I wouldn't paint the fencing white - if its a sun trap I think it will bounce the light and be so so blindingly bright! - it also shows all the dirt - we have a white picket fence and it needs repainting so often =( I would be temped to paint the fencing a green or grey colour and cover with trellis and pretty climbers. Or I've seen lovely wood fencing which silvers over time - it would be a bit softer than brilliant white. Re slabs - Look on ebay - we have had lovely slate slabs off their before. =D or reclamation yards. You could have a paved sitting area AND pebbled area with plants. Do you want any height to the plants to add privacy or a bit of shade? I think I'd be tempted to have a tree in a HUGE pot or some bamboo

Story of my life with a huge family of grown up children, partners, grandchildren and others. Enjoy seeing them immensely , a few tips: a large expandable table (ours expands twice) cheap bed linen which washes and dries quickly travel cot and bed settee,/ futon. As well as back up inflatable beds from the camping world. large beautiful vintages chests and cupboards for toys, art stuff etc a selection on the current Disney films and music (frozen, obviously) labelled doors for the forgetful elder. waterproof sheets (that don't look like this) spare toothbrushes, toiletries, Calpol, medicines, flannels and wipes. loads of biscuits. a huge snack basket. extra chairs, tables (garden ones are fine) and cloths (waterproof ones are good) in attractive colours. ask late sleepers to move upstairs and hide your best whisky! don't bother to downsize lol

It's better to post a plan as it's impossible to say without any dimensions to work with.

Yes Daisy they are not comfortable and we tend to be lounge dwellers lol but I do like a table when I have guests or sunday lunch around a table so nice for get together. I work with lots of young dogs and puppies and my last german shepherd (sadly now passed) had a thing about testing my new tables and chairs just nibbling them around the edges so this was a bit of a solution with metal finish to that issue as we had him for 15years!! lol. But to be honest has worked out extremely well especially for hot things. I have considered Having top recovered in solid surface as I like its shape and size and I do use it as a workstation too and bentwood chairs soooo love this style of iconic chair around a mismatched table and love natural woods thats why I kept the upper cabinets that are solid med.oak and beautifully made just replaced one or two facia panels on the wall units to tie in with my new base units in a matt sage/grey finish thats so easy to keep clean. Going to replace facia on plate rack on far wall next to link it in more sort of evolving this kitchen make over used a great replacement door company in Stoke. If I do replace whole lot table and chairs will then make a charming little set for the garden so I cant complain about this buy as purchased half price In late summer sale nice when things are useful. I do like the slightly industrial timber plank tables too with metal legs and rustic tops