Don't pack up your patio - these simple swaps keep your garden cosy all year
Bring hygge outdoors as the evenings get darker to keep the al fresco evenings going
There's no denying that the evenings are getting shorter and a little cooler, but that's no reason to declare outdoor dining over. With some simple tweaks to your outdoor space, you can enjoy cosy evenings outdoors for weeks, if not months, with benefits that will keep working hard for years.
A little warmth from cosy throws and electric blankets, the right lighting from LED candles, and some protection from the elements can transform your garden into somewhere you want to spend an hour after dinner, even deep into October. But knowing what to buy and where to look is the key to making your outdoor space special.
We've rounded up the six tweaks to make to your garden before the clocks go back so that you can keep your outdoor space working hard until the summer rolls around all over again.
Simple garden upgrades to make your outdoor space cosy all year round
Lined with warm, dimmable LEDs, this awning creates a cosy atmosphere while protecting you from the elements, with electronic controls making it easy to adjust without any hand cranking. It provides shade from UV and heat in summer, while keeping rain and falling leaves at bay in autumn, and the frame comes with a 10-year guarantee. You can also save £75 with the code AUTUMN75.
Firepits are one of our favourite outdoor living room centrepieces and the perfect reason to stay outside after the summer is over. This simple matt-black steek design suits lots of outdoor styles, whilst offering the warmth of an open-fire and a natural focal point for seating. It's also reduced by £15 at B&Q.
A string of warm-white festoon lights will make your outdoor space feel inviting long after the sun sets. These are solar-powered and switch on automatically at dusk - an easy way to add atmosphere without adding to your electricity bill.
Candles instantly make a space feel warmer and more atmospheric, but LED versions make life easier. This trio bring the flickering-candle effect without an exposed flame, which is brilliant if you have kids, pets, or throws draped over your shoulders. Group them together for a centrepiece or dot them around for little pockets of light.
The White Company knows how to make outdoor living and lighting beautiful. The metal frame of this lantern brings a polished, structured look to your outdoor space, whilst creating some warmth too. Place one by the door and one on a table for a curated effect.
A large, super-soft throw is one of the simplest ways to make your garden feel like an extension of your living room. The generous 2.2m x 2.2 m dimensions mean you can wrap yourself up multiple times over, or offer some extra to the rest of the family, if you're feeling nice.
I don't like to let the summer end, which is why these simple swaps make all the difference. Once there's a firepit cracking and some string lights glowing overhead, you'll thank your lucky LED stars that you made the effort to keep your outdoors cosier. And the best bit is that lots of them are reduced in the end of season sales.
