Protecting your furniture during summer
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For many years we have always believed that our rattan furniture needs protection during the winter months only. Well, if you want to make the most of your furniture for many years to come then you will also need to protect it during the summer months too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the inconsistencies of the British weather, it’s sometimes hard to know exactly what each day will bring but that doesn’t mean that you should be unprepared. We’ve put together some top tips for protecting your garden furniture during the summer months, as well as the winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When we purchase our rattan furniture, we are very often given protective covers free or at least at a discount so that we can use them to help protect our furniture. What isn’t normally explained is that these covers should really only be used for the winter months and not during the hot summer conditions. When a large plastic, waterproof cover is used on your rattan furniture during the summer it can cause alt more damage to your furniture than if you had left it uncovered.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10659″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Most garden furniture will be waterproof, maybe except for the cushions and other soft furnishings, so a good downpour of rain is not going to make much of a difference to your rattan furniture. If your furniture is covered in the hot sun it can cause the furniture to sweat and cause other problems. Sometimes the backing from the covers in this situation can peel off and make a mess of your furniture too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Keep your furniture covers tucked away until winter. They are there mainly to protect your furniture from the harsh conditions of winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Soft Furnishings” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Most garden furniture nowadays comes with some kind of cushion set or other soft furnishings. These are the most vulnerable part of your rattan furniture and a little extra care should be taken to ensure that these are protected from rain more than anything else. With the unpredictable weather that we have in the UK, it’s always best to put the cushions in a protective bag and store them safely away in your garage or shed until they are needed. There is nothing worse than going out for a relaxing afternoon in your garden and sitting down on a soggy cushion![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Its always recommended that cushions are not stored under the furniture covers, either in winter or summer. This can cause the cushions to sweat and this is the main cause of mold buildup that can be very difficult to remove.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”10652″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Glass Tabletops” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Over the years there have been many stories about glass table tops shattering during the summer months as the temperatures rise. Although this is a rare occurrence, it is still possible under certain circumstances. Try to keep your tabletops in the shade for as long as possible during hot summer days. A garden parasol is a great idea to not only offer shade to you and your family and friends but also to your rattan furniture. This will ensure your glass tabletop doesn’t explode from overheating.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There is an independent article available from the British Contract Furnishing Association giving a lot more details and some great advice about how to care for your glass in order to prevent your glass tabletops from shattering. You can read the article here for more advice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Glass tabletops can also cause other problems when it’s a hot sunny day. Always ensure that with any glassware you use some kind of coaster or another mat for the glass to sit on. In very sunny conditions a glass can act as a magnifying glass. This has the possibility of refracting the light from the sun and causing it to be magnified and end up melting the rattan table. Just bear this in mind next time you put your wine glass down on the table![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”10812″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]These few simple tips should ensure that you keep your rattan garden furniture in tip-top condition all year round. Your furniture is built to last you several years, following these simple tips will help ensure that you get the most from your furniture sets all year round.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Is your outdoor area ready for entertaining?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With summer now upon us, we are all getting excited to think about all of the fun evenings we are going to have with friends and family. The BBQ is going to get used again. The Rattan furniture is coming out ready. The lawn is being mowed. But have you got everything covered to be able to start entertaining properly? We have a small list of things to plan before you start opening your outside space up for parties![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Lighting” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”10802″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]If you are planning your summer parties then the last thing you want to do is finish the party just because the sun has gone down. To ensure your party continues into the night you will need to consider lighting. There are multiple ways that you can achieve this and not all include bulbs![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The first and most basic option is outdoor electric lighting. There are many different outdoor lights and many amazing styles that these can be purchased in. But what if you haven’t got electricity outdoors? Well, continue reading…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The next option is good old battery-powered lights or torches. Again these are not as boring as they sound. There are some great designs for outdoor battery lights now and most use modern MED lighting meaning you get a brighter light with less battery drain. All in all a good solution. Some of the battery-powered lights can be discretely hidden away as well. You can opt for some LED lights under your parasol or even some strategically placed stones around the garden which contain lights.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]This is my favorite option – Fire! Now that may sound dangerous and it can be unless you are sensible and careful. There are many many furniture options now that comes with a fire pit in the table itself. These are normally gas-powered but if you shop around you will be able to find tables that use bioethanol fuel as well which gives a real flame but without the smoke and soot residue. These are definitely by far my preferred choice. It offers a warm, intimate feeling to your party and also gives that WOW factors that sometimes you need. Have a good look around our store and see what offers we have on rattan firepit tables.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10803″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Furniture” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]We have written so many articles about trying to help you find the right furniture and it really can be a difficult decision to make. For every garden ideally, you need somewhere to sit down and relax with friends and family. Should you choose a rattan dining set? How about a rattan corner sofa? Maybe just some laid-back loungers for everyone if you have space? No matter what your choice, everyone will need to be able to sit down and take the weight off their feet for a bit while relaxing and enjoying some cool summer drinks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10804″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]If you regularly entertain with food as well then a good rattan dining set would probably be the best option for you. This allows intimacy but also means that you can enjoy your food formally and without problems.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you regularly entertain with just social drinks and snacks then a sofa set is probably the best option for this. Being able to sit down and really relax while enjoying the company of friends and family is important.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Evening Drinks” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10805″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]No part would be a party without some kind of special drink options? Are you into cocktails? Punches maybe? Either way, if you have space, a dedicated drinks area is always a real hit for everyone. We have a great selection of rattan bars and casual seating that will really help separate out the formal dining to the casual fun drinking areas. Check out some of our casual seating options and maybe opt for a couple of these in the back area of your garden.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Party Food” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Probably the most important part of any outdoor evening is the food that is served. No party is enjoyable without some amazing food to help make the cold drinks glide down better.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]However, you layout your outdoor kitchen area, be mindful of the options that you could have. Do you need an outdoor fridge area for drinks and snacks? How about somewhere to store the burgers before being grilled on the BBQ? Having this outdoor kitchen space is a great bonus. As the host, the last thing you want to do is keep disappearing inside to get something or to check how the food is cooking. If you are having an outdoor party, then try to keep everything outdoors.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Shade” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]This is something that quite often gets overlooked. Everybody welcomes the sun and being true Brits we all crave to be outside but we are just not built for being in the sun all the time. Think about having somewhere that people can go to be able to escape the sun for a while. This could be under a large parasol or just an area sheltered by the hedge. It’s always good to identify the sheltered areas of your garden and look to have furniture available in these areas. Somewhere where anyone can go to cool off and escape the heat for a while but still be outside with everyone else. The last thing you want is for everyone to start going back inside just to cool off![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Well, we hope that we have given you a few ideas about things and that we have provided a few options for you to explore. We are always available should you need any help or inspiration so feel free to contact us. Also, check out the other articles that we have available as there are some amazing ideas that we have shared with everyone.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Enjoy your parties![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]