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When the summertime finally rolls around there is nothing quite like dinning outside in the garden. This simple but enjoyable way to eat is usually reserved only for holidays and the warmest of days.
With long, chilly winters you really have to try to make the most out of every summers day! Garden dinning can be an enjoyable way to entertain friends and family when the suns is shinning. Enjoyed most days by people in the Mediterranean for millennia garden dinning can become a way of life. This is especially so if you have beautifully landscaped gardens or amazing views. Watching birds sing, chatting with friends and tasty cuisine are all fantastic ways to enjoy garden dinning experiences. Hence here we have gathered a whole range of garden dinning products for you here. From cutlery sets to pizza ovens there is everything you need for amazing garden dinning all summer long. Garden dinning setsOne of the most crucial parts of creating the perfect garden dinning space is the furniture. Table and chair sets come in a whole range of styles shapes and sizes. The best garden dinning sets actually become a part of the surrounding garden design or decor. For instance if you have a contemporary patio with neutral colours go for something similar. With a designers eye you can almost make your garden dining set bled in. However using contrast and juxtaposition can also be an effective landscape design strategy. Once you know what design style you want you can now think about seating. How many guests will your space allow? Do you have a big family? Garden dining sets can really set the stage for great family events. Why not check out some of our suggestions below. 
Garden cutlery sets
When it comes to fine dining outside it’s not enough to just have fancy furniture. The best garden dining experiences also pay close attention to every detail. This means everything from the garden decor to table cutlery is well thought through. This does not necessarily mean it has to be expensive or stylish. However garden cutlery sets can be a great way to show you have considered of every detail. This can create the ultimate garden dining experience and one to rival any restaurant. Below we have included some good examples of cutlery sets perfect for dinning outdoor. 
Garden drinks dispenser
The truth is during most garden dinning gatherings very little time is actually spent sitting down. Most of the time people are mingling, standing and walking around. Hence it is a great idea to disperse some refreshment points throughout the space. These can be a few tables with treats such as nibbles. However a really great idea is to utilise some large, glass drinks dispensers. These are great to fill with fruit juice or even punch if you like tipsy guests! These dispensers come in a wide variety and generally work with any garden dinning theme. 
Garden drinks cooler
There is nothing more exciting than friends and family coming round for some garden entertainment. If the weather is warm and fine this makes the experience even more serene! However a typical challenge is having enough fridge space to keep all your drinks cool. Food and drinks space usually comes into direct conflict and you simply cannot do without both. A common solution is to fill a large bin or container with ice water. The problem with this approach is it never really keeps drinks that cool. Furthermore continuous fishing for submerged bounty usually results in wet arms and clothes. Hence the best solution is a garden drinks cooler! These come in a range of designs and styles including very posh roll-able drinks chests like the one below. 
Food coversOne of the main annoyances when having a garden party is unwanted flying guests. Fly’s and wasps will happily gorge themselves on the spoils of your feast. Consequently food covers are an effective way to keep flying insects away from your food. Below we have included some popular food covers which are lightweight and easy to store. 
Garden umbrellasSummertime provides the perfect opportunity to eat outside on the patio. However during the heat of the day some seating areas can become far too hot. Therefore having a robust garden umbrella can be perfect to provide some welcome shade. Garden umbrellas come in many shapes, colours and styles making it easy to find one that matches your space. Garden umbrellas can also be used to suspend lighting for later evening meals. Furthermore they can help retain warmth from nearby garden heaters. 
Garden dinning pergolas
Pergolas are garden structures which can overhang your garden dinning space. These can be utilised in a number of ingenious ways, especially over patio, seating areas where they can provide added interest and shade. Pergolas are perfect for growing attractive climbing plants over them. Commonly in Mediterranean countries grape vines and Kiwi are grown to produce hanging fruit. The green vegetation also provides cool shade perfect for hot sunny days. If you have a contemporary dining area there is plenty of more modern looking pergola options. Pergolas are also effective at suspending lighting and heating to your garden, dining areas. 
Garden dinning gazebosMost garden dinning events do not always completely have the weather on their side. Therefore garden gazebos can be really good ideas encase the heavens open! Although sitting under a gazebo and eating may not seem optimum there are actually many advantages. Some gazebos are actually very stylish making them fantastic places to hang out. They can also trap warmth making them very effective at providing outside rooms. Most gazebos are very quick and easy to set up making them a good emergency shelter. Typically they are useful for garden dinning events as they can act as after dinner chill out rooms. These are perfect decorated in a Moroccan style with outdoor bean bags and low tables. 
