It's All Down To The Lighting...
Tuesday 11th March 2008 by Cherry Menlove
Over at Casa de Menlove we’re starting to think about the garden. We’ve already shifted huge amounts of soil and cleared entire Victorian novels worth of brambles and thorns. All this work has got me thinking how (after the dirty work has been done) we can start to look forward to eating outside and the smell of rosemary soaked BBQs...
But before we do anything, we need to get our lighting in order. So much about getting the atmosphere right in your home is down to the lighting you choose; the same applies outside. So, before you find yourself scrabbling underneath the sink for the odd Ikea tea light and saucer start to plan those long summer months of entertaining al fresco and sort the lighting out now.
 Over at The French House they have some Suspended Lanterns  which I’m positive would have you sitting outside for the entire night if the weather would allow. Watch moths and fireflies play together in the light that this lantern gives off whilst you sip red wine into the small hours...
And if we are sitting up all night sipping red wine then we’ll need to look our best (especially if we have company) and there’s nothing to help you achieve this better than candle light.
Marston & Langinger are an absolute favourite. Not because they are V.V. expensive but because they transport you to a place where you can imagine Jay Gatsby & Daisy Buchannan being entertained.
 Their Wire Standing Votive Holder is magnificent and would be an investment well worth making. Decorated with glass droplets that reflect the light when the candles are lit this is a table centre piece that'll have your guests vying to see your secret address book.
For a lighting look that’s inspired by the orient, head to Lombok. Their Natural Bamboo Oil Lamps are handmade in a little village in Vietnam and they’re the perfect garden accessory to set a stylish mood this Spring/ Summer.
 Finally, I simply adore these Silk Chinese lantern style lights ; loop them through trees, in between branches or across walls. They’re high up my wish list and given the reasonable price tag (£26) you could all too easily adorn your entire garden with these gorgeous creatures.
Now all I need to do, is find my fleece and check that patio heater's still working!
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