With the weather still in a yo-yo state of mind, it can be tricky to know when exactly to plan quality time in the great outdoors.
Barbecues, picnics, birthday parties: if you think you can count on the British weather, you probably haven’t lived here for very long.
We must take our chances where we can, squeezing as much joy from good weather for as long as it holds. It’s character-building. That’s why you’ll find parks packed with office workers on a sunny lunchtime and gardens ringing with laughter when temperatures soar at the weekend.
Given that we never really know when the sun will decide to show its face, getting the right outdoor furniture in place is key. The nicer the pieces, the more likely you’ll want to get out there and use them.
The problem is buying new garden furniture often means lengthy waiting times, sometimes up to three or four months - and we might be in a whole other season by that point. Luckily, a few retailers offer next-day delivery on everything from dining sets and bistro tables to accessories like solar lights, firepits, BBQs and more.
With delivery straight to your door, you won’t have to make much more effort than unpacking and positioning into place. Some of the options we’ve included may require a little construction, so be sure to check (and rope in a friend to help) if you’re not a confident DIYer.
It’ll be worth the effort, we’re sure. Speedily delivered garden furniture to enjoy in the sunshine is worth its weight in gold.
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Furniture123 5 Seater Neutral Rattan Corner Sofa Set
You soon won't recognise your garden if you buy this lounging sofa set today. The five-seater reclining design comes with a glass-topped coffee table and a matching side table, with chic cushions included in the bundle too. Just decide where it's going to go, measure carefully and then all you need to do is work out who to invite over first.
Buy now £749.97, Furniture123
Grand patio store Garden Bistro Set
Working with a small space? Even a small table and chairs can heighten the pleasure of being in the garden. This bistro-inspired design comes in a selection of colours but we like red for adding a pop of colour to the surroundings.
Buy now £94.98, Amazon
TORVA Folding Adirondack Garden Chair
Adirondack-style chairs are the cheat's way to making your garden or balcony feel like a resort. This fold-up design comes in black, blue, green and grey but orange is our choice for enhancing sunshine feels.
Buy now £127.83, Amazon
Spirit Home Interiors Handmade Indoor Outdoor Floor Cushion
Embrace the boho trend currently ruling interiors and take it outside with this beautifully decorated 50 x 50 x 10cm floor cushion. It's perfect for dressing up patios, porches and balconies but can be placed on top of furniture for extra-plush cushioning.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Dunelm Singapore Hanging Egg Chair
Full disclosure: this hanging chair isn't available for next-day delivery. Instead, it will take a few days (two working days when we checked) to get to your door, but we think it's worth the wait.
The rattan look comes with a stand so there's no need to drill into any ceilings. Simply set it up in a sunny patch and nestle yourself into those plump cushions.
Buy now £199.00, Dunelm
Homeology Oshowa 2-Large Garden and Patio Bistro Chairs
It's always a nightmare trying to find extra seating for surprise guests. Give friends and family a place to sit with these cast aluminium chairs that boast a high backrest and armrest for extra comfort. Add some seat cushions, and sit back and smell the roses.
Buy now £169.95, Amazon
LIFETIME Folding Half Bench
Cleaning up after a barbecue is enough to put you off throwing another one forever. Divert mess from being trekked all over the house with this folding alloy steel frame bench. It opens up to create seating for three people and can be used as a makeshift coffee table to keep sauces, utensils and plates too.
It may not look like much here, but it's nothing that a nice tablecloth or table runner couldn't sort out.
Buy now £38.99, Amazon
Dunelm Rattan Rope Bistro Set
It will take two working days to get this frankly fabulous bistro set to your door but for a serious style inject, we're willing to exercise patience. The extra wide armchairs come with cushions and a matching glass-topped table to keep essential drinks and snacks.
Buy now £149.00, Dunelm
Rattan Direct Rattan Garden Day Bed Sofa Set in Chocolate and Cream
A sectional sofa for outdoors allows you to configure the pieces to suit your space and the occasion best.
You can turn Rattan Direct’s set from a U-shaped sofa to a giant daybed or separate them and put a coffee table in between for a casual conversation pit. As well as the bases, the set comes with said coffee table with a tempered glass top, free scatter cushions and a free set of outdoor covers to keep it protected against bad weather.
The company offers speedy delivery with next-day options available.
Buy now £1379.00, Rattan Direct
George Home at ASDA Black Novaro 4-piece sofa set
Petite outdoor spaces and smaller gardens can still accommodate sofa sets - just on a more compact scale.
This lounge set from George Home manages to blend the pretty and the practical perfectly - its black steel frame offers a cool industrial edge and is corrosion-resistant, while the poly rattan weave is also waterproof. Pull up a pew.
Named day delivery is available for a small additional fee.
Buy now £549.00, George Home
