot for your morning shower or indulge yourself in a morning bath in the open. This silver bathtub sits happily among the reeds outside this beachy home with geometric towels and bright parasol adding a splash of colour.

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