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The excitement of Christmas and New Years’ may have died down and the days are quickly getting cooler, so why not make the most of the last few weeks of sunshine and warmth and throw a backyard party? Whether it’s an autumn picnic or a barbecue bash, here are some things you’ll need to remember to make it a success.

1. Nothing says ‘summer days’ like a game of backyard cricket, so having a few bats, wickets and plenty of balls on hand is an absolute must – and guaranteed entertainment for all ages. But why stop at cricket? Grab a cheap badminton or croquet set, or a ring toss if you’ve got a smaller backyard, and prepare for a day free of ‘Mum, can I go on my iPad?’ (okay, that last part might be wishful thinking!)
2. It’s all about hydration, hydration, hydration! You’ll need plenty of cool drinks and heaps of ice, plus several coolers to store it all in. This doesn’t have to mean planting unsightly eskies all over the place – there are tons and tons of cool beverage storage options in stores at the moment. How does a metal ice bucket sound, or a row of large glass drink dispensers? Get creative!
3. Plan your menu in advance. Are you bringing back summer vibes with fresh prawns and snags on the barbie, or going autumnal with salads of roast veggies and nuts?
4. You’ve no doubt seen them everywhere: huge blow-up birds and tropical fruits for floating or playing on in the pool. Having a couple of these in your pool won’t just look great, but provide a refuge from water that’s just that tiny bit too cold.
5. And while we’re speaking of decorations, have fun making some garlands or centrepieces to turn your alfresco area from drab to fab. Take to Pinterest for tons of inspo, or just get some crepe paper, sticky tape and go for it.
6. Get the tunes going! Whether you’re a fan of laid-back songs or golden-oldies, you’ll need some sort of sound system to set the mood for the party. It’s also a good idea to make a playlist in advance – that way you can just press ‘play’ and walk away!
7. With so much going on, it’s easy to forget to slip, slop, slap – but having plenty of sunscreen on hand is so important to making sure your guests go home with smiles on their faces, not sunburn! It might not be the peak of summer anymore, but sun protection in sunny Queensland is important all year round.
8. It’s fun in the sun, but you’ll also need to provide an area where kids and adults can chill out in the shade, too. An extendable awning could be the perfect way to sun-proof your backyard – you can wind it in and out as the sun moves and make the most of your outdoor area. Alternatively, installing rolling awnings on a deck or courtyard will keep the glare and the UV rays out so that you can enjoy the space without worrying about the sun!

Hamptons style is truly timeless. A perfect blend of deep blues, crisp whites and soft natural textures, it embodies elegance, extravagance and relaxed beachside living all at once. Originating from the affluent seaside towns north of New York City, Hamptons living has long been coveted the world over. Now, you can bring the ageless look into your home – without having to uproot and move to the Hamptons themselves. Read on to find out how.

1. Start with a bare base. The foundation of any Hamptons style home is white – white walls, windows and ceilings. You can go rogue and opt for beige, cream or grey, but stick to the general rule of ‘light and bright’.
2. It’s window treatment time. Plantation shutters are the obvious choice for a Hamptons style room, as they are clean, crisp and functional. Floor-to-ceiling curtains are another great option, adding drama and softness to your space. You can even go all out and team the two together, in different shades, to create that multi-tonal, multi-textured look that is signature Hamptons.
3. When it comes to key pieces of furniture like sofas, beds and dressers, the heavier the better. Think large, sumptuous couches and armchairs, long side tables and spacious beds. Lots of strategically placed tables and seating are key to making your home feel like the extravagant living rooms of the Hamptons.
4. The next step: layers, layers, layers. The Hamptons colour palette may be simple, but in terms of texture, the more the better. Opt for cushions and throws in different fabrics, large soft rugs topped with chrome or wooden furniture, and knick-knacks, candles and coffee table books for decoration.
5. Add some colour with green plants or wall art – but do so sparingly. There is definitely such thing as too much when it comes to Hamptons style, so for paintings go for one large photograph or two or three smaller frames in a series. Remember, the style is inspired by luxurious beach houses, so coastal-themed art is always appropriate.

Keen to get started bringing some Hamptons-style elements into your home? Give Image Blinds a call on 1300 657 100, or pop into our showroom on Zillmere Road in Aspley to see all of our plantation shutter and curtain options.