This Blog shares how I used hay bales to create an L shaped sofa, creating a relaxation area for your wedding or party guests.
We recently organised a special birthday party in our garden and used hay bales to create an L shaped sofa. The aim was to create a relaxation area for our guests and as the theme was “festival” I opted to use hay bales for the seating.
Living in rural devon, it was very helpful living near a farm where I could buy the bales relatively cheaply (although the farmer tells me he sells the bales to people for events all over the country)
Having searched for the type of bales I needed and possible designs, there was relatively little information so I thought I’d share with you how I created the look.
It’s a perfect solution for parties, weddings, garden parties and even just a relaxed afternoon with friends.
Things to consider when building a safe out of hay or straw bales.
Allergies. Be mindful of your guests who have hayfever. As a family, we all suffer with this allergy, however by using the throws, all contact was bought to a minimum.
Straw or hay debate. It really is totally up to you which you choose, the cost is generally the same. The straw can be more itchy and the bales can fall apart more easily. We found the hay softer to sit on and the bales more substantial.
Timing. In an ideal world, the weather will be dry and the evenings damp free! The last thing you want if a soggy sofa! Remember I’m in the UK! Once you know where and how you’re going to place the bales, the set up is super quick. if you can leave the creation until the morning of your event, after the dew has gone OR if you need to set up the day before, ensure you have enough waterproof coverings to ensure the hay remained dry.
With an idea in my head and a sketch on paper, I set about making the L shaped sofa from the hay bales I’d collected from the farmer earlier that morning.
To create the L shaped sofa, you will need:
12 average sized rectangular hay bales
6 cushions
2 wooden pallets
Hessian cloth
Seagrass Tray
Candles
Fresh flowers and Ivy from the garden (or your local florist / supermarket)
Vases or old jam jars of various heights.
Creating your L shaped sofa with hay bales.
Place two bales lengthways, side by side.
Place two further bales, in front of the first two, in order to form a rectangle.
Next place two further bales, on top of the original two.
If you have twining, you could attach the bales together to prevent movement and additional security / peace of mind.
However, I didn’t feel the need to take this option as everything seemed pretty stable.
This is your first sofa!
Repeat these steps with the remaining bales, adjacent to your first sofa, forming your L shape.
Options
Should you wish to have arm rests, place an additional bale at the end of each sofa, on it’s side.
Instead of creating an L shape sofa, place the second sofa opposite facing the first sofa for a different style / feel.
Accessories
Positioning the throws.
In order to ensure comfort, one throw was placed on each seat, covering the hay and tucked under the “back part of the sofa or two higher bales.
Place a further throw over the top of the higher bales and tick in, ensuring no hay is visible or sticking out. Use the bale tie to keep the throw in place.
When you’re happy with the positioning, you have your sofa made.
Simply add the cushions. I grabbed these from the house, they are from a selection from Ikea.
Greenery.
Adding a plant between the two sofas and at the end of the L, creates a softness and ensures the space was filled. I forgot to take an image after I added them but this is what I used, all from Ikea and borrowed from the house and a good friend! You could add a stool or bale here to create a coffee table and an additional space for glasses.
Soft Furnishings
Using a selection of throws and cushions from the house, made sure there was no hay sticking to legs and created an extra softness to the seating! They are from Ikea and range from £3-£10 They are all machine washable and so it didn’t matter if they got a little fizz on them!
Natural Touches
On the morning of the party, I spotted this seagrass footstool from the Habitat section of my local Sainsburies store.
Having checked, there aren’t any currently available online, however I’ve shared a few very similar ones here:
CharlesTed InteriorsDunelm John Lewis
Where did I find my Inspiration?
We didn’t have the budget for some of the fabulous outdoor furniture available. Howeve,r here’s a little insight to my garden kitchen and outdoor space vision board from where I got my inspiration.
How stunning is this Mayfair Rattan Modular Sofa Set from Bridgman? A gorgeous outdoor lounging set is perfect for adding a touch of style to the garden. The adjustable table makes this a great addition for both lounging and dining.
Relaxing on outdoor comfy sofa with a good book, is one of the most perfect ways to spend time in the garden on a warm Summer’s Day. In the Autumn, add a blanket and a warm hot chocolate!
Daybed
From Jo Alexander, the Tuscan Reclaimed Daybed is made with rustic reclaimed teak.
At an extra large size of 300cm, it’s perfect if you are looking for a much larger day bed option for your garden space.
I love that the charm of the Tuscan Range is the knowledge that it’s had a previous life – maybe as an old beam or floorboard dating up to 100 years old, and is now beautifully crafted as a enduring piece of garden furniture.
3 Seater Sofa Dining Set
This sofa from Charles Ted features a 3-seater sofa, two armchairs and a riser table. Perfect for garden hosting. I love the special design of the table offers which allows it to be used as a dining table or lowered for use as a coffee table. A winner for sure!