Garden dinning domeLove garden dinning but don’t want to suffer unpredictable weather? Why not invest in one of these incredible garden dinning pods. These incredible greenhouse like domes provide excellent shelter while enjoying the outside. These are amazing for late night garden dining experiences especially with external lighting. We have included our favourite of these down below. 
Picnic baskets for outside dinningNot every garden dining experience has to be an exuberant or formal affair. There are always opportunities for a light hearted picnic out on the green or patio. This can even consist of posh nibbles like salmon sandwiches and champagne. However more often garden picnics are perfect for simple pleasures such as scones, butter and jam! Below we have described some really cool picnic baskets for the perfect garden dining experience. 
Garden fire pits
Fire is something which has fascinated the human species for thousands of years. Just by simply harnessing fire has led to some humans most advanced achievements. There is something so captivating about spending time being warmed by the radiant flames. It is easy to sit for hours simply glaring and getting lost into the dancing flames. One of the best ways to enjoy fire during garden dinning events is with a fire pit. These come in a wide variety of styles and shapes perfect for late evening gatherings. Below we have displayed some of our favourite fire pits on the market. 
Garden smokers
Garden dinning events are always an opportunity to show off to family and friends. Consequently anything new and exciting to show your guests goes a very long way. Garden smokers are actually more of a sealed barbecue but allow you to flavour food. These garden gadgets are great for slow cooking fish or even making jerky. When the charcoal has burnt down, place on some wood chips and allow the cinders to smoke. Then simply hang what you want to smoke and close the door! Soon you will have beautiful smoked delicacies for late night drinks. 
BarbecuesOne of the biggest catalysts for some memorable garden dinning is barbecues. There is something so exciting about watching the food slowly cook! The anticipation combined with glorious smells and sizzling sounds are quite simply irresistible! For meat lovers barbecues are a real treat! There is something so tasty about meat which has been cooked at very high temperature over charcoal. Some of the best barbecues are ones which have varying cooking levels; these can allow food to heat at different speeds. A favourite is the Greek style rotisserie barbecues which allow meat to go crispy but still stay moist in the centre. Below we have displayed some of our favourite barbecues for the most tasty garden dinning. 
Pizza ovens
There are very few people who do not love eating pizza! The crispy base combined with delicious toppings make them extremely difficult to resist. Originating from Italy pizza has now spread across the world and is a common culinary favourite. Generally however people who enjoy pizza the most when garden dinning are those with a pizza oven. Pizza ovens consist of a large dome traditionally built from masonry materials. A fire is lit which creates a heated, thermal mass which can get to over 400 degrees Celsius. The hot stone base and oven like atmosphere cooks pizzas quickly and with great ease. This makes pizza ovens a real quick and exciting way to prepare food for guests. These ovens are also ideal for cooking stews and fresh bread! If positioned well in a heat trap they can actually double up as an effective patio heater. This makes pizza ovens a very real asset to any garden dining experience. Combine this with some mood music and lighting and you will never need to get on a plane again! There are now some very good pizza ovens on the market, we have linked to these below. 
Garden speakers
It is remarkable what an impact sound can make to an outside space. This is especially so within a garden dining experience. The background music dissolves awkward eating sounds making people more able to let go and come out of their shells. Garden speakers now come in a varying range with many products to choose from. Some of the best are speakers which are actually camouflaged as the surrounding landscaping. A great example of these is garden rockery speakers! These cool garden gadgets look like rocks but actually play music. They can be hooked up to smart phones via Bluetooth and play anything on command. If you don’t want listen to music you can put on background sounds such as jungle wildlife. There are so many ways you can enhance a garden dinning atmosphere using sounds. Below we have displayed some of the best on the market. 
Garden heatingSometimes the heat of summer can go to our heads and make us want to stay out all night. However it is common for evening temperatures to decline greatly as the evening draws in. If not planned for this can greatly degrade the garden dining experience. Night time is one of the best times of day to enjoy the peace of the garden. To prevent chilly guests from running to the living room why not install some garden heating? This does not necessarily have to be a permanent or costly installation. There are many great garden heaters available today with a wide range to choose from. We have displayed some below but have an extensive article on garden heaters here. 
Garden lightning
Very much in a similar way to heating, lighting can dramatically transform an outside space. Lights can form a spatial hierarchy and create a mood enhancing environment. This is particularly the case with garden dining areas allowing you to enjoy the outside after dark. This provides an opportunity to make the most of cooler evenings during hot summers. Garden lighting can come in a variety of ways with many different fixtures and fittings available. Hence we have put together a little selection of some typical examples below. 
