Christmas outdoors: celebrating the festive season in your garden

Posted on 25 November 2021 in Outdoor Living

Celebrating Christmas outdoors is a delightfully different way to enjoy the festive season. Here’s some inspiration to help you enjoy Christmas in your garden.

Twinkling lights, chestnuts roasting on the fire pit and rustic decorations – Christmas in the garden can be very special indeed. While we can’t guarantee good weather, there are many ways to enjoy celebrating with friends and family in the open air. So, this Christmas, why not swap the sofa for the garden chair and create a festive vibe in your own back garden?

Decorate your deck

Ahead of the big day, think about where in your garden you want to create a festive atmosphere. Your garden deck could be the perfect focal point for a Christmas gathering. That’s because it’s likely to be an accessible, flat space that works perfectly for dining and entertaining. If you have non-slip decking, you can rest assured that your guests will stay safe, even if the ground is wet or icy.

Christmas ornaments look beautiful set against natural timber. And when it comes to decorating your deck, you can be as bold or understated as you like. You could even stand a Christmas tree on the decking. If you want to create a winter wonderland, there is an almost limitless choice of freestanding reindeer, snowmen and Santa models. For a more understated look, take your inspiration from nature. A simple but beautiful wreath, like this one from Nordic House, would look stunning hanging on a wall next to your deck. Alternatively, why not have a go at making your own, using greenery from in and around your garden?

If your decking is framed by bushes or trees, branches are perfect for hanging ornaments. Evergreen garlands are a fabulous festive addition to a fence or railing around a deck. Add some twinkling fairy lights and you’ll have a magical Christmas deck.

Enjoy an al fresco feast

Simply roasting chestnuts or toasting marshmallows on a fire pit is a perfect activity for an informal gathering. But perhaps this year you’re feeling more ambitious and want to enjoy Christmas dinner outside. Whatever your plans, the good news is that there are many options for alfresco cooking, from barbecued turkey to campfire chilli. And your deck is the ideal spot for al fresco dining.

While you’re focusing on the food, don’t neglect the decorative details that make a Christmas table memorable. Festive crockery, candles and table decorations can transform your meal into something truly special. If you’re feeling crafty, Gardeningetc has some great inspiration for making your own beautiful table decorations using natural materials. Avoid taking your best china into the garden by investing in some eco-friendly bamboo tableware that you can use again and again.

Festive family fun

One of the best things about celebrating Christmas outdoors is that the younger family members have space to play and let off steam. Festive games aren’t just for children though – they’re a great way to bring the generations together.

If we’re lucky enough to experience a white Christmas, you could enjoy a family snowball fight, or test your creativity with a snowman competition. On the other hand, if the weather is fine, there’s no reason not to dig out those games you stored away in the shed at the end of the summer. A simple ball game, boules or skittles will make memories and burn off some of those Christmas calories.

Keep warm and dry

There’s a reason why most of us retreat indoors over Christmas. Winter weather means you may not want to spend long outside. Unless it’s especially wet or cold, however, you should be able to enjoy some time in the garden.

Sales of outdoor heaters have soared in recent months, due to the growing trend towards outdoor living. Unfortunately, these come at an environmental cost and many are extremely energy inefficient. Researching low-energy options could reduce the impact of keeping warm outdoors.

Truly environmentally friendly options include having plenty of cosy blankets to hand and ensuring everyone is properly dressed for the weather. Installing a windbreak could also make a big difference. Investing in a shelter for your deck will not only create a warmer space, it will also keep everyone dry in case of a Christmas downpour.

Make sure your garden's winter ready

Before the festive season gets underway, make sure you’re confident that your garden is fit for the festivities. Having a garden that stays safe through the winter means you can enjoy more time outdoors with family and friends over Christmas. From checking drains and fences to adding more outdoor lighting, there are many things you can do to make your garden safer in winter.

With Gripsure non-slip decking from our residential range, you can relax knowing that your deck will stay safe, whatever the weather. That means you’re free to focus on the good things in life. And that’s what Christmas is all about.

