Summer inspiration - in pictures

Tie multicoloured ribbons to the back of your garden chairs for a splash of colour. Vary the widths of your ribbon to add texture Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

Make your own paper rosettes to hang from trees in the colour scheme of your choice Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

Paint terracotta flower pots with bright gloss paint and plant with contrasting coloured flowers, like carnations, geraniums and lavender Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

Colourful paper lanterns look great during the day, but also make it easy when you want to continue the party in to the evening Photograph: Plain Picture

Pack in as many fairy lights and candles as you can muster to add a lovely romantic glow to evening proceedings Photograph: Plain Picture

Time to spark up the barbie. Marinate everything well – using oils, herbs and spices – to add delicious herby notes and prevent charring and sticking Photograph: Anitta Behrendt/Mainstream Images

For great flavours, roast colourful veggies together on skewers and serve with dipping sauces such as chilli jam or pesto Photograph: Gusto Images/FoodPix

At any time of day a barbecue ticks all the boxes for a relaxed, impromptu feast Photograph: Thomas Barwick/Taxi

Keep side dishes really simple: a couple of salads, roasted corn and guacamole are all you need Photograph: Thomas Barwick/Taxi

Looking for a way to mix up the generations in an informal way? Then nothing beats a barbecue Photograph: Plain Picture

Napkins are a really useful accessory for adding bursts of colour to your table in unexpected ways Photograph: Getty

Tie cutlery together with bright ribbon and mix up as many colours as you dare for a summery feel Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

To make an unusual centrepiece, group painted jars on a cake stand and fill with flowers Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

For a Latin flavour, use cacti and succulents for plant decorations and citrus and berry colours for tableware Photograph: Plain Picture/Narratives

Create an intimate atmosphere for an evening party with candlelight and paper lanterns Photograph: Plain Picture

Outdoor games don't require lots of expensive equipment – a simple hula hoop can provide hours of fun Photograph: Marilyn Conway/Photographer's Choice

Getting into costume always adds an extra dimension to a garden game. Keep a dressing up box and fill it with any unworn clothes or spare material Photograph: Hybrid Images/Cultura RF

Sometimes it's the old fashioned games that keep kids most entertained, such as a traditional wooden skittles set or an egg and spoon race Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

Try and find activities that allow the kids to expend a bit of energy – space hoppers, trampolines and swingball are all great fun to play, while also encouraging plenty of movement Photograph: Plain Picture

If you have any old packaging left from flat pack furniture, put it to creative use and get the kids to create their own playhouse. Or use old cardboard to make tunnels for an adventure course Photograph: Plain Picture

Summer desserts are a cinch – fresh berries make a lovely summery addition to panna cotta, frozen yoghurt or ice cream Photograph: Anitta Behrendt/Mainstream Images

Try adding unusual flavours to a fruit salad. This tropical fruit salad is given extra zing with a lemongrass syrup Photograph: Greg Funnell

Save energy by putting together as many no-cook dishes as possible. These duck rolls pack a real flavour punch and take no time to prepare Photograph: Greg Funnell

Let summer ingredients speak for themselves. Cherry tomatoes or grilled courgettes need nothing more than a simple dressing of lemon juice and olive oil Photograph: Greg Funnell

Whatever the meal, eating outdoors in summer is one of life's great pleasures Photograph: Plain Picture

Keep hold of egg cartons, plastic bottles and cardboard packaging – they're all invaluable tools for creating fun toys on a rainy summer's afternoon Photograph: Anitta Behrendt/Mainstream Images

In addition to bunting, you can liven up the garden with these concertina tree decorations. Use contrasting papers and patterns to create a bright splash of colour Photograph: Greg Funnell

Ditch boring plastic plant pots and use vintage tin cans and old storage boxes as planters – it's a great way to accessorise your garden decking Photograph: Jon Day/Narratives

Old jam or coffee jars make really good storage solutions for craft essentials, such as beads, ribbons and crayons. Encourage your kids to decorate the jars with sequins and stickers. Photograph: Anitta Behrendt/Mainstream Images

Bunting creates an instant party atmosphere and is really easy to make. All you need is some patterned paper of various designs, pinking shears and ribbon or string Photograph: Noah Clayton/Getty Images

For a quirky, on-trend look, use mismatched glasses to serve summer drinks Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

Kids love drinks full of fresh fruit flavours and will enjoy them all the more if they've helped make them
Photograph: Plain Picture

If you're serving drinks made with home-grown fruit and herbs, try a rustic look for your tableware
Photograph: Plain Picture

Julia Bradbury is a big fan of entertaining outdoors: "There's something magical about eating and drinking al fresco" Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

Even the simplest of gatherings becomes special when it's set up outdoors
Photograph: Plain Picture

Add straws, swizzle sticks and assorted cocktail decorations to cups and glasses for a party Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

Keep hold of plastic bottles so you can easily transport homemade drinks to picnics. It's healthier and more cost-effective than buying ready-made versions
Photograph: Plain Picture

Fresh herbs, straight from the garden, are a great addition to summer sips. Basil goes well with lots of flavours, here with watermelon crush Photograph: Marcus Nilsson/Gallerystock

Try this twist on lemonade: whizz fresh strawberry puree with lemonade and serve over crushed ice with shredded basil Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk

Colourful Brita filter jugs, such as this Marella one in mint, blend beautifully with a summer decoration theme Photograph: Greg Funnell/guardian.co.uk