Mosquito lampsThere is no doubt that the late afternoon is when the real garden dinning gets started. However this is also the time that biting critters love to come out. You may enjoy the idea of eating outside but not the idea of something eating you! Therefore to help keep you and your guests bite free you may need some help. Mosquito lamps are an effective way to get rid of mosquitoes and gnats in a flash, literally. These lamps draw them in where they are quickly frazzled by the electrical current. Not only do they stop you getting bitten they actually look rather attractive at night. 
After dinner entertainment
Garden dinning is a truly great way to enjoy time with friends and family. However with happy tummies full of tasty food the party can become rather sluggish. To stop your dinner guests from falling into a deep slumber it is good to serve coffee and include some evening entertainment. The best of which is something fun which gets everyone involved. Hence we have included some exciting after dinner entertainment ideas to keep the party going. 
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The garden does not just have to be a place of sunshine, bird song and rainbows. Occasionally in life it is also good to celebrate the darker side!
Whether you have a Halloween party coming up or a death metal party, scary, zombie or Halloween décor can be just the tonic! If so the front garden or backyard can set the perfect stage for incoming guests. Give everyone that comes near your home a real scare to the senses. Large bubbling cauldrons, scary garden statues and zombie garden gnomes are just some of your options. Why not read further and discover some truly exciting and terrifying delights for your backyard here. Halloween garden decor
Halloween is celebrated by millions every year and it is an occasion that celebrates all things scary. Originating from the Christian feast of ‘All Hallows Day’ which is a focused around remembering the dead. It is also thought that Halloween has deep Gaelic roots also with the autumn season being associated with death. Either way Halloween is a time to celebrate all things scary! Typical activities include ‘trick or treating’ bonfires and of course fancy parties. Very much like Christmas, Halloween has become a time to ‘out compete’ your neighbours! 
Some of the best ways to do this is with scary front yard decor! From giant pumpkins to zombie statues to scary ornaments the choices are endless! There is something really fun and exciting about Halloween as it is such a break from the norm! Whether you are organising a Halloween party or just like darkness and everything evil we have some treats for you here! We have put together 26 scary, zombie or Halloween garden and backyard decor for you here. Pumpkin carving
It is theorised that pumpkin carving was brought to the United States by early Irish settlers. Vegetable carving was a very common tradition of Gaelic regions where vegetables were carved into faces. These faces were often rather grotesque and scary looking and illuminated with candles. These lanterns were deliberately made to look scary and were thought to scare off evil spirits! These ancient traditions evolved into the pumpkin carving we see today. 
Traditionally basic pumpkins are carved with simplistic eyes a nose and a wide open mouth. However in recent years pumpkin carving has become a little bit of a fine art. Intricate and complicated carving has led to some really impressive and even brilliant Halloween pumpkins. Creating impressive pumpkin carvings is not that difficult if you have the correct tools and some time. Below we have linked to this excellent pumpkin carving kit to get you started! Zombie garden decorZombies are a fictional construct which have evolved in popular culture typically in horror movies. The original word ‘Zombie’ was coined in the 1800’s and is thought to originate from the Kongo region in Africa. Here it was known as Vumbi or a corpse with a ghost or corpse ‘without a soul’. The zombie has been adopted by many horror movies making them now typical of anything with a dark theme. One of the earliest zombie movies was ‘Night of the living dead’ with a more recent example being the very well known ‘Zombie Apocalypse’. There is a whole range of scary, zombie decor for Halloween parties or your garden. We have put some of these for you below! 
Zombie garden gnome
Whether you want to freak out your guests at a Halloween party or simply want people to think you are messed up. This zombie garden gnome is certain to give your guests nightmares. With its crazy facial expression and dislodged eye it is sure to raise some eyebrows. This gnome can be a great way to greet your Halloween guests in the front yard! Perhaps it can also be a scary garden ornament eyeing up your guests sausage at the family barbecue. I mean it really is just despicably wrong! 
Sinking zombie statue
We are not sure what is more disturbing about this 31 inch zombie garden statue! This scary yard ornament has a life like look with a typical zombie grey, skin colour. Is it rising from the grave or sinking into the ground? Perhaps you have to decide for yourself! This zombie ornament is perfect for guests to discover lurking in the flower border or by an outside, seating area. If you want to create a perfect entrance to a Halloween party perhaps place one on the front yard, lawn. Even better light it up with some solar garden 'up lighters'. Perhaps even the ‘trick or treaters’ will be far too scared to come by your home this Halloween. 
