Tag: summer

5 delectable summer desserts to delight your guests

5 delectable summer desserts to delight your guests

Summer is a season of vibrant colours, balmy evenings and delightful gatherings. It’s also a busy time. You may be planning a trip, looking for new outdoor furniture or checking out the Frenchie puppies for sale. But you should always make time for guests to come over. When it comes to entertaining guests, serving refreshing and indulgent desserts is a wonderful way to elevate any gathering. From fruity delights to frozen treats, the options are endless. In this post, we’ll explore five of my favourite summer desserts that are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

  1. Tropical fruit tart: There’s nothing quite like the luscious flavours of ripe, juicy fruits to celebrate the summer season. A tropical fruit tart brings together the best of nature’s bounty in a visually stunning and palate-pleasing dessert. Start with a buttery, flaky tart crust as the base, and fill it with a velvety custard or cream cheese filling. Top it off with an array of tropical fruits such as mangoes, kiwis, pineapples, and passion fruit, arranging them in an eye-catching pattern. The combination of sweet, tangy and refreshing flavours will transport your guests to a tropical paradise. Serve chilled and watch as the vibrant colours and tantalising aroma captivate everyone’s senses.
  2. Lemon blueberry trifle: When life gives you lemons and blueberries, make a delightful lemon blueberry trifle! This classic dessert is a perfect balance of zesty and sweet flavours, making it an ideal treat for hot summer days. Layer tangy lemon curd, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy blueberries in a clear glass trifle dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, add crumbled pieces of buttery pound cake or ladyfingers in between the layers. The vibrant yellow of the lemon curd and the deep blue hues of the blueberries create a visually appealing dessert that will have your guests reaching for seconds. Serve chilled and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of colour.
  3. Watermelon granita: Beat the summer heat with a refreshing watermelon granita. This icy treat is incredibly simple to make yet delivers a burst of natural sweetness. Blend fresh watermelon chunks until smooth, then strain to remove any seeds. Add a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavours and pour the mixture into a shallow dish. Place it in the freezer and use a fork to scrape the mixture every 30 minutes until it forms icy crystals. The result is a light and slushy dessert that captures the essence of summer. Serve the granita in chilled glasses or hollowed-out watermelon bowls for an extra touch of whimsy.
  4. Coconut mango popsicles: Popsicles are the quintessential summer treat, and this coconut mango version is a tropical delight. Blend ripe mangoes with coconut milk and a touch of honey or sugar until smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for a few hours or overnight until fully set. The combination of creamy coconut and sweet, juicy mango creates a harmonious flavour profile that will transport your guests to a sunny beach. These vibrant and refreshing popsicles are a perfect way to beat the heat and make for an Instagram-worthy dessert option.
  5. Grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone: Summer is grilling season, and why limit it to savoury dishes? Grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone is a delightful dessert that combines the smoky flavours of grilling with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches. Halve fresh peaches and brush them with a bit of oil. Grill until slightly caramelised and tender. Serve the warm peaches with a dollop of luscious mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of golden honey. The warmth of the grilled peaches contrasts beautifully with the cool, creamy mascarpone, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness. This dessert is simple yet elegant, offering a delightful combination of flavours and textures that will leave your guests craving more.

This summer, treat your guests to a memorable dining experience with these five delightful desserts. From the vibrant and fruity tropical fruit tart to the refreshing watermelon granita, each dessert offers a unique and satisfying flavour profile that embodies the essence of summer. Whether you prefer the zesty tang of lemon blueberry trifle, the tropical goodness of coconut mango popsicles or the smoky sweetness of grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone, these desserts are sure to impress and leave a lasting impression. So go ahead, indulge your guests with these delectable treats and create unforgettable moments of joy and delight.

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7 ways to make your home feel lighter in time for summer

7 ways to make your home feel lighter in time for summer

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to freshen up your home and make it feel lighter and more spacious. Whether you’re looking to make a few simple changes or undertake a more extensive renovation project, there are plenty of ways to create a bright, airy, and welcoming space that’s perfect for the warmer months.

Declutter your space

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your home feel lighter and more spacious is to declutter. Clutter can make a room feel cramped, stuffy and overwhelming, whereas a clean and organised space can promote relaxation and tranquillity.

Incorporate natural light

Natural light can make a room feel bright, cheerful and inviting. If possible, maximise the amount of natural light in your home by opening curtains, blinds and shades, and removing any obstacles that block the windows. Consider replacing heavy drapes with light, airy curtains, or installing sheer panels to diffuse the light. Or remove the curtains completely and stick with blinds. They can be installed to be almost invisible when open, so it’ll make the windows feel much larger than they were. Plus, blinds are great for making your home more energy efficient. They keep the house cool when it’s hot and hot when it’s cool. If you want to find out more about Venetian blinds, then look no further.

