Stylish outdoor update that won’t break the bank

Before you know it, spring will be here and you’ll want to start spending more time outdoors. Here’s a bit of colour inspiration to get you started! 

For rustic appeal, turn a large preserving jar into a lantern housing a small pillar candle. To make a hanger for the jar, first make a collar of six plaited strings. Loop three long lengths of string around the collar to double them, plait the six strings, then divide the end in two. Wrap collar around rim, make a double knot, merging long string ends with collar plait ends. Trim and hang.

Embrace the warmer weather with sunset colours and bold flower prints. 

Sturdy crates, painted to suit your setting. Raw timber crates, available online in many sizes, come up a treat when made over in luscious stripes. Sealed with two coats of gloss, they’re ready for duty.

Dual table runners under place settings add unique modern style.

A little bit fancy, and so easy to make yourself, cloth napkins signal your colourful table is ready for a grown-up gathering. One metre of fabric makes a set of four, and can cost next to nix if you pick up your fabric on special.

Click here for Tutti-frutti napkins instructions. 

Did you know: the Orchid Pavilion Gathering was held in China in the 300s. It included a contest where wine cups were floated down a creek; if one stopped, the man closest to it had to drink and write a poem.