Halloween yard signsWhat better way to get into the Halloween spirit than with some scary lawn signs. These come in a wide range of styles and shapes and have a multitude of slogans and verses. These scary signs are a great way to greet your guests if you are putting on a Halloween themed party. We have put some of our very favourite which just push down into your garden lawn below. 
Thinking Bigfoot statue
Bigfoot is not always associated with Halloween or scary themed subjects in general. However people who have run into him have become paralysed by fear. If anyone came across a 9 foot tall monkey man the size of a cow they would probably be a little scared to. Even though science generally plays down the existence of Bigfoot there are many credible reports! Bigfoot actually holds a reality that monsters might actually be real! Even though it is likely these Wild men would be shy and reserved the idea is a little scary. Hence this thoughtful Bigfoot statue will make the perfect scary garden ornament at any time of the year. 
Zombie arm statue
When it comes to scary things for the garden you can't beat zombies rising from the grave. Zombies have a terrible habit of waiting until Halloween comes around and then coming to life. This can make a real mess of the manicured lawns and landscaping! However for a Halloween garden party or for scaring your neighbours it is the perfect scenario. This zombie statue consisting of two arms will put the fear of god into your neighbourhood or garden guests. 
Tomb stones
There has always been something really spooky about graveyards! Somehow the idea of hundreds or even thousands of dead bodies just gives you the willies every time! Some of the scariest graveyards are those with large stone tombstones covered with low fog and a full moon. We can’t guarantee you will have a full moon or any fog for that matter. However these garden tombstone ornaments are perfect scary décor for any dark themed gathering. 
Fog Machine
If the sound of floating fog sounds too good to be true you can think again. You don’t have to wait for weather conditions to provide you with spooky conditions; you can make your own! This fog machine simply plugs into your mains power and pumps out low lying fog! It can be controlled by remote and has countless colour settings. This is perfect for a Halloween party and particularly effective used alongside scary lawn ornaments. 
Garden speakersIf you are trying to evoke a particular atmosphere in a garden or outdoor space sound can be an effective tool. This is especially so if you want to create a scary environment! These rock garden speakers are resistant to outdoor conditions and can go completely unnoticed. You can download scary sounds such as evil laughing and lighting strikes simply download these to your smart phone. Then you can connect the speakers via Bluetooth and play what sound you want on command! This is really great for the front yard when unsuspecting people walk past. Oh the fun! 
Hanging corpse
When it comes to scary decor you really want something that going to shock and make impact. There is probably little else which can do that than with this life size hanging corpse. This abomination will simply hang around and gently sway in the breeze. If you want to alarm your Halloween guests or just want to upset the neighbours this could be the one! 
Halloween spiderEveryone loves spider’s right? These amazing Arachnids come in thousands of species and help you to keep pests under control! Ok ok they are horrible! The way they scurry around with that impossibly, quick run, there is no doubt that spiders put the fear of God into people. Consequently if you really want to scare your guests why not try this extra large spider! Its evil eyes and long legs are just what everyone likes especially at Halloween. 
Giant spider websIf spiders were not enough there is always something very spooky about spider’s webs in the backyard. That’s probably because you know the moment you catch it a huge spider will jump out to intercept you! Well a build up of spiders webs also known as ‘cobwebs’ are a typical of scary decor and haunted houses. Hence why not create a haunted house of your own? These giant spider webs are a great way to turn a normal home into a haunted Halloween haven. 
Full body skeletonSkeletons are fascinating! Not only do they stop us collapsing into a sloppy jelly of fat and muscle they also look really creepy. This is probably why they have appeared in popular culture and movies for years. In such films the skeleton is usually portrayed as a hardy entity with evil intents such as in ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ other good examples of evil skeletons include films like evil dead 3. This full body skeleton makes perfect scary decor inside and out. Perfect for Halloween parties or even summer barbecues if you like that sort of thing! 
Bat stickers
Bats have been associated with dark themes for centuries. Not only is this due to bats living in caves they also look very scary. These rather odd flying mammals have leathery wings and huge teeth making them look formidable. These acrobatic flyers can swoop down low just over your head when walking in the evening. Even though you may not have any living nearby these bat window stickers will enable you to feel their presence. 
No trespassing sign
Although Halloween can be a fun time for everyone trick or treaters can take it too far. This is why it is always a good idea to make sure they are warned. A simple sign which shows the dangers of upsetting you is sometimes all you need! This scary garden sign does just that and is a great way to keep those pesky trickers at bay. On the other hand if you hate all people all year round why not keep it up all year? 
