Whether you’re having a party, a gathering, or simply lounging solo in the sun, we’ve put together a few of our favourite essentials and luxuries to help you make the most of your outdoor space.

From handy barbecue tools to smart shade solutions, there’s something for everyone – and it won’t break the bank – especially on Amazon Prime Day.

Ninja Woodfire Electric Barbecue and Smoker

Normally, the idea of an electric barbecue might make you shudder in fear of how unsafe and impractical they are. But we simply can’t say enough good things about this one. Unlike others on the market we’ve faffed around with, the entire device is incredibly easy to use, as well as being much more compact and portable than the rest. It’s easy enough to store inside on a rainy day, but if you forget, or are totally mad, it’s weatherproof – so you can get barbecuing on even the gloomiest days a British summer has to offer.

The smoking function only requires a handful of tiny wood chips and uses a fan to circulate heat and smoke, making it more efficient than many ‘actual’ barbecues. And, on top of grilling and smoking, it also has an air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate function, removing the need for dashing back and forth between kitchen and garden.

Shop the Ninja smoker here 

Parasols

A parasol is a great way to unlock a new corner of your garden you thought too ugly to use, or to help turn your scorching patio area into the cool space it was destined to be. Amazon has a plethora of reasonably priced options in a variety of colours and patterns, and all require little setup – as well as being mostly under 50 pounds.

Shop parasols here

Outdoor storage box

One way you could get your garden ready is probably by making it presentable… Luckily, we share your mild-hoarder tendencies, and suggest getting a sleek storage box to chuck all those loose pots and gardening tools into. With the addition of a pillow, you could even turn one of these into a handy bench if you find yourself swarmed with guests.

This 270L model by Kater is weather resistant, and, as a bonus, is made up of 65 per cent recycled plastic.

Shop Kater’s storage box here 

Decorative trellis

A trellis isn’t just a gardener’s friend. Even without climbing plants, the right one on its own can add a subtle elegance to that one plain wall or fence you’ve never been sure how to spruce up. We’re in love with Selection’s bronze leaf design trellis, which comes in a pack of two to create some satisfying symmetry in your garden.

Shop the trelis here 

Keter cooling box table

Investing in a cooling box for your own garden might feel stupid – who needs a tiny fridge so close to the other one? But Keter’s cooling table adds another novelty which is hard to resist. Without any booze or ice added, the table weighs just under 6kg, so has a place anywhere and everywhere in your garden.

For extra ease, the raised table component can be adjusted up and down to give you a range of convenient heights (for when you’re reaching over carelessly from your deck chair). We’re a big fan of the stunning white and brown colour combo that’s bound to give your garden a ‘boujee’ feel.

Shop Keter’s table here

Read more: Landscaping and garden design – how to design the outdoors of your property

Mondeer hammock

It would be easy for us to recommend a plain bit of garden furniture. But if you’re looking to really relax in your garden this summer, why not turn to a hammock? It may make your inner child happy too…

Mondeer’s adjustable model supports up to 200kg and comes in five colours to match the vibe of your outdoor space.

Shop Mondeer’s hammock

Garden lightbulbs

Adding a touch of soft, warm lighting to your garden instantly turns the place into a cosy haven, with no further work required. Rather than retreat inside, you can now enjoy the cooler evenings in your own fairy land, thats now only part make-belief.

This set from Zuske is available in a variety of lengths to suit your specific needs, and can be powered by either the mains’ electricity or solar power. And don’t worry – the bulbs aren’t actually made out of glass.

Shop outdoor lightbulbs here

DIVCHI Garden archway

Much like a good trellis, an archway – even if it leads to no where – is another great way to add some charm and direction to your garden. They pair well with a small trail of slabs, and can be a great inspiration point, helping you to design your garden  around it as a centrepiece. You needn’t have to be a green-finger person to start growing on it either, just some sweet peas growing up it make all the difference.

For the same price, DIVCHI also sell a smaller obelisk shape to serve the same purpose.

Shop the DVICHI archway here

Basics zero gravity chair

We did say no basic furniture, but the comfortability of these Amazon brand chairs is hard to not talk about, and equally hard to pass up on. Nearly 50,000 other shoppers have given it just under 5 stars.

This price includes a set complete with 2 chairs (fit with their own drinks holders) and a small table. Although a tad less socially inclined than other options out there, these relaxed, reclined chairs are still a great upgrade for anyone’s garden.

Shop zero gravity chairs here

…A lawnmower

Saving the most boring til last, if you want to truly get your garden summer ready, a lawnmower is the most obvious but most necessary pick. Luckily, the excitement of having it bought to your door within 24 hours courtesy of Amazon can certainly make this a more bearable activity.

With plenty models £100 and under, Prime Day is the best time to seek a replacement on that rust-bucket in the shed, and finally get to grips with your lawn.

Shop all lawnmowers here

Finn Norris

Finn is a writer and musician. He has written on internet culture, technology, and reviewed music, film, and television. When not frantically tapping away he can be found kicking back with the simpler things: coffee, cats, and football.

The post Small buys to get your garden ready for a big summer appeared first on Silver Magazine.

There’s something about the dawn of spring that generally makes us reach for the bin liners and the cleaning kit. But this year has felt a bit ‘meh’, so maybe you haven’t felt the urge for clearing out and cleaning up. If spring cleaning has passed you by, it’s time for an early summer blitz. Shall we get started?

Treat yourself 

If you struggle to push yourself to even open the cleaning supplies cupboard, decide on a reward for yourself when you’ve finished. 

Open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving, treat yourself to that top you’ve been eyeing up online, or save that Netflix episode till you’ve cleaned the bathroom. Whatever ticks your boxes. It’s almost like having a star sheet, but for adults. Yes, we are suggesting you gamify your housework.

Set yourself a timer

Cleaning can really drag on, and sometimes you feel like you’ve done loads but then look around and can’t see any evidence of it.  

Set yourself a timer. This could just be once a day for a week, you don’t need to do everything at once. Say you want to clean for an hour, set a timer for 30 minutes. Afterwards, take a five minute break, then set up another 30 minute timer. If it doesn’t seem so bad, keep going!

Scent it up

Get some products with scents that you actually like. Fabulosa have some great scented anti-backs, this Daisy Chain anti-bac will make your home smell of spring, even if the weather doesn’t seem to think it is. 

Glade also have these great Shack n Vac products you put onto the carpet before vacuuming. It’s a quick and easy way to end fresh scent into your home whilst doing a task you were already planning to do. 

Bust a move

Put some music on! Blare the speakers with your favourite tracks and make some fun out of it. No one said you have to scrub your toilet in silence.

Invest in handy products

There are lots of innovative products now that can help keep things cleaner. Meaning you don’t have to get on your hands and knees and scrub as frequently. 

These little dehumidifiers are great to keep in the barrel of your washing machine (when it’s not cleaning your clothes!). They absorb the moisture, so your washing machine doesn’t develop a smell or mould in the detergent draw as quickly.

Pick up an oven liner to put on the bottom of your oven. You won’t have to clean it as frequently as the oven liner collects any food drips and is much easier to clean that the oven itself.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be confined to kitchen counters and bathroom floors. Give your wardrobe some love as we transition into warmer weather clothes. A clothes’ steamer is a great investment to give your clothes some TLC. 

So hopefully you’re equipped with a few ways to tackle the cleaning this season, that doesn’t fill you with dread or result in a meltdown. 

5 home improvements you can do on a budget

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Spring cleaning is so last month. Time for the summer blitz! appeared first on Silver Magazine.