When the days shorten and the Cotswold hills turn golden, most people retreat indoors – but this is actually the best time to start thinking about next summer’s garden.
Those effortless evenings of alfresco entertaining – the scent of herbs, the flicker of candlelight, laughter beneath the stars – all begin with planning that happens now, while your garden is resting.
At Gardens by Keltie & Clark, we believe that a great garden design for entertaining starts with a conversation: How do you want to live outdoors? The answers shape everything – where guests will gather, how light will fall, and how the garden connects to your home.
So before the rush of spring, now is the moment to design the garden that will host your next summer party, family celebration or quiet sunset dinner.
If you want your entertaining garden ready for next summer, winter isn’t downtime – it’s design time.
Here’s why:
A full luxury garden design project can take three to nine months from first ideas to completion. Starting now means your space is ready for those first warm evenings – not still under construction when you’d rather be outside with friends.
When your garden is stripped back, you can see its structure clearly. Without leaves or colour to distract, it’s easier to spot opportunities – where you could add a terrace, an outdoor kitchen, or a new focal point.
Many products – from luxury outdoor kitchens to lighting systems and paving materials – have long lead times or go out of stock by spring. Planning now means you can secure what you really want and take advantage of winter offers.
Top-quality craftsmen and design teams (ours included!) schedule months ahead. Getting started in winter guarantees your spot and avoids the spring rush.
With less growth and clutter, winter gives you clarity. You can walk your garden, imagine how guests might flow through it, and begin shaping zones for dining, lounging and firelight.
Designing the perfect garden for entertaining isn’t just about adding a table and chairs. It’s about creating a seamless experience – where cooking, dining and relaxing blend together effortlessly.
Here are the design features worth planning this winter:
You can see how many of these ideas come together beautifully in our Rustic & Chic Barn Conversion – a sociable courtyard garden designed for year-round outdoor living in the Cotswolds.
A great entertaining garden isn’t just for summer. With smart design, you can use it in every season.
Imagine Christmas drinks around a firepit, twinkling lights reflected on winter planting, or the first spring brunch outside. The best outdoor living spaces are built for comfort in all weathers – with durable materials, covered seating and layered lighting that make them feel as inviting in January as in June.
If you’re dreaming of next summer’s gatherings – cocktails by the pool, suppers under the stars, or family celebrations that spill into the garden – don’t wait until spring.
By starting your garden design for entertaining this winter, you’ll give yourself time to plan properly, refine every detail and enjoy the excitement of seeing your garden take shape.
At Gardens by Keltie & Clark, we’re already booking design and build projects for spring. Begin your journey now with us now, and when the warm weather returns, your garden will be ready for the season’s first glass of wine under the Cotswold sky.
Start planning your summer garden now – get in touch with us!
Why should I plan my garden design in winter?
Garden design and construction take time. Variables including weather, supply, and availability all play a part in a project’s duration. Starting in winter ensures your garden is ready for summer entertaining, not mid-build when the sunshine arrives.
How long does garden design take?
Most Cotswolds garden design projects take between three and nine months from initial consultation to completion, depending on size, features and materials.
What are the best features for a garden designed for entertaining?
Outdoor kitchens, dining terraces, firepits, lighting and sheltered seating areas all enhance your entertaining experience, helping you enjoy your garden from spring through to winter.
Can a garden be designed for year-round use?
Absolutely and it’s something we actively encourage. With the right lighting, heating and planting, your entertaining space can be just as inviting in colder months as it is in summer. Get in touch with us to find out how we create outdoor entertaining spaces you’ll want to use all year round.