Update your colour scheme

Colour has a powerful effect on mood and can significantly impact the ambience of a room. To make your home feel lighter and more summery, consider updating your colour scheme with bright, cheerful hues.

Choose light, neutral colours for your walls and furnishings, such as white, beige or pale blue, and add pops of colour with accent pieces, such as pillows, rugs and artwork. Alternatively, you can embrace bold and vibrant colours, such as yellow, pink or green, to create a cheerful and lively atmosphere.

Lighten the fixtures

Painting things like windowsills and frames and internal doors a lighter shade is an easy to way lift the tone of a whole room. If your internal doors are dated and dreary, LPD doors can offer a great replacement. Take a look at this range of LPD doors for some great options.

Introduce indoor plants

Indoor plants are a fantastic way to bring the outdoors inside and add a touch of natural beauty to your home. Plants can purify the air, reduce stress levels and enhance the overall atmosphere of a space.

Choose plants that thrive in your home’s environment, such as succulents, ferns, or spider plants, and display them in attractive pots or hanging baskets. Position your plants strategically throughout your space – such as near windows or on shelves – to maximise their impact and give them the best chance to thrive.

Rearrange your furniture

The layout of your furniture can significantly impact the feel of a room. To make your home feel lighter and more spacious, consider rearranging your furniture to create a more open and inviting space.

Start by removing any unnecessary pieces, such as bulky furniture or décor. Then, experiment with different furniture arrangements to find the optimal layout for your space. Consider incorporating multifunctional pieces such as ottomans or storage benches to maximise your space and minimise clutter.

Summer is a time for relaxation, renewal and fun in the sun. By incorporating these seven tips into your home décor, you can make your home feel lighter and transform it into an inviting space that’s perfect for the warmer months.

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Price Points: Sun umbrellas

Sun umbrellas

We generally think of umbrellas being used when it’s raining outside. However, with the absolutely scorching days we’ve been having this month, have you thought about getting yourself one of these sun umbrellas?

We’re all becoming more aware of skin cancer and the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. Some of us use sunscreen as part of our daily routine; using an umbrella outdoors on a hot day builds on your solar skincare.

Two of the three sun umbrellas that we’re highlighting claim to give anti UV and factor 50+ protection. So, during the next heatwave – whether you’re dining al fresco at a favourite restaurant or taking a walk on the beach or relaxing in the park – open your sun umbrella, safe in the knowledge that you won’t be getting burnt!

  1. Anti UV banana umbrella: £13.30, Amazon
  2. Pantone large umbrella: £33.82, Pantone
  3. Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+: £40.00, Solbari

shop sun umbrellas

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
£40.00
Pantone large umbrella
Pantone large umbrella
£33.82
Anti UV banana umbrella
Anti UV banana umbrella
£13.30
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
£40.00
Pantone large umbrella
Pantone large umbrella
£33.82
Anti UV banana umbrella
Anti UV banana umbrella
£13.30
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
£40.00
Pantone large umbrella
Pantone large umbrella
£33.82
Anti UV banana umbrella
Anti UV banana umbrella
£13.30
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
£40.00
Pantone large umbrella
Pantone large umbrella
£33.82
Anti UV banana umbrella
Anti UV banana umbrella
£13.30
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
£40.00
Pantone large umbrella
Pantone large umbrella
£33.82
Anti UV banana umbrella
Anti UV banana umbrella
£13.30

Getting your garden ready for summer

Getting your garden ready for summer

The weather is finally improving and we’re well on our way to the summer. With this, many of us will be wanting to spend time outside in our gardens; having BBQs, socialising and enjoying the feeling of the sunshine on our faces. In order to make the most of being outside, you want your garden to look its best.

Over the past few months of winter, it could be that storms have ravaged your plants, damaged your fences or it’s generally looking a little worse for wear. Luckily, making your garden look great again and getting it ready for the summer doesn’t need to be too difficult.

Here are our top tips to get your garden ready for summer in no time at all. It will allow you to enjoy dining al fresco, sunbathing and having your kids play out on the lawn.

Prepare your fences

When summer is on its way, one of the first things to start preparing is your fencing. During the winter months, the heavy rain and gale-force winds can cause damage to your panelling, moss will grow and your fences will start to discolour. Use a pressure washer on your fence to remove all the dirt, let it dry completely and then repaint or re-stain. Give your fence a few layers and, depending on how much time you have available, you could consider using a different colour paint to give your garden a completely new feel. If you need some inspiration, check out Pinterest or Instagram to see what shades other people are painting their fences. At the same time as repainting your fence, you could also repaint your shed. Just like your fencing, sheds are prone to discolouring and deterioration.