Green man plaque
The Green man is found throughout many ancient cultures especially in northern Europe. Depicted on ancient monuments the green man is thought to be the spirit of the woods. Many English pubs are named after this spirit which can appear as a scary face on the bark of trees. Many have speculated the Green man was actually a type of wild man or wild people who lived in the forest. Either way when you start to see faces in trees it’s probably time to change your drink! This Green man plaque therefore is certainly one for a scary garden experience. 
Zombie window backdrop
There are few products on the market currently which can scare people as much as this backdrop. The crazy face and blood stained hands is enough to make any one need a change of underwear. This scary piece of artwork is extremely lifelike and will make passers-by have a second and third look. However be warned, you will probably make all the kids in the neighbourhood have nightmares or cry! Perhaps this is just the desired effect! This backdrop fixes to the back of your window and is perfect for Halloween parties. 
Beastie zombie figurine
When it comes to scary decor you do not have to go far until another zombie makes an appearance. This small zombie figurine cut out is great for wall mounting both inside and outdoors. Whether you are planning a Halloween garden party or just a little strange this is a great prop for any event. 
Hanging Draculas
If you genuinely want to put the fear of god into your guests why not try these three hanging Dracula's. These ghostly, dark spirits have long dark cloaks which float and move on the breeze. This makes them seem to be alive and especially good for front yards and gardens. Although they don’t actually look much like Dracula's more like very evil and deranged clowns! 
Halloween decoration packs
If you really want to go over the top with your Halloween decor this year why not get a decoration pack? These have all kinds of scary goodies for the home and garden. From zombie, lawn decorations scary window stickers and haunted cut outs. There are multiple Halloween decoration packs to choose from so we have placed some of our favourites down below. 
Ravens
Ravens are large scavenging birds similar to crows but much larger. These glossy, black, avian creatures have always been associated with dark and sinister themes. The most famous ravens are those which live at the Tower of London. It is said that if they were to ever be removed from the tower it the building would crumble and fall. Ravens have been represented in horror stories such as the crow. Hence these rather remarkable little raven props are perfect spooky décor for the home or yard. 
Black Panther garden ornament
There are few creatures on the earth which look as menacing and ghostly as black panthers. However the ‘Black Panther’ is a blanket term for two types of big cats, jaguars and leopards. Both these spotted cats can be born in a completely black form called melanistic. Melanistic cats are rarer than their spotted cousins making them even more mysterious. What better way to add some scary garden decor than your very own outside panther. These models are lifelike and made of very durable polyresin. 
Talking witch
This rather terrifying hanging witch is perfect for porches or outside patios during Halloween or any other occasion. At 6 feet tall she is actually quite intimidating and scary to walk past. With her glowing eyes she will lunge towards you and cackle. Just plug her into the mains power and watch her freak out your guests. This scary witch is not for the faint hearted so best left for only the most fearless of Halloween goers. 
Grim reaper statues
There is something rather disturbing about the grim reaper at the best of times! However this stunning model on a throne of bones is the ultimate scary ornament. It can be placed either outside in the yard or indoors. This is perfect for gothic themed parties and Halloween gatherings. 
Fire pit cauldronsCast iron Cauldrons have always been associated with witchcraft and magic potions. The classic image of a witch leaning over a large cauldron stirring seems familiar to all. However, most Halloween parties or scary events rarely embrace these excellent gadgets. This camp fire cauldron comes with a hanging tripod and lowering chain. This is perfect for warming up mulled wine or stirring up magic potions! This makes the perfect accompaniment for the backyard at any time of year but especially at Halloween! 
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Having a lawn can be rewarding, but taking care of it every season can become tiring and laborious. If you want your weekends back to do the things you love, you should consider a robot lawn mower.
These robots can do all the work for you while you relax and enjoy the perfect lawn. Stop trying to find time to mow your grass every week and get a trusted piece of hardware that can take matters out of your hands. Over the past few years, robotic lawn mowers have advanced to become some of the industry’s leading smart hardware devices for homeowners. You can find machines that will cut your lawn efficiently, effectively, and with little noise, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful weekend all day long. Find a robot lawn mower that will take care of your yard while you relax in summer bliss.
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AuthorPaul Nicolaides is a Landscape architect and garden builder with over 30 years experience in designing, building and maintaining gardens. Contemplating just how important garden space is for nature and recreation he created 'Cool Garden Gadgets' to explore the best gadgets for enhancing outside spaces. From outdoor dining ideas to the latest garden technology we break it down for you here. Archives
November 2021
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