Oilcloth bunting is a great way to brighten up your garden or outdoor space. http://www.onlyoilcloths.co.uk has dozens of patterns to choose from, modern, retro, spotty, bistro themed and more. I choose a bright floral oilcloth for my bunting material.

First I made a stencil of the bunting triangle with a piece of cardboard, then simply used a crayon to mark out sections to cut on the back of the fabric.

Now I had lots of triangles, and some natural coloured twine to thread them onto.

Next I used a regular hole punch to make holes to thread the bunting.

I began putting the bunting together outside, and in the wind discovered a problem. My pieces were bunching up together.

I solved this by using the twine to make little knots to keep the triangles in place, then snipping off the excess string. It was a little fiddly, and there was probably an easier solution that I didn't think of, but it did the job.

Visit http://www.onlyoilcloths.co.uk to find your ideal design and make some outdoor bunting for BBQ season yourself.

Christmas is just around the corner now folks and it’s the same question on the tip of everyone’s tongue; will we have a white Christmas? The chances of snowfall this year may not have us all shopping for sleds just yet. But snowfall or no-fall, your garden can still be a magical winter wonderland.

If you have young children who dream of Santa and the North Pole, or you are a keen gardener who would appreciate a winter lawn, here are some tips to create an enchanting garden no matter the weather.

Plant Some Winter Flowers

Whilst the rest of your garden goes to rest during the winter season, winter bloomers such as Helleborus Niger or Helleborus x Hybridus only come to life when the weather turns cold. These stunning flowers are irresistible when they open up in winter and their pinkish white hues really add to the magical feel of your white Christmas garden. Add a splash of festive red with seasonal Poinsettia planters and you won’t believe how easy the transformation is.

Use Outdoor Christmas Decorations

If you want a true winter wonderland, you simply cannot forget the outdoor decorations. Transform your garden as well as your home to create a truly enchanting festive atmosphere for the whole family. If you have a fir tree, decorate it with outdoor lights and make sure you make your front and back door welcoming with wreaths, hanging planters and garlands.

Turn Your Shed into a Grotto

For a true flavour of the North Pole (this is great for kids!), a grotto is a must. Anyone with a shed can transform a basic wooden structure into something spectacular. All you will need is some artificial snow and some pretty Christmas lights.

Artificial snow comes in either sheet, spray or a powder form; use the sheet to decorate the roof / floor of the shed and dust off any nearby plants and trees with the powder or spray. Add some holly and ivy garlands to the front, along with some Poinsettia planters and you can make the grotto a welcoming place for the little ones.

Bring the Outside In

For anyone looking for a long term solution for enjoying their garden in winter, use frameless glass curtains to bring the outside in. Let the indoor and outdoor festive decorations come together to create a fantastic winter wonderland feel for the entire family. You can enjoy a white Christmas (fingers crossed) from the warmth and comfort of the indoors – or you can enjoy unobstructed views of the spring bloom come 2015. Whatever the season, frameless glass doors are a great investment if you want to enjoy your beautiful garden all year round. Visit FGC Frameless Glass Curtains Ltd to find out more.