Summer living

One of our favourite artists, Tess Newall is an expert at creating beautiful crafts at home. Here she shares her helpful guide to pressing flowers so you can give it a try this summer

Massive marrows, dog fancy dress and slightly flat Pimm's: Lucy Clayton reflects on this most quintessential of British summer activities, coming to a village green or school playing field near you soon

Drought-tolerant plants bloom heartily through heat waves and dry summers, without watering. Hazel Sillver looks at some of the best ones to grow

Here’s how to grow a perennial garden that doesn’t need pampering

Rising from the azure waters of il Golfo di Napoli, the island of Ischia welcomes travellers in search of tranquility under the bright Italian sunshine - here's an ultimate guide to the island, telling you where to eat, stay and go

From playlists to personalised place cards, Tanya Burr, Paula Sutton and Noor Murad share their key takeaways for al fresco fun

With the summer holidays in full swing and nary a classroom nor textbook in sight 'til September, it can be difficult to know how exactly to keep your children occupied day after day. Fiona McKenzie Johnston has devised four clever interiors projects to stave off boredom – and get your children excited about design

Though deceptively simple in its composition, any cocktail connoisseur knows that ice is the silent ingredient that truly helps to make a drink sing – be it whiskey, a spritz or fresh-squeezed lemonade. We've given you our favourite ice-making methods, as well as a round up of the best moulds, filters and other ice-related accoutrements for your sipping pleaure

Come summertime, it can feel as if almost every great country house or city park has been taken over by musicians and glitter-covered crowds. If you haven't scored your festival tickets – or simply are sitting this year out – why not bring the festival to you? We've gathered our at-home festival favourites, from fairy lights to speakers to giant tasseled tents so you can party on in style

Slap on the sunblock, pour yourself a Pimms and enjoy our pick of outdoor games you should have in your shed