A summer in lock down? Aargh, I hope not! During these difficult times it’s easy to get run down, but it is important to embrace this time at home whilst we still have it; to see the positives in this situation that we have no control over. Muddy talks to designer extraordinaire Saffron Knight for some top tips on how to design a very stylish BBQ. Over to you, Saffron…

Peaceful surroundings create a peaceful state of mind. Simple tips and tricks can be turned into powerful tools you can apply in your own home to create a serene, tranquil environment that everyone beneath your roof can benefit form.

First of all, declutter! It’s trying to keep things tidy with a baby, or young children, around. Especially with boxes upon boxes full of toys, or various plastic toys askew across the living room floor. The mess is sometimes hard to deal with, but there are ways you can make your environment a place of comfort rather than a place of turbulence.

Start by buying your children things that suit your design tastes. Vintage wooden dolls, products bought from small local businesses, or handmade pieces, make for a far better aesthetically pleasing home than your average plastic dollhouse from the supermarket! Match the colour scheme of the toys with the colour scheme in your home. If sometimes you can’t control the mess, let the mess ensue in style!

A good way to control the clutter is to find a piece to contain the clutter. Instead of having a large generic containers that lack personality, or plastic boxes bubbling full of toys and God knows what else, try buying one singular box to keep everything in. Make this box a feature in your living room, instead of an irritant. Match it with the colours of your artwork, your furniture, and fall in love with the way it adds to character of the room.

If we can’t go out, then we’ll definitely be spending some much needed time in the garden. Don’t stress, find simple ways that enhance the style of your summer BBQ, or back garden picnic, that causes no extra stress to yourself.

Decorative napkins are a perfect, effortless, way to crank your garden party up a few levels in style. They will not only make the table pop, but also impress your dinner guest. It is all in the detailing not in the grand larger objects, you can dress those existing pieces (that your tired of seeing) with throws or a lick of paint, if time allows.

A table throw is another easy, straightforward mechanism you can take to make your dinner table scream style. Make it fun, match the cloth to your interior design, or to the flowers in your garden. Go colourful—or minimal. Whichever it is, make sure the colours suit your environment. Sit back, and enjoy the trouble-free conditions this simple touch can make.

Set the party up the way you want it. Laid back and relaxed afternoon with some friends? Set up the furniture around the outskirts of the garden. Create ‘chill out’ zones for your guest to divert to when they please. Leave lots of room for people to wander. A formal party? Make the table your centre piece. Set the scene. Use the plants in your garden to create decorative pieces along the table.

Candles add a sense of warmth to any gathering, especial as the evening rolls in candles hold the evenings ambience together. Giving your garden dinner party an elegant touch.

You may already have some garden lights or a nice small lampshade from the house, position them near your favourite spots or plants in the garden. Use 3 lights if available. It will highlight and accentuate your gardens best attributes, adding a bit of drama. Don’t underestimate the power of lighting your space by.

A few garden incense sticks can be nice if they are out of reach of little hands. Set them burning before the guest arrive just to double check you like the smell.

Delegate some of the rolls if you can ie partner is on BBQ duty, teenager / friend in charge of rubbish. What ever works and supports you, so you can enjoy the party with your friends, refreshing drinks and lapping up the compliments.

Sometimes it’s hard for the hostess to actually enjoy the party, you worry everything and everyone is ok. With these easy tips for detailing you will feel proud and at peace. Most importantly, give time to yourself. Don’t overlook your own needs in this time. A happy mum, means a happy home.

Stay safe out there, and happy BBQing!

www.saffronknight.co.uk