This is a paid partnership with Studio
Festival season is upon us and whilst I love the idea of watching the amazing line ups at Camp Bestival and Nozstock. Checking out the range of stalls with funky t-shirts, accessories and keepsakes. Not to mention the delicious-sounding dishes that are on offer. I am, however, not booking my tickets anytime soon. There are several reasons as to what puts me off attending.
It’s the prospect of standing in a field, which is quite possibly covered in sticky mud. Along with the rain that puts me off. The facilities, oh my goodness the facilities, whilst I could handle the prospect of not showering for a weekend. I don’t think I could manage the toilet facilities available on site (I have a bit of a thing about toilets). Whilst this all puts me off, I think the biggest things is the idea of camping, especially with my children. Many of my friends love camping and happily bring their children along to sleep under canvas for a night or two. But it’s not for me.
Anyway, back to the festival season… so whilst I won’t be attending organised festivals I will be hosting my own (or two) from the comfort of my own back garden. So in case either you are like me and love the idea of a festival but don’t fancy roughing it for a few days or aren’t able to make any of the festival dates. Let me show you how you can throw a festival in your garden.
Contents
How you can throw a festival in your garden
Furniture
The beauty of throwing a festival in your garden is that you can utilise the garden furniture that you already own as well as adding in a few additional items that can be used time and time again.
Gazebo – A gazebo is multifunctional whether you are looking for shade from the summer sun. A dining area for those summer picnics and Alfresco evening meals. A sound stage for dancing to the perfect festival playlist. Somewhere to seek refuse for when the British weather does what it dies best and rains.
With the addition of the sides, you can shield yourself against the sun, wind and rain through the summer. Perfect for use in the garden, on family picnics or on the beach as they are so easy to pop up and down, complete with storage bag.
Seating arrangements – Whilst the hope is that you’ll all be up on your feet dancing to the music or partaking in the festival themed games. There will be occasions when you want to sit down enjoy the summer sun and chill out. Simple camping chairs are a great all-around seating solution. Folding down small do you can take with you on the go, perfect of your attending a family or friends house for a garden party or festival.
If you’re looking for something a little more sturdy, then recliner chairs might be something to consider. A versatile option between sitting and lounging plus little trays mean that you can have your drink and phone to hand.
Music
This is your chance to create the ultimate festival playlist with all your summer favourites. If you’re not feeling creative or looking to mix things up a little take a look at the playlists available on Spotify. Linking your phone to a Bluetooth speaker will make listening to the tunes easy no matter where you are.
Decoration
This is a fun one, especially if you are looking to get the children involved. You can add homemade fabric bunting made from old bedsheets and duvet covers. Make pompoms with wool from the scarf you were going to make but never got round to. And you can’t beat the classic paper chain, utilising old newspapers and magazines to give that added interest.
Adding lighting is something to consider too, whilst you might not think that it adds much during the day, it can add that extra layer to your decoration. Funky Love Hearts string lights can be hung from the gazebo, with positive messages stuck on the outside reminding everyone to dance, have fun and smile.
Festival fashion
Jumpsuits and playsuits are a great summer and festival fashion piece. Perfect to slip over swimwear so your able to dip into the paddling pool whenever the need (or the heat) grabs you. They are easy to wear and can easily be transformed from a day to night look with some accessories.
Speaking of accessories you can have so much fun with accessories over the summer. Whether you opt to go bright and bold or opt for classic black styles to work whatever the occasion. A pair of sandals with a little bit of glitz, as well as a beach bag with tassel detailing, can add that extra dimension to your outfit.
The small details
I’m sure we have all seen the state of some of the festival fields once everyone has returned home. Litter, plastic bottles etc all scattered across the floor. Something to make us all think about what part we play in saving the planet. Throwing your own festival at home means that you are able to make these little changes, such as using bamboo picnic accessories to serve the food and provide drinks in across the day (and night). Think about not using straws and disposable plastic tableware, utilising the bamboo plates or recyclable paper plates if you really can’t face the additional washing up.
Setting up bins for food waste, recycling and rubbish will hopefully encourage your guests to dispose of waste correctly (as well as ease the clear up later on). Thinking of food, ensure you are only buying enough for the festival at hand, to minimise food wastage. Freezing leftovers to use for another day or donating to a community fridge the items that have short dates on.
These small changes will ensure that whilst you are having fun, you are also thinking about the bigger picture and helping do your part in minimising rubbish and waste to landfill sites.
No Comments