Celebrating Spring & Bringing the Outdoors In
The optimism of spring is a beautiful thing. Longer, brighter days, the promise that the winter gloom can be put behind us. A welcome break, certainly here on the farm, from the wet muddy weeks that have become oh too familiar.
As bulbs break through the earth, bird song is heard more frequently and sneaky rays of sunshine break through and make us smile, spring is a season that generally we are all more than ready for.
However, especially in early spring, the idea of eating outdoors, and enjoying barbecues and alfresco gatherings still seems a long way off. The sun may be shining but the coats are most certainly still being worn. That’s why, for us, the beauty of spring is the fusion of brighter, lighter times paired with the cosy welcome of still being warm indoors.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring the outdoors in, giving you the alfresco feels, whilst enjoying the modern comfort of central heating! Easter is often, for many, the first chance for big gatherings since Christmas, and it’s a lovely opportunity to make home feel special.
We’ve popped together some of our favourite ideas to help you create that homely, outdoorsy style for your next dinner party.
Catching the light
Although with the clock change, we’re all enjoying lighter evenings, you’ll likely loose natural light part way through your evening meal. Help this transition buy creating an area of soft lighting with lamps, fairy lights and candles. Light them while you still have plenty of natural light, making sure the jump between daylight and ‘the big light on’ isn’t too much of a shock.
Budding bulbs
Rather than opting for out-of-season flowers that have been flown in, why not choose some British spring bulbs. You’ll have a much longer lasting display that can be enjoyed well past the event. Many UK florists and farm shops offer ready- made arrangements in attractive ceramic pots.
Take a look at Gardeners World to see seven spring container displays for indoors.
Twigs and blossom
Here on the farm, we’re lucky enough to have a small number of apple trees, all of which blossom quite late in the spring. If you’re further south, you may be able to get your hands on a few earlier blooms. Pair blossom with evergreens like eucalyptus for your table centre, fireplace or windowsill displays. Alternatively, to create a more sculptural effect, use twigs and small branches in a vase or pot, held in place with pebbles. If you have a larger space this works well to create some drama for your event.
It's a colour thing
When choosing table settings and tableware, opt for colours that work with a natural colour palette. Think greens and yellows, or perhaps some pastel colours. We love using natural linens, rattan and wicker as these natural materials all add to that earthy palette.
Casual grazing over formal structure
I think one of the things I notice as we head further into the year is that sunshine welcomes informality. Think Mediterranean style full tables, sun kissed food, and friends laughing together whilst grazing through their meal. Now, this may be a summer daydream, but spring is the perfect season to transition into this vibe. Create a table full of delicious seasonal treats, to be enjoyed slowly and prepared in advance for a no fuss feast. A far cry from the formalities of Christmas.
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