All pieces are crafted from all weather 5mm PE rattan with a hand woven mixed half round / full round weave in a washed grey finish. The sofa and chairs have luxurious showerproof cushions in a soft grey colour to complement the colour of the rattan.
This area was a hit with teens and adults
This space was a real hit for the teens and adults alike, it was really comfortable and really created a lovely, relaxed vibe to our party.
I really hope this has helped and inspired you to create your special cosy and relaxing area for your wedding or party and that you have an incredible time.
Do let me know!
I hope this Blog helps you create your L shaped sofa and relaxation space for your special event and has provided some inspiration. Please let me know in the comments below.
As if by magic It’s Easter Weekend and the Mother Nature has done her very best. The sun is shining and we are able to enjoy up to six guests in our gardens this weekend here in England. Hurrah! This week’s blog, is all about the fun bit! Adding the the finishing touches, to welcome your friends and family back into your garden or when you meet on the beach or at the park for a picnic. I’ll be sharing things that have caught my eye that I think you’ll love, together with some delicious recipes so you don’t spend all day in the kitchen!
If you’ve been following my Blog for the last few weeks, I’ve shared ideas that have helped me over the years, that I call the Big Spring Refresh!
Phew! So that’s the hard work done! Now it’s time to enjoy your space.
“Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.” ― Clare Ansberry, The Woman on Troy Hill.
Making an entrance
Years ago, someone told me to put a simple pot near your front door or by your garden gate, filled with blooms that not only look pretty, but also have a wonderful fragrance. It is a fabulous welcome to anyone visiting and of course for you on a daily basis! The beauty of having your blooms in a pot means that you can move them depending on the season. They will have the same effect on your balcony, outside your beach hut or on your decking.
Sweet peas have a very special place in my heart – they always remind me of my dear grandparents and so to have them growing in my garden, like like they did. Although my gramps was a master, how I wish he was here now to help me.
“A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.”
Unknown
Let’s Eat!
After all the hard work you’ve done refreshing your garden ready for Spring and entertaining your guests, the last thing you want to be doing is slaving in the kitchen all day. Your friends and family want to see you! The key to this happening is to prepare ahead and keep it simple. Sharing a few favourites from James Duigan that we love and hope you do too.
Greek Lamb Skewers with Courgette Tzakziki
A huge family favourite which we love to cook on the barbecue, alrthough you can cook on the griddle / grill if tyou prefer. Everything can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients:
600g organic lamb leg steaks, trimmed and cut into large chunks.
2 tbs olive oil, salt and pepper
1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp ground coriander
1/2 cucumber, 2 courgettes
1 small bunch of mint, finely chopped.
300ml organic natural yogurt
zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1/2 lemon
rocket leaves, to serve.
Method:
Rub the lamb with the olive oil, salt, peper, cinamon and corriamnder. Thread onto wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes.
Grate the cucumber and ciourgettes and mix in a bowl with finely chopped mint leaves. Stir in the yogurt and lemon zest.
Heat the grill / griddle pan to a medium heat (or if you’re using a barbecue, ensure it’s perfect to start cooking on.
Grill the lamb for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden. Squeeze the lemon juice over the lamb and serve with the tzatziki and some peppery rocket.
Kabbouleh
A delicious lunchbox or picnic treat and certainly the perfect accompaniment to any barbecue, we love it with chicken or fish. Feel free to mix up your grains and use what you have to hand, gluten-free varieties if you prefer.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp sumac, juice of 1 lemon
¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper
100g cooked and cooled quinoa, brown rice or bulgur wheat (or a mixture, or any leftover cooked grains of your choice that you have to hand)
3 good handfuls of kale leaves (stalks discarded), finely chopped
half a small cucumber, seeds scooped out, finely chopped, 1 spring onion, finely chopped,
8 small tomatoes, chopped into quarters, handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
Method:
First, make the dressing; it will taste better the longer it sits. Whisk together the olive oil, cumin, sumac, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and set aside.
Make sure the cooked grains have cooled down completely so they don’t wilt the salad when you put everything together.
Put the kale, cucumber, spring onion and tomatoes in a serving bowl and stir in the parsley.
Pour over half the dressing and mix it through; this step will tenderise the kale and distribute great flavour through the salad.
Add the cooled cooked grains and the rest of the dressing, stirring everything together.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or another squeeze of lemon, or to the way you like it. Tuck in.
TIP If you like heat, feel free to add a little fresh or dried chilli, or some finely chopped garlic.
Sticky Chicken Thighs (serves 4)
Pure comfort food. The kids love these with the sweet potato wedges with crispy chickpeas and dollops of Greek yoghurt seasoned with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of spring onion. You can cook the chicken in the oven as here, or on the barbecue if you prefer.
