Get your garden match ready for the ultimate summer of sport

From BBQs and outdoor bars to cosy seating and weatherproof shelters, discover how to turn your garden into the perfect space for al fresco dining and summer entertaining as football fever takes over.

It’s coming home, it’s coming home… the World Cup kicks off on Thursday 11 June 2026 and whether it comes home or not, there will be plenty who will celebrate or commiserate in their gardens. Is yours worthy of winning the coveted trophy or more of an own goal?

As the World Cup lights up summer, make sure your garden is ready for whatever highs and lows it brings with friends and family round to lead the cheers.

Gardens can be games of two halves as football matches can – you need somewhere to relax and put your feet up and somewhere for that all-important get together over food as you clink glasses.
Al fresco dining isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience.

The smell of fresh dishes mingling with a gentle breeze, the plink plink of ice cubes splashing into glasses cheers-ed together alongside laughter that lingers long after the sun goes down. Whether it’s a relaxed brunch in a sunlit courtyard or a candlelit dinner beneath the stars, everything tastes better outdoors.

Flavours are savoured and taste buds sharpened, there’s something so very special about cooking outside.

BBQs have come a long way from the iconic charcoal kettle-style to gas powered and brick built ones to today’s bouji outdoor kitchens that are designed to impress (and make your culinary skills do the same), or perhaps pizza’s your thing and you like to mix and match your toppings and have your unique family favourite?

True al fresco fans will have constructed their own bar and perhaps already put up that TV ready to settle in front of the match – think about the variable British weather with this.

A shelter or shade of some sort is a must. Shades, sails and awnings have become popular in recent years to add a stylish touch and are the ideal way to protect you from a shower and also to ward off excess heat, fingers crossed.

Depending on your home and garden, perhaps a pergola, gazebo or lean-to is a more permanent option?

If it’s going to be a late night, you’ll need lighting to keep the party going – solar power is a popular choice, strings of fairy lights, wall lighting or spotlights in your decking, and you’re ready to party into the early hours.

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