I love this time of year- being able to sit outside in the garden of an evening with a relaxing glass of chilled wine.  Long summer days are lush, so make the most of the good weather and invite friends and family round for a barbeque!  I’m not just talking plain-old burgers and sausages though… it’s time to experiment and impress your friends.  I’ve picked some starting points for you, below, which I’m sure you’ll agree look delicious!  Let us know if you have a barbeque recipe you’d like to share?…

spiced mushroom ‘burger’, Channel 4 Recipes 

Thai fish cake skewers, Channel 4 Recipes 

beetroot, red apple and watercress salad, Jamie Oliver

marinated halloumi cheese kebabs, Delia Smith

posted by Emily

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Okay, so it may not be hot enough to fry an egg on your car bonnet just yet but what a lovely week of sun we are having here!  Finally, after what feels like months of dreary weather teamed with the gloomy plight of the recession, a little bit of happiness is peering through those dark clouds.  It’s amazing how a bit of sunshine can lift your mood and put a spring in your step.

Call us optimistic but the girls at Coco Målé are already thinking of those yummy summer barbecues, relaxing afternoon tea gatherings and luscious garden parties! Well, there’s no harm in planning!!

Take a look at these images below from Country Living, which offer endless outdoor inspiration!

Note the use of different coloured chairs, which, apart from being fashionable, adds interest to the overall look. Finishing touches such as the cake stand, delicate china tea cups and floral napkins really make a difference. I love the fabulous chandelier, although how it has been suspended like that I have no idea! Very cute.

The image below is very Cath Kidston. The gentle use of pastel colours here is very appealing. Ther overall feel is quite kitsch but not in a sickly, stuffy way!

Layering is a innovative way of creating a whole new look and making the best of what you already have!  Set a base of place mats or charger plates and layer with a combination of different dinner plates, going smaller as the pile goes upwards to catch a glimpse of the plate beneath. Try mixing fabrics, patterns and colours you wouldn’t dream of putting together and see what surprisingly beautiful results you get.  Be daring!  Simple but so effective…

Another simple but effective idea. Cover an empty jar with colourful beaded bracelets and fill with fresh flowers. Beading catches the light and will add a bit of extra sparkle! Take a look at our new Moroccan beaded coasters here at Coco Målé, we love them and are sure you will too!

Not totally convinced with this idea from Pondable, but who am I to argue with Alan Titchmarsh?!  Let’s just hope it isn’t fish for dinner….

Keep drinks chilled for all of your guests in a large beverage cooler like this one from US interior company, Frontgate

As the evening draws to a close, keep the spirit alive with beautiful outdoor lighting. Lanterns and pretty fairy lights add a subtle warm glow, along with the relaxing flicker of a candle. You might want to invest in an outdoor heater too!

Chinese garden lanterns, set of 10 $26.99, Wrapables

above: Blue glass candle lantern, $9.95, Japanese Pagoda garden lantern, 43″, $49.95, Arabian Palace candle lantern, £44.95, all Backyard Fancy

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The rustic chairs and pergola combined here with simple pastel cushions give this garden a cosy, Mediterranean flair. To achieve a similar effect, try our Usha cushion, or our Antiqued white lantern!

This daybed and hammock provide a great retreat for reading and relaxing whilst the beautiful floor lantern not only gives that all-important lighting in the evening but also adds an exotic touch to the room and seems to bring the whole scheme together.

Colour rules in this patio – I love the combination of bright blue, yellow and lime green… The colours really seem to blend in perfectly with the plants at the back. And the cushions scattered on the sofa look very much like our own Cuba cushions! The owners have also been quite clever with their lighting effect, opting for a fire and lots of lanterns and candles instead of proper lights, really helping to create a romantic mood.

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