How to Host the Perfect Garden Party
Words by Emma Hughes
April 19, 2022
|
4m
Whether you’re planning on breaking out the barbecue to make the most of a surprise summer heatwave, or you want to take advantage of those late evenings before the sun goes down, there’s no better excuse for hosting a garden party than some cloudless sunny weather!
Of course, if you haven’t hosted guests in a while and you’re looking to impress them a bit, then you might be struggling to settle on a garden party theme that everyone can enjoy – after all, there are plenty of different ways to prep your outdoor space for entertaining.
Fortunately, creating an inclusive and exciting garden party set-up has never been easier; all you need is a little prep time, and you’ll be good to go!
From advice on how to arrange your patio furniture for the perfect al fresco spread to tips on how to decorate a garden for a party at short notice, with our garden party ideas in hand, you’ll have no trouble turning your outdoor space into the perfect party oasis.
In this article:
1. Tidy up your garden the weekend before
When it comes to hosting a garden party, no garden party theme in the world is going to look the part if you don’t put time aside to prepare your garden in the first place. So, dust off your lawnmower, grab your trusty secateurs from their hook in your shed, and get ready to wash your patio as you put an afternoon aside to make your garden guest-ready.
To give yourself enough time, we recommend doing this the weekend prior, that way you won’t be rushing to tidy everything up at short notice. However, if you have impulsively decided to host a garden party, then a quick sweep of the patio and a trim of the lawn will go a long way to transforming your outdoor space.
2. Make sure there’s plenty of room for your guests
Once you’ve made your garden shipshape, your next task is to think about your garden party set-up – namely, how many guests will you be hosting and how can you comfortably seat all of them so nobody feels cramped (which is certainly not the same as being cosy)?
Here, comfortable seating options are a must to avoid sore backs, as are plenty of multi-functional seats to make the most of what room you have. Stools, folding chairs, ottomans, all of these can be surprising garden party essentials and can look great amongst your garden décor.
And, naturally, if you have the room (and the budget), garden lounge sets or day beds can really ramp up the luxury factor, letting you and your guests lounge in comfort amongst your beautiful outdoor space.
Of course, if you have a much smaller garden or you plan on hosting a more intimate gathering for close friends, then a cosy corner set is definitely the way to go. Create a central focus point using a smaller garden table, position comfortable seating around it, and let the chill vibes and quiet conversation act as the anchor to draw your guests in.
3. Don’t neglect the shade
If you’re planning on hosting a summer garden party, then you’re obviously going to want to welcome in the sunny weather so you can enjoy it to its fullest – but that’s not to say you shouldn’t still take the time to shade your central seating area in preparation for that midday heat.
Drinks on the lawn are one thing, but if you and your guest want to avoid that accidental summer sunburn, then moving your seating beneath a shaded pergola or under a strategically placed garden parasol will let you enjoy the good summer weather without catching too many rays.
4. Keep things cosy in the evening
The best garden party set-ups always imagine your garden as being an extension of your home – and that means going all in on the little things!
From copious amounts of blankets and throws for when things cool off in the evening to countless soft cushions that guests lean back and relax on, accessories like these bring a real sense of homeliness, texture, and warmth to an outdoor space, helping to bring the whole atmosphere together.
But if creating a sense of snugness is your real goal, then carefully placed benches and hanging chairs can go a long way towards building that feeling of relaxation necessary to offset the earlier hustle and bustle that comes with coordinating a busy get-together.
5. Set the scene with atmospheric lighting
No good garden party theme is complete without the appropriate atmospheric lighting to go with it, and with the right layout and intensity, you’ll be surprised at just how much of an impact it can have on your garden party’s aesthetic.
Indeed, outdoor lights of any kind are a clever way to introduce added atmosphere after dark, with solar-powered bulb lights being a particularly popular choice for entertaining as they automatically switch on when the light drops.
Drape them along a fence or position them on your pergola to evoke a warm, intimate ambience, or for a subtle alternative that provides plenty of atmosphere, simply scatter lanterns and candles around tables and pathways for some gentle and unintrusive illumination.
6. Go all-in on your garden party theme
When it comes to insights on how to decorate a garden for a party, the specifics really come down to your theme of choice – are you thinking something light, breezy, and Mediterranean-inspired? Or do you want to treat your guests to an extravagant formal soiree?
Regardless of your choice, you should look to include garden party decoration ideas that match your chosen theme. For example, linen napkins and tablecloths are a must for Iberian and Moroccan décor, whereas a gala-inspired party should absolutely include a Michelin restaurant-inspired table setting.
Of course, most garden party themes will still require a core set of similar accessories. Colourful bunting, balloon archways, statement blooms, all of these can be used to further elevate your outdoor space, as will DIY décor, a themed tablescape and food, clever use of garden pots, and a decorative tent, marquee, or pagoda if you have the lawn for it.
7. Include thematic garden party entertainment
With your garden party decoration ideas sorted, your next port of call is naturally going to be coming up with one or two garden party entertainment ideas. Again, these don’t need to be anything flashy, but they should absolutely be tailored to heightening the feel of the occasion.
First and foremost, every big garden party needs an outdoor kitchen and stylised menu (one that caters to all guests’ dietary requirements, of course) as the main event, while smaller gatherings can absolutely be elevated with thematically appropriate drinks – consider setting up a garden bar or converting your shed to a pub as an informal drinks space.
Classic lawn games are also a staple if you have children, though there’s nothing wrong with letting the adults take a turn at these, and for music and ambience, a wireless speaker off to one side can be the crowning addition to your spread.
8. Heating things up
Even the thickest throw might not be enough to keep you and your guests warm on those colder summer nights, which is what makes the use of a fire pit or outdoor heater such an excellent addition to any garden party.
Providing a chilled-out, snug ambience, and an extra bit of warmth, heaters and fire pits are a great place to gather around, turning any outdoor event into a magical evening to remember and keeping the party going well in the early hours – you could even put on a camping twist by roasting marshmallows over the open flames!
9. Prepare for those summer showers
Sunshine might be the hallmark weather for summertime, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be caught off-guard by those sudden summer showers and thunderstorms – which is why it’s always a good idea to prepare a backup plan in case of bad weather.
If it’s just light showers that you’re expecting, then a high-quality pergola can offer the kind of shelter needed to see them out while introducing a stylish and contemporary touch to your outdoor space.
On the other hand, if all-day rain is expected, rather than cancelling your garden party, simply take it inside. Use your decorations and theme ideas to transform your kitchen into a luscious green space that perfectly captures the feel of your garden – you can always head back outside if it brightens up in the evening!
Find the right garden furniture for your garden party
With all of our tips covered, you should hopefully have plenty of ideas for your garden party this summer. But even if you’re not planning on hosting an occasion any time soon, you might still be looking for those perfect pieces of garden furniture to complete the look of your outdoor space.
From classic garden seating options to roomy garden storage add-ons, our luxurious range of garden furniture is sure to have something to suit your tastes. And if you want more inspiration for styling your garden throughout the year, then head over to our blog for articles around garden seating ideas and tips for matching the current garden trends for the year.