Extend the barbecue season by making use of your Conservatory

Simple design features to make more use of your conservatory over winter.

We’ve had a fabulous summer; lots of lazy days with the kids and lots of informal gatherings around the barbecue.  It seems a shame it should end as the clocks go back. We can all fit far fewer people in our lounge than we can in our garden, so tend to hunker down for the winter and become anti-social.

If you are lucky enough to have a conservatory on your house then here are some ways you can make it work for you and your social life this winter.

• Keep it neutral & accessorise for the season

Neutrals are a must for every conservatory. They allow you to play it cool in the summer and heat things up in the winter.  Neutrals go with everything.

• Coordinating blankets and cushions in the winter allow your guests to snuggle up and look out at the weather
• Draw the blinds down and open the doors to our lounge – voila an instant extension for entertaining large groups
• Keep it light and bright in the summer, earth tones and pastel hues will fade less than bold colours
• Change the cushions, rugs and throws regularly to give this often neglected space an occasional new lease of life; coordinate with your choice of blinds.

• Think practical and make sure the space works

Think about how you use your conservatory. If it is a back entrance to the house, make sure there is space to get in and out; and a shoe rack or risk muddy footprints.

To  use your conservatory as an extra dining room when friends and family come to visit – then make best use of the space by clearing out the sofas and installing a table.

You can make great use of a rug in a conservatory – as the amount of sunlight means carpets are impractical.  Make especially sure the rugs don’t slip on hard flooring, especially if your meal includes wine for your guests.

• Bring the outdoors in with foliage and plants

One lovely thing about a conservatory is its location near your garden.  Make a feature of this for your guests.  Overwinter vulnerable plants and enjoy their foliage – or even use the space to grow exotics.

Allow your choice of fabric to reflect the garden setting.  There are some great nature inspired fabrics choices on the market. Your guests will enjoy the outside-in feeling – especially if you are hosting a barbecue on a chilly evening.

• Heat things up for the cooler months

As well adding blankets and rugs to your conservatory for the winter season, candles can give a warm glow and add to the ambiance, but keep them away from curtains. Coloured spotlights or even fairly lights can add a lovely glow to the space. And remember, the Christmas tree looks during December!
Just a couple of tweaks and your conservatory will serve you well throughout the winter.