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Top Tips for Socially Distanced Garden Parties

Article by Nick Rinylo

Top Tips for Socially Distanced Garden Parties

Whilst lockdown felt never-ending, the times are a-changing, and the rules are too. The UK is coming together now and slowly starting to relax the rules of COVID-19, and whilst lockdown is still partially in place, we’re now able to visit another household’s garden, whilst staying socially distanced. This means that loved ones can be reunited, and friends and family can start socialising again.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the feeling that life is returning to some kind of normality, but staying safe is still the priority, so we’re going to go over some top tips for socially distanced garden parties. Time to get excited and see your old pals, but don’t forget the hand sanitizer!

Stay cool


A great idea to keep in your own household bubble is to bring your own coolbox. This way you can have all your own food and drinks and stick to any dietary requirements whilst staying safe. Whilst hard facts are hard to come by, we know that the virus can live on surfaces for more than 24 hours, so it’s important to not be passing plates or bottles around with people outside of your bubble. If you’re having a barbecue, then why not even bring your own disposable barbecue to keep everyone at a safe distance?

Although the distance rules are between one and two metres depending on where you live, we would still recommend keeping a safe distance of 6 feet or more. As the virus is less likely to spread outdoors or in a well-ventilated environment, if you’re able to gain access to another household’s garden without going through the house, we’d strongly recommend it.


Get Comfy


Skyline offers a wide range of outdoor rattan furniture that can be moved around to not only create a stylistic, comfy and modern setting, but a safe one. If you’re investing in new furniture this summer then make sure you choose the right furniture for social distancing. Check out the Chatham collection; perfect for moving the furniture apart whilst keeping close enough for conversation. There’s also a wide range of tables that are perfect for nibbles and placing drinks down. We recommend using disinfectant regularly throughout the visit to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, and not touching furniture used by people outside of your household for at least a couple of days after the visit.


Lighten Up!


If you’re visiting friends or family and it’s been a while, chances are you’ll be talking late into the night. A firepit or outdoor heaters will help keep the party going – as even though it’s summer that doesn’t mean it’s always warm!

Keeping your garden well lit even as it gets darker will help make sure your garden is the go-to for all the socially distanced gatherings during the summer. Skyline offers an extensive range of both LED and solar outdoor lighting, including some real statement pieces like LED planters and LED seating (which wins double points from us as it’s so easy to clean!)

Show off your garden whilst keeping it safe and practical, so you can keep the party going into the British summer evening and enjoy your time with loved ones.


Game On


If the conversation runs a little dry but you’re not ready to call it quits yet, there are plenty of party games that are virus risk-free. We might not be able to play Twister or run three-legged races with people outside of our households yet, but there are loads of smartphone apps that are great for at-home pub quizzes or games like Heads Up! By taking advantage of all the free games offered on smartphones, there’s something for everyone.

Why not play charades? It’s fun and free for the whole family, and perfect for kids as well! If you’re keen to put a bit more effort in and make it really memorable, you could even design a scavenger hunt – just make sure everyone is wearing gloves!


Stay Safe


It’s likely your guests will need to use your bathroom throughout their stay. We’d suggest using disposable paper towels as opposed to a towel, and asking guests to wear disposable gloves to avoid leaving the virus on door handles. It’d be handy to have a bottle of hand sanitizer for both groups so when you’ve been inside the house, you can clean your hands and kill any potential bacteria. As much as it’s exciting to see your friends and family, it’s vital to not help spread the virus and use common sense.



This presentation was brought to you by SkyLine Design UK, suppliers of premium quality all-weather outdoor furniture and lighting option.