Here we are, barely having cleaned up after Halloween, when Bonfire Night is upon us. There seems to be a dearth of displays this year (although your local paper will no doubt list those that are going ahead), and we think it will be a good idea to settle down in your own back garden with a few sparklers, some cosy blankets and perhaps get the firepit or barbecue out (plus some mulled wine, naturally!). Read on as we bring you some Bonfire Night-inspired style…
Keep It Simple
Creating a beautiful outdoor entertaining space is an all-year-round investment that can end up everyone’s favourite ‘room’ in the house. From summer drinks to Bonfire Night parties, a well-designed terrace is an asset. This one features our Erebor Natural Split Face Wall Tiles, teamed with Yosemite Grey Wall and Floor Tiles – suitable for both indoors and outdoors.
Terrace With a View
We love the autumnal colours here and can imagine a lovely outdoor bonfire night party taking place here – with perhaps a chance for building a real bonfire at the far end of the garden! If not though, keep it sensible with a firepit and some outdoor lights. Our Erebor Gris outdoor porcelain slabs are in a 595mm x 595mm format, also come in Beige, and create a stone-effect surface that is hardwearing and safe thanks to their R11 slip rating.
Monkey Business…
Yes, it’s perfectly possible to decorate your terrace and garden all year round, sliding from spring to summer with outdoor textiles and parasols, into autumn and winter with lighting and heating (and plenty of blankets and cushions of course!). This little monkey can slip from Halloween to Bonfire Night quite easily, it’s the wonderful Monty The Sitting Monkey Indoor Outdoor Light from Dowsing & Reynolds. It needs to be plugged in, but can be used outdoors as it’s IP44 rated.
Cosying Up
Just the job for settling down with a hot chocolate and warm blanket on Bonfire Night. This is the Grey Leopard Woolen Throw with a fringe, by JJ Textile.
Lights Up
Create your own firework night with these striking Hanging Silver Starburst Lights, available from Sparkle Lighting. They can be used indoors and outdoors, available in plug-in and battery formats. Rather a good idea for literally adding a sparkle to your outdoor garden project, and perfect for a seasonal fireworks celebration.
Create a Party Space
It was a family tradition, hauling my children up the Alexandra Palace hill to see the annual bonfire night fireworks and fair. Back in the day it was free to get in and not too crowded – it’s become the Ally Pally Fireworks Festival – a much more exciting event, although the fireworks were always fabulous! Ah, well. If I’d had a terrace like this then, rather than a muddy back garden at the bottom of Ally Pally hill I would have much preferred to sit here and watch in comfort! Use Granito Black replica granite slabs in porcelain to create a stunning outdoor space for parties all year round.
Black & Gold
The contrast of black-stained panelling and gold metal furniture is a great decorative idea that works well for this terrace area. Ormsby Retro Outdoor Dining Chairs and the Gainford Bistro Outdoor Table will sit happily outside all year round, no need to worry about taking cushions indoors in bad weather.
A Warming Drink
A firepit is a great outdoor investment that will be useful all year round once you and your guests get into the swing of firepit cooking, and also of course, the concept of the Mulled Wine Warming pan. See the Firepits UK extensive collection of swing arm pans, hooks, and accessories, and start planning your autumn/winter feasts! Here’s a great mulled wine recipe from Jamie Oliver, most are flagged up as Christmas recipes but 5 November seems a pretty good starting point – after all it might need a few practice runs!
A Cosy Corner
Make your summer terrace work all year round and provide a cosy spot for a birds-eye view of the neighboring fireworks. Adding some throws, perhaps a sheepskin rug or two, and some warming refreshments can transform a sunny spot into a wintery wonderland. These are our Himalaya Madera Roble Wood Split Face ceramic tiles, designed to replicate split wood.
Getting Even Cosier
Animal pattern blankets look creatively cosy and will keep guests comfy and snug. This is our second animal print suggestion, it’s the Giraffe Throw in Wool from JJ Textile.
Happy Hedgehogs
We always think of the hedgehogs on Bonfire night (and all the poor pets who get scared by the whizz bangs of the fireworks). So this time we’re being cheerful and bringing you some woodland and hedgehog inspiration, with designs by Sophie Allport in collaboration with the National Trust for their Hedgehogs & Trees collection. You can find out more about the National Trust by heading to its website, and after you’ve done that, take a look at the Hedgehog collection each purchase provides a small donation to the NT.
Wilder Things
More hedgehog inspiration … this time from Perkins & Morely, with their Wilder range of animal mugs. This, needless to say, is the Hedgehog Mug.
Have a happy and safe Bonfire Night, and do send us any pics of your celebrations and outdoor projects – hit us up on Twitter tagging @TileMountainUK or on Instagram!
You might also enjoy these posts on the Tile Mountain blog…
Inspired by Bonfire Night: Dark Walls with Bright Colours and Metallic Finishes
Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.