Ingredients:
140g tomato purée
2 tbsp honey (optional)
1 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp paprika
generous pinch of black pepper
600g organic chicken thighs
drizzle of rapeseed oil
For the salsa
Ingredients:
4 large tomatoes
small handful of fresh coriander, with stalks, finely chopped
1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
juice of 1 lime
salt and ground black pepper
drizzle of good-quality olive oil
Method:
In a large bowl, mix together the tomato purée, honey (if using), tamari, apple cider vinegar, paprika and pepper to make the marinade. Season to taste. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each one is completely coated.
Put the thighs on a large baking tray. Drizzle with a little oil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven or until completely cooked through and golden brown. Turn halfway through cooking.
Meanwhile, make the salsa. Finely chop the tomatoes and add to a small bowl with the coriander. Mix in the chilli, garlic, onion and lime juice. Season to taste and add a good glug of oil. Mix again and leave in the fridge until the chicken is ready.
Serve the chicken with a big spoonful of salsa, a green salad, seasoned yoghurt (see recipe intro above) and, if you like, sweet potato wedges.
Roasted figs with honey & Greek yoghurt (Serves 4)
“Whenever I make this simple dessert, it reminds me that if you choose delicious, good-quality ingredients, you don’t need to do anything fancy with them.” James Duigan
Ingredients
4 large figs
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1-2 tsp manuka honey or good quality honey for drizzling (or try maple syrup for a variation)
handful of rosemary sprigs
8 tbsp Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt
2 tbsp pecans, chopped and toasted
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/ gas 4 and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Slice the figs into halves and quarters. Place them on the prepared baking tray.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon over the figs and drizzle with the honey. Lastly, lay the rosemary sprigs over the figs.
Place in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until caramelised and soft. Leave to cool for 10 minutes.
Serve the figs dolloped with the yoghurt, sprinkled with the pecans and the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon.
Chalk Pink Linen Company create the highest quality luxury bedding, table linens and home wares made from pure European Flax Linen. Their linen is gently stonewashed to create a timeless style and elegance which becomes more beautiful with every wash. Beautiful linen that’s not only eco friendly but don’t require an iron!
“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in–what more could he ask?
A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.”
― Victor Hugo, Les Miserables
Life’s a beach!
…or a picnic! We can now venture to the parks and beaches and see friends, should you wish to leave the garden! That doesn’t mean you can’t style it out there too. (although please be socially distant and stay safe)
Love this new season cool bag from Sophie Alport to keep our food and drinks super cold and fresh. I think we could all enjoy this beautiful giant picnic rug, in the garden, park or the beach. It’s from Annabel James, a new find for me. Oh so lovely!
I’ve recently discovered a fabulous cocktail company, Bar Bouy. A new brand dreamt up on the beach in Devon when the world pressed pause last year, was a positive to come out of Lockdown! I adore their philosphophy, with their main aim being to put some smiles back on faces. I also love that Bar Bouy are local.
“With a taste for well-made drinks and a thirst for the perfect sized pre mixed sundowner, we’ve created a range of hand crafted, bar standard, cocktails to be enjoyed at home or sent as gifts.”
Each cocktail is made to order just a stone’s throw from the sea using premium spirits and high quality ingredients. They are fresh, so once delivered should be chilled and enjoyed within seven days. Alternatively they can be frozen upright and kept for up to three months before being defrosted and enjoyed at a time that suits you.
Each bottle is 240ml giving the ideal measure for two to share at home, the park or back on the beach where the very idea of them first began. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Think these would make fabulous gifts too. Question is which one will you try first?
When the sun goes down..
We’ve not seen our friends or family for a while and so when the sun goes down, we really won’t want the “party” to end. We want to be cosy and warm, especially as we can’t enterain inside right now so having some throws close by is a must! This is where lighting, candles and a fire pit also come in handy! (Please ensure you are being safe!)
I love the idea of an outdoor cinema and love how Cuprinol have styled theirs above. Anyone else get lost on Pinterest or just me? I’m delighted to share wirth you another new find, Rory and Ruby, a small business who sell the most incredible gifts, such as the Organic Cotton star throw (below) and gorgeous hampers.. If you’re a keen gardener, you’ll love the Gardeners Hampers too. They are fabulous.
Imagine sitting around the fire pit long into the night surrounded by friends or family. Doesn’t it look heavenly?
I hope that I’ve have given you a little inspiration for your garden and menu for this Spring and Summer ahead. As ever, I’d love to know your thoughts and comments so do let me know. What’s inspired you the most and what are you motivated to try. I read every comment honestly.
Chalk Pink Linen Company.
Next time on the blog, I’ll be sharing some thoughts on how we can look after our mental health and well-being as we continue with the easing of Lockdown. If you’d like to receive it straight to your inbox, you can subscribe here. (There will be no spam, I promise!)
In the meantime, feel free to join the conversation on my instagram.
I really hope you’re having a fabulous weekend and have a lovely week ahead.
