Having guests over for an outdoor dinner party is always a pleasant way to spend a summer evening, particularly as lockdown restrictions across the UK are eased. So it is worth it that you start considering whether your garden is fit to entertain in.
Warmth, shelter and light are the most important things to consider for a garden dinner party, and we all know that we cannot rely on the English weather to keep us warm or dry, for that matter. So, preparation is essential.
For warmth when you are in the garden, you simply won’t beat an outdoor fire pit, although a patio heater might come in a close second. Solar lights dotted around will create a delightful atmosphere, and in case of too much sun or too much rain, a garden parasol will provide some shelter.
Fire pits don’t have to be a hefty investment, although good quality should never be scrimped on. Depending on what you want from your garden fire pit, there is a wide range to choose from.
Chiminea fire pits are great for entertaining as their chimney keeps smoke away from your guests. These are also safer if you have young children as the fire is more enclosed.
Fire pits and Kadai fire bowls look lovely and can be used for cooking and BBQ style meals. There are plenty of designs to choose from, and they come in a range of materials, including cast iron, steel, clay and stone.
Here is a selection of stylish outdoor heating ideas from Oxfordshire-based suppliers to get you started now. Whether you’re on your own, with a partner, with family, or with guests – there’s no need to dive inside when the nights get a little chillier.
What could be more perfect for creating atmosphere on a summer’s night or staying warm and roasting marshmallows on a winter’s day than this fabulous outdoor Ring of Logs Fire Pit? Hand-crafted in the UK and of unparalleled quality, it can be used as a stand-alone fire pit or coupled with a range of specially designed accoutrements for outdoor grilling and cooking. It comes with all the essentials – a swing arm BBQ rack, a space for logs and a surrounding shelf. Elegant and stylish, and certainly big enough, it’s the perfect design for entertaining family and friends.
From 675.00
Burford Garden Company, Burford, Oxfordshire
01993 823117 | burford.co.uk
A stylish and warming piece, these Fire Bowls with Log Stores are just the right choice for entertaining and cooking for family and friends. With a black-finished steel fire bowl carefully placed on top of a robust tower, the handy log store underneath keeps the log supply to hand for efficiency and easy cooking. Alternatively, the fire bowl can be filled and used to warm the atmosphere of longer days and colder evenings for years to come. Aesthetically pleasing, when filled with logs, these fire bowls with log stores blend seamlessly into outdoor surroundings.
From 290.00
Burford Garden Company, Burford, Oxfordshire
01993 823117 | burford.co.uk
This attractive and easily movable fire pit has a bowl attached to a three-legged base. It also has a built-in swing arm, part grill, part flat griddle, which can be lifted off (carefully) after cooking to allow you to enjoy the warmth of the fire pit late into the evening. Hand-crafted in the UK and of unparalleled quality, it can be used as a standalone fire pit or coupled with a range of specially designed accoutrements including grills, cooking tripods and accessories for outdoor grilling and cooking, plus a cover that turns the firepit into a table. Available in 60cm, 70cm, 80cm and 90cm diameters.
From 275.00
Burford Garden Company, Burford, Oxfordshire
01993 823117 | burford.co.uk
This Equestrian fire bowl will appeal to horse lovers everywhere. Different breeds and ages of horses adorn this beautiful fire bowl. Furthermore, the high definition design allows for such fine details like the wind blowing through the horse’s mane as they run free. Coated with black high Heat resistant paint (Up to 800+ degrees Celsius) with built-in anti-corrosion properties, the Equestrian Design Fire Bowl comes with removable ash grate and sturdy legs that fully complements the design.
£599.00
Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire
01844 339254 | waterperrygardens.co.uk
Create the perfect atmosphere for friends and family with this stunning Glastonbury fire pit, made from crafted steel with a unique rusty finish. At 100cm deep and 100cm width, and weighing 23.5, kg this fire pit is sure to be a perfect fit for any garden space – minimum self-assembly required. The fire pit will oxidise over time for a beautiful rust finish – rust or aged look will not affect its use. Although this product is weatherproof, it is advisable to cover the product when not in use or to treat it to keep it in prime condition.
£180.00
Yarnton Home & Garden, Yarnton, Oxfordshire
01865 372124 | yarntonhomegarden.co.uk
If you’re looking for a durable cast iron fireplace for the patio, then take a look at the Sierra. It is a premium model built for maximum heat retention. Though it is in a traditional chimenea design, the bronze effect finish brings it into the 21st century. Open the front and slide in the cooking grill to cook BBQ fare for friends and family. The chimenea features decorative handles, and there is also a front vent to help control the intensity of the flames.
£190.00
Yarnton Home & Garden, Yarnton, Oxfordshire
01865 372124 | yarntonhomegarden.co.uk
Outdoor patio fireplaces provide a wonderful atmosphere, creating warmth and glowing flames and embers, which many find quite mesmerising. The Mesh Colorado Chimenea has a traditional chimenea silhouette but with a modern steel design. It features a mesh body that provides a 360° view of the fire. And it has a sliding door to allow easy refuelling and to keep the fire stoked and burning. The chimenea is made from durable heavy-gauge steel construction and comes complete with a stainless steel flue band, log grate and safety tool.
£189.00
Yarnton Home & Garden, Yarnton, Oxfordshire
01865 372124 | yarntonhomegarden.co.uk
The Lyneham round firepit by Garden Trading mixes outdoor cosiness with a contemporary touch. Create the perfect focal point for relaxed evenings and summer parties, grab the blankets, gather round and watch the sunset. Crafted in Powder Coated Steel and Fibre Clay, the fire pit comes in two parts, the top and base. Heat and frost resistant, the top is designed to rust once placed in the garden. We do recommend that the fire pit is stored under cover when not in use to prolong its life.
£180.00
Garden Trading, Carterton, Oxfordshire
01993 845559 | gardentrading.co.uk
Enjoy the outdoors even once the sun has set with the exquisite Barrington Fire Pit. Crafted in Raw Metal, sold in two sizes, they have ample room for holding an abundance of logs for use all evening. The industrial metal strapping has been curved and expertly welded providing you with a strong, sturdy and durable piece for the garden. The domed shape is designed for use with logs only, not coal and shouldn’t be used on a timber deck. The Barrington Fire Pit will age once placed in the garden to a naturally rusted finish.
£150.00
Garden Trading, Carterton, Oxfordshire
01993 845559 | gardentrading.co.uk