Child-friendly summer décor ideas for your home

After the pretty spectacular weather we had in April (hello sunshine my old friend) it’s that time of year when we all start turning out attention to the best season of all; summer! Decorating the garden for summer is such an enjoyable experience and sets you up for the months ahead of alfresco dining, BBQs, jugs of sangria, water fights and, well let’s face it, any excuse to spend time outside. It’s great to get the kids involved in the decorating your outside space, so here are some fun, child-friendly summer touches for your home.

Bunting

Flying the flag of nostalgia, bunting couldn’t be more reminiscent of British summertime than a cream tea at Wimbledon! Bunting is such a cute way of decorating your garden and is certainly something the kids can get involved in making. Whether you opt for simple paper version (or slightly more professional sewn triangles), ask the kids to thread together their favourite colours and patterns and get them to help you wrap them around trees and gazebos. If you’re not up to making your own, the kids can still help you hang up some pre-made bunting, like this lovely lot from Waitrose Garden.

Cushions and blankets

You can’t have summer without a picnic – and no picnic is complete without a cosy blanket and piles of cushions. Curate a collection of your fabric fabrics, colours and textured cushions and opt for a seriously soft blanket that you can wrap around everyone when the sun goes in and the evenings get a little nippy. There are a wonderful selection of brightly coloured blankets and throws at Arlo & Jacob.

Fairy lights

You can’t beat the magic of fairy lights on a balmy summers evening. Instead of the usual mini bulbs, how about going for something a little more fun and playful and something the kids will enjoy too. How adorable are these little bee lights from Lights 4 Fun? At under £10 for a set of more than 20, they’re a pretty little addition to your outdoor space and will provide fun for the little ones searching for the amongst the hedges; plus they’re solar powered too!

Parasol

Protecting delicate skin, both yours and the kids’ is beyond important, and while suncream is the best way to do this, a parasol is certainly a good idea for taking a few hours break from the sun and giving your skin a rest while you enjoy ice lollies and cold drinks. This bright sunshine yellow version from Maison du Monde can tilt to offer you the best sun protection throughout the day.

Painted jam jar lanterns

More of a craft project than an accessory, but painted jam jars look very sweet with a little tea light inside, and the little ones will be very proud of their painting project when you use them of an evening to illuminate your outdoor dining table. Invest in some glass paint and save any jars you have lying around, and these are a very affordable and cute way of letting the children help decorate the garden for summer.

Beanbags

Is there any better feeling than flopping into a beanbag (with a drink in hand for the adults) and chilling in the garden? These outdoor beanbags from Fatboy are certainly child-friendly and bring a bright pop of colour to your outdoor space. They are also water and dirt-repellent.

What do you think? Will you be getting the kids involved in some outdoor decoration?