Since buying my first home with a tiny outdoor space, I've become obsessed with outdoor hosting. This week, I'm plotting a weekend BBQ to take advantage of the weather, and I've already made plans for a few other gatherings later this month. However, entertaining in a petite outdoor space can be challenging, so I have to be very selective about the things I choose to invest in for my garden, but I've spotted some outdoor hosting gems at Argos.
Currently, I've been getting by in my garden with a little bistro set and one of the best electric BBQs, the Lumin Webber available at Argos, for whipping up snacks. However, I think it's time for an upgrade. I don't have space for a full outdoor kitchen, but I have spied several bargains at Argos on Ninja's Artisan Electric Outdoor Pizza Oven and the Ninja Frostvault, both of which are reduced by 20%, which will do the trick in creating a micro outdoor kitchen instead.
I've also been eyeing up the Argos Home folding patio set to give me a little more space for people to sit when entertaining, but I can easily fold it away when it's not in use.
Over the past few months of gathering friends in my garden, I've realised that it's also the small things that make a difference. Whether that's a little Bluetooth speaker to have music bubbling in the background or some chic glasses that make my little courtyard feel like a trendy restaurant.
If you're looking to elevate your next outdoor gathering, I thought I'd share my wishlist of hosting essentials I'm snapping up this summer at Argos.
I only discovered the wonders of folding outdoor tables this year, and I love the look of this six-seater one. I plan to have it up in the centre of my tiny garden when guests are around, but fold it down and tuck it next to a garden storage box when not in use.
Garden lighting ideas are essential for outdoor hosting, and I've been desperate to drape some festoon lights along my garden fence for an outdoor bistro look. This set has a lovely warm glow that will create a cosy feeling on a summer evening.
I don't want to be an obnoxious neighbour blasting music, but I'd like some music playing softly in the background. Or I might be tempted to hook it up with a projector to screen a big game outdoors or one of the summer festivals during a garden party.
A little flair goes along way when hosting outdoors, I've found. I plan to use this serving tray indoors and outdoors to circulate bowls of olives and crisps. You honestly can never have enough trays.
No garden party would be complete without nibble bowls. I love the reactive glaze on this set of three, which looks so much more expensive than it's £10 price point.
Stemmed glasses make me nervous outdoors, but I still want to use smart glassware to impress my guests and this set of stemless wine glasses is the perfect solution whether you're serving up an aperol or rose.
I tested the Ninja Outdoor Pizza oven last year and was impressed with how easy to use and how practical it was for entertaining in a tiny outdoor space. I could whip up pizzas in record time and had a handy automatic timer to make sure I didn't burn any. It's also reduced by 20% with code ELEC20 right now at Argos.
I wish I had space for a mini fridge in my garden, but this impressive hard cooler will do the job and allow guests to help themselves to an ice-cold drink. It's also reduced by 20% with code NINJA20, making it a more enticing price point.
These wiggle salad servers are another clever way I'm planning to add some flair to my outdoor table without taking up to much space. Who said practical items couldn't be pretty too?
There are so many reasons to celebrate outdoors this summer and I can't wait to make the most of my tiny garden.
