As many households prepare to welcome friends and family for World Cup matches this summer, experts at Barker and Stonehouse say homeowners do not need a full garden or dining room makeover to create a welcoming hosting space. Instead, simple styling updates and layout changes can quickly transform both indoor and outdoor areas ahead of matchday gatherings. Barker and Stonehouse has also reported a 60% month-on-month increase in garden furniture sales, as more homeowners prepare their spaces for hosting and socialising throughout the tournament.
Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, shares the quick hosting updates that can instantly refresh a space for World Cup gatherings and matchday entertaining.
Restyle existing furniture for a more sociable layout
According to Magdalena, one of the easiest ways to refresh a hosting space is by rethinking how garden furniture is arranged: “People often assume they need to buy completely new furniture before hosting, but repositioning pieces you already own can make a huge difference. Pulling dining tables away from walls, angling seating towards a focal point, or introducing more flexible seating can instantly make a space feel more welcoming and sociable.”
She explains that this works particularly well in gardens and open-plan spaces: “In outdoor areas, creating small zones for dining, lounging or drinks helps the space feel more relaxed and functional. Benches, stools and occasional chairs are useful because they can easily be moved around depending on the number of guests.”
Layer lighting to make outdoor spaces feel warmer
As summer hosting increasingly stretches into the evening, layered lighting is becoming an important part of creating atmosphere outdoors.
“Lighting has a huge impact on how comfortable and inviting a space feels after sunset,” says Magdalena. “A mix of lanterns, rechargeable lamps, candles and solar-powered string lights creates a softer and more relaxed atmosphere without requiring permanent changes.”
She adds, “Layering lighting at different heights helps gardens feel warmer and more styled overall. Even simple additions around a dining table or seating area can completely change the mood of the space and encourage guests to stay outside longer.”
Use soft furnishings to create comfort outdoors
As gardens continue to evolve into extensions of the home, comfort is becoming just as important outdoors as it is indoors.
“Soft furnishings instantly help outdoor spaces feel more lived-in and welcoming,” Magdalena explains. “Outdoor rugs, cushions and lightweight throws help soften harder surfaces and make gardens feel much more comfortable for longer evenings outside.”
She adds that texture also helps create a more elevated hosting setup.
“Natural materials such as linen, rattan and woven finishes work particularly well during summer because they add warmth and texture without making the space feel overly formal. Even small details like linen napkins or textured table runners can make a dining setup feel more considered.
This summer, we are also seeing people embrace more playful styling through layered textures, relaxed tablescaping and Mediterranean-inspired details that feel collected rather than overly polished. Even small additions such as striped table runners, clashing prints or linen napkins can make a dining setup feel more considered while still keeping the atmosphere relaxed and informal.”
Refresh tables quickly with seasonal styling
According to Magdalena, summer entertaining trends are moving toward more relaxed, effortless styling.
“People are leaning into a more informal approach to hosting where the focus is on creating atmosphere rather than perfection. Fresh greenery, seasonal flowers and simple serveware can instantly refresh a dining table without requiring lots of preparation.”
She explains that natural centrepieces often work best during the summer months.
“A bowl of lemons, herbs from the garden or loosely arranged flowers can create a simple focal point that still feels impactful. It is about layering natural textures and colours in a way that feels relaxed and easy.”
Create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow
As warmer weather encourages people to move more freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, Magdalena says continuity in styling can help homes feel larger and more cohesive.
“One of the easiest ways to create flow is by repeating colours, textures or materials across both spaces. Carrying similar tones from an indoor dining room outside helps gardens feel like a natural extension of the home.
“For larger gatherings, bringing more indoor pieces outside, such as table lamps, cushions or decorative accessories, can also help the space feel more styled and comfortable, as long as fabrics and finishes are protected or brought back indoors after use.”
She adds, “Even smaller patios, balconies or compact dining areas can feel guest-ready with the right accessories and layout. Hosting is much more about atmosphere and comfort than the amount of space you have.”
With many households planning to host friends and family throughout the World Cup, quick styling updates are becoming a simple way for homeowners to prepare their spaces for guests without committing to a full redesign.
Magdalena concludes, “Hosting at home should feel relaxed and effortless. Small changes such as layered lighting, softer textures and more flexible layouts can completely transform how a space feels, helping people create somewhere comfortable and welcoming to gather with friends and family.“
For further advice on garden design, visit Barker and Stonehouse’s guide to hosting the perfect garden party.
Photo by Askar Abayev: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-woman-holding-tray-with-food-5638274/
