Sunshine ready

As sunny days are here again, we asked garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson to share how she preps for the social season

- JESSICA SALTER

ENTERTAINING outside is such a mood lifter. It has an informality and fun that you can't match indoors. And there's the delight on all your senses, from the sun on your skin, the scent of plants and being among friends.

■ The first thing to think about is what entertaining in the garden looks like for you. Do you want to have big family meals at a table or see yourself sitting around a firepit drinking wine with a few friends in the evening? Will you regularly host 30 people or a family of four?

■ Consider the space. You'll naturally gravitate towards the sun, so figuring out the best place for your table or lounge area is essential. I used to have a north-facing garden and it was sunniest at the end, so that's where we put big squishy sofas, rather than near the house, where it was dark and shady. The exception is where you place the dining table - you won't want to eat under full midsummer sun, so you have to find a balance.

■ Figure out the views: work out where you feel overlooked and where feels more private.