Power wash your paving

You’d be surprised at how much dirt and moss will grow on your paving over time. Start by using a stiff broom to remove any loose debris and stones, then dust down your power washer and go over your paving with it. Make sure you go over the corners and repeat the process several times to remove any tough stains. Once dried, you’ll be amazed at how clean your paving will appear; it can completely transform how your garden looks, bringing it back to new. If you don’t have a power washer, try using a hosepipe along with a broom to clean the surface. The average power washer costs around £200 and, depending on the size of your paved area, it will take a couple of hours.

Give your lawn some attention

Another job you should do when getting your garden ready for the summer months is mow your lawn. When your grass is too long, it can look untidy and make your lawn look scruffy. Mowing your grass will also help with future growth and help remove any weeds that might be currently growing. During the summer months, aim to mow your lawn about once a fortnight to keep it at its healthiest. When little rain has fallen, remember to water the grass (preferably with rainwater from your water butt) in order to keep it looking its optimum.

If you’re feeling creative and enjoy having a more eco-friendly option, transform your lawn into a wild-flower meadow. It creates a better environment for garden birds and insects and only needs to be mowed once in the autumn. You can still mow a neat, meandering path through the wild flowers to create an avenue that guides you from one end of the garden to another.

Add some lighting

Lighting can add a completely new dynamic to your garden. You can use solar lights to brighten your pathway or add some spike lights to create a glow to your trees. Overhead lights are a great way to add some atmosphere in areas which are difficult to illuminate. When you can, try to use solar lighting as this is more economic and costs less to run. There are a variety of coloured bulbs that you can use, so try playing with these colours to add different effects to your surroundings. You can also play with patterns for a different feel.

Make sure you have shaded areas

When the sun is at its hottest, you will want shaded areas in your garden to help keep your guests cool and prevent people from getting burnt. Consider purchasing a parasol that you can quickly put up. Not only does this provide shade but it can look visually appealing and normally connects to a table, helping you be in the shade when eating. If you enjoy having trees in your garden, you could plant some new ones to provide shade as well as add seasonal colour. Other ways to get shade in your garden can be installing a canopy, installing a retractable awning or investing in some architectural elements – however, this can begin to get expensive.

Create a place to have BBQs

One of the best things about the summer is being able to dine al fresco. You can have BBQs under the sun, enjoying the weather and the relaxed atmosphere. If you’re someone that loves to have a BBQ, why not designate a space for this? You could look into creating a built-in BBQ – there is plenty of inspiration for this on sites such as Pinterest – or you could purchase a BBQ that you can get out and put away when the weather works for it. There are a host of different types of BBQ you can get, as well as smokers, fire pits and more depending on what thing you’re after and what will work best in your space.

Divide the space into designated areas

If you have a large garden, it can be a good idea to split it into designated areas to easily sort it out and enjoy different spaces. You could divide it up so one area is purely for plants – you could consider a vegetable patch too where you can grow your own vegetables to eat. You could also have a space that’s purely for somewhere where your kids can play. This is where you can keep their toys and things out and don’t need to worry about them cluttering up the other space in the garden. It also means you don’t need to worry about their kicking footballs around and potentially ruining any precious plants or flower beds that you may have!

Consider adding a summer house

If you have a little money to spend and want to really elevate your garden, consider adding in a summer house. A summer house is a versatile building that is great for creating a space to relax and hang out in – even when the weather isn’t so nice. It creates a focal point for you to look at and can be used for a host of different reasons. You could have a summer house to create a space with a dining table and chairs, or it could have lounge furniture in which you can relax while your little ones play in the garden. Some summer houses have bi-fold doors so you could utilise these and enjoy the fresh air without being properly outside in the sun.

It can be a good source of shade and ensure you don’t get sunburnt, but also don’t have to properly go inside when the sun is at its hottest. Summer houses can be large or small, include a little decking area or not and can be wired up with electricity and heating. This means you can watch films, host guests and have access to both air con or heating if you choose to install this. You could also make the summer house a playroom, movie room or something else – the choice is yours!

Add some garden furniture

Don’t underestimate the power of garden furniture for getting your garden ready for summer. It might be that you have some garden furniture but it’s beginning to look a bit ropey and seen better days. If this is the case, it’s time to invest in something new. Garden furniture sets don’t need to be expensive, however there are a host of luxury options should you want these. It’s a good idea to get a few chairs or look into buying an outdoor sofa that you can sit on for relaxing and others that are good for sitting up and dining from. You could get a new table too – ideal for putting a summery glass of Pimms on. You could also look at different things such as a garden swing seat or a bench. Make sure you take care of your garden furniture so it can be used in the future and doesn’t get ruined by the weather. If it comes with cushions, be sure to store these away somewhere that the damp won’t get to them and ruin them.

The above are ten different ways to get your garden ready for the summer months. Depending on your budget, some options will cost more than others, making certain ones more suitable for you. What changes are you planning on making to your garden this summer? Will you be changing anything from our list above? Is there anything we’ve missed that you would like to share with our other readers? Let us know in the comment box below, we look forward to hearing from you.

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