Looking for some inspiration?

Why not request a free sample of one of our decking products to help you decide what is right for you and your next project?

request sample

How to make your garden safe through the autumn and winter

Posted on 9 November 2021 in Decking Tips

Making a few changes could ensure your garden stays safe through the autumn and winter. Here are some simple safety tips to help you make the most of your outdoor space all year round.

After enjoying sunny days in the garden, many of us retreat indoors once the winter weather comes. For some people, the garden becomes a no-go zone. Think about the barriers that stop you from getting outdoors over the autumn and winter. These could include:

The worry of falling on uneven paving or slippery decking
Steep steps that become hazardous in wet and icy weather
The danger of tripping on dark pathways
Damage caused by storms or heavy rainfall

We now understand more about the health and well-being benefits of spending time outdoors. Recent research from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, found that getting enough natural sunlight improves mood and sleep and even lowers the risk of depression. Physician and wellness expert Dr Rangan Chatterjee regularly comments on the health benefits of being outside in nature.

Just taking some time each day to walk around the garden, enjoy an alfresco meal or take our morning coffee outside could seriously improve your quality of life. So, what changes will you make to create a safe garden to enjoy through the seasons?

Reduce the risk of slips and trips

Slippery or uneven surfaces are a major safety concern for many people, particularly anyone with mobility problems. Uneven paving or steep steps can be hazardous at any time of year, but when the light fades and the ground is wet, they can be a real danger.

When it becomes wet or icy, traditional decking can be notoriously slippery. The inevitable build-up of algae and leaves in the autumn and winter months adds to the problem. Replacing old paving or decking with non-slip decking is a practical solution. Unlike traditional timber decking, it stays safe even in wet or icy weather. One Gripsure customer helped his in-laws’ enhance their quality of life when he replaced their slippery decking with Gripsure non-slip decking. The elderly couple now regularly enjoy time in their garden without the worry of falling. You can also install non-slip decking on walkways and steps, creating a safe route through your garden in any weather.

Be prepared for storms

We are experiencing more extreme weather events, which means we all need to be prepared for storms. High winds can cause devastation in our gardens, including damage to fences, sheds and trees. Unsecured objects and garden furniture should be packed away if bad weather is forecast. Trampolines can become airborne in high winds so many companies now sell kits to anchor them down.

The Met Office has published guidance on protecting your property in a storm. The RHS also has some good advice on preparing your garden for winter, including regularly checking structures, such as fences and trellises, and planting hedges as windbreaks if necessary.

Light up your garden

To safely venture into your garden after dark, you’ll need good lighting. Think about the spaces that are a priority for you. These could include paths, steps and any areas you want to enjoy after sundown, such as a deck or patio. You may also want to consider security lighting to reduce the risk of garden thefts or trespassers.

Lighting is not just about safety. It can be an aesthetic feature, creating an atmosphere in your garden. Writing for the Society of Garden Designers, lighting designer Sanjit Bahra has shared his tips and inspiration for illuminating your garden.

Take steps to prevent flooding

Our changing climate means we are experiencing more bouts of heavy rain. As a result, flooding is a growing concern. Regularly checking gutters and drains for blockages and installing a water butt are simple steps anyone can take. The Rivers Trust has shared some more ideas for reducing the risk of flooding in your garden.

Some gardeners choose to create a rain garden. This sounds like an ambitious project, but it can simply involve creating an area that is low-lying and planted with native species that absorb rain and tolerate being in water. Hard surfaces are more prone to flooding, with patios being a particular problem when it comes to surface water. Timber decking is a far better solution if you are concerned about flooding. That’s because it is permeable and allows rainwater to flow underneath. However, when you are installing a deck, it is important to ensure there is a slight fall in the deck so that water can easily run off it. The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) explains how you can incorporate a sustainable drainage system into your decking.

Getting outdoors in all seasons is so important for our wellbeing and having a safe garden all year round could be the key. Taking steps to overcome common garden hazards could help you make the most of your outdoor space throughout the autumn and winter.