Looking for great garden party ideas this summer? From table settings to twinkling lights and decorations, there are tons of ways you can make yours the best bash of them all.
Balmy evenings are here, but throwing a garden party takes a lot of preparation if you want to make it a night to remember. Before you begin shopping for decorations and concocting a yummy menu, make a plan of action. Will your party be a low-key gathering or a sit-down meal? Once you've decided what type of garden party you want to host, it's time to get planning.
'When entertaining outdoors, it's always worth considering how many people you plan to host, and what kind of atmosphere you're trying to create,' says Nicky Line, Product & Sourcing Director at MADE.com. 'We think of gardens and balconies as an extension of indoor spaces, so think about how you can inject your own personality, and link it to your style inside at the same time.'
• First, choose a theme. From colour palette to floral arrangements, this will make gathering supplies easier. You can host a garden party in any outdoor space, so don't be put off if you have a balcony. With a few tweaks — and a slightly condensed guest list — you can make it work for you!
• Decide which areas you want to decorate. For example, do you want to extend the decorations into your front garden?
• Make a list of everything you need to source, such as lighting, napkins and seat cushions. See whether you can borrow any items from friends to cut back costs. It can be tempting to go overboard, but garden parties really give you the chance to get creative and make things yourself. 'Save jam jars and fill them with wild posies,' suggests Bethan Harwood, Partner & Home Design Stylist at John Lewis. 'Or try making bunting from wrapping paper and old fabric swatches to strengthen your colour scheme.'
1. GARDEN PARTY DECORATIONS
There is much pleasure to be found in garden get-togethers, especially with loved ones we don't see regularly. If you're privileged to have your own garden, or any kind of outdoor space, maximise it to its full potential for the summer season.
Decorations are an excellent place to start, particularly those that can be propped up quickly (think bunting, paper lanterns and long strings of garland). Depending on how creative you're feeling, you can either make these yourself or buy them ready to hang.
'Nothing says British summer garden party more than bunting. A simple bunting garland will add some quaint summer fun to your celebrations,' says Laura Rich, Furniturebox's Product Developer. 'If you're feeling crafty, you can make your own with off-cuts of fabric, binding, some ribbon and some basic sewing skills. This is a particularly fun activity for any youngsters in the family looking for a spring project.'
For larger decorations, bring your garden party up a notch by getting your hands on either a donut wall, fun-filled photo booth, garden bar, or games such as giant JENGA. While these are largely dependant on the size of your space, they'll make every garden feel as welcoming as can be. Other garden party decoration ideas include on-trend balloon arches, drink stations (such as 'pimp your Prosecco' bowls) and flower walls. It can be tempting to go overboard, but just pick out your key favourites to lead with.
Once you've decorated the basics, you can really play around with layering other elements. Jugs filled with flowers always look lovely as a table centrepiece, and larger containers draped with string lights by a front door makes for a welcoming entrance, while a box of sparklers for guests to enjoy in the evening is certain to go down a treat.
HB garden party tip... Hang empty beer or wine bottles with pretty flowers from a tree for a unique approach.
Shop the full look at Lights4Fun
• Shop garden party decorations now •
2. SEATING AREAS
When hosting a garden party, seating goes beyond just propping up table and chairs. Once you've got the basics sorted, decide how you want to provide guests with a place to leisurely recline. If you have the space, a garden sofa is brilliant for friends to put their feet up with a chilled beverage, while a hanging egg chair offers a swaying spot to hunker down in the sun. You'll also want to consider a table long enough to seat guests, or larger round tables you can have beside each other.
Garden benches are also brilliant for extra seating and making everyone feel more welcome. 'Create a rustic and traditional feel for your celebrations with classic garden benches, providing your guests with ideal "breakout" spots dotted around the garden,' says Patrick Bridge, Chief Operations Officer at Harbour Lifestyle.
'This is a convenient yet classy solution to provide additional seating across your alfresco set up – all you need to do is add cushions and cosy blankets if needed, to keep your guests warm and comfortable.'
If you have children attending, consider creating a kid-friendly zone. You'll want a few tables, comfortable chairs (sturdy plastic are great wipe-clean options), as well as things to keep them entertained, such as sandpits and mud kitchens.
HB garden party tip... Set out a table with cupcakes for children to decorate (then give one to each guest as they leave!)
Set of two armchairs, £119, M&S
3. AMBIENT LIGHTING
Is there anything better than lolling around the garden under the starry night sky? Pretty lighting is key to entertaining once the sun disappears, with festoon lights, hurricane lanterns and LED candles all working splendidly.
Fairy lights draped across an empty wall can, as Jonny Brierley from Moda Furnishings suggests, turn any space into an enchanting oasis. 'String fairy lights never go amiss if you want to add a casual, fun feel to your outdoor balcony decor,' he says. 'Alternatively, a cluster of lanterns is perfect to create a glowing centrepiece on your terrace, porch, or balcony.'
Once you've decided on the lighting you want, it's time to hang them outside. Try not to go overboard — less is often more here — but still ensure your outdoor space glows when nighttime arrives. It could also be worth scattering a few LED or battery-powered candles to highlight any pretty flowers or features, such as a garden pond.
Make the most of hedges and trees by suspending lights from them, or place solar fairy lights along the top of your fence. Don't forget about your front garden, either: light the way for arriving guests by marking out paths and boundaries with stake lights. This will make it safer for merry visitors as they leave.
HB garden party tip: Wrap twinkling lights around arches and arbours for a scene-stealing display.
Festoon lights, £26.99, Lights4Fun
• Shop garden party lighting now •
4. CONSIDER A PERGOLA
Pergolas — stunning garden structures that add style and shade to your space — are the ultimate must-have for any party. As well as letting in a refreshing summer breeze, pergolas offer support for climbing plants and flowers, elevating the appearance of the structure.
Patios are of course lovely, but pergolas provide a good spot for an outdoor seating area. Some ways to cosy it up include propping up an outdoor sofa, stringing festoon lights either side, coordinating plant pots or hanging colourful bunting.
An alternative to a pergola is an arbour (which is built with a bench/seating area), or to save money you can build your own using wood. You could also invest in a wall-mounted gazebo. It's the ultimate spot to hide when the sweltering sun is at its height, or a light rain shower arrives.
HB garden party tip: Place a hammock under your pergola and guests will never want to leave.
5. PLAN YOUR TABLE DECOR
Formal or casual, create the dream tablescape for your garden party. Ceramics, serving platters, bowls and glasses are of course must-haves, but for a truly pretty tabletop setting think about how you can jazz it up. Personalised name card holders will make guests feel welcome, while artificial eucalyptus garlands are great to weave through the centre for an added touch.
'Tablescaping is a big trend, especially accessorising with fresh seasonal flowers,' Bethan tells us. 'Peonies and sunflowers are great for adding height and colour to your table. Other accessories such as napkins and statement china can be mixed in with your everyday pieces.'
Planning your table decor is really the fun part of entertaining. From runners to table cloths (consider wipe-clean if you're outside), it allows you to inject your signature style to wow guests. Minimalist posies, delicate vases and candles can all serve as impactful centrepieces, while bunches of dried flowers will make an everlasting impression.
Philly Mackinnon, founder of party planning website Sugar & Rind, recommends adopting a 'dine anywhere' approach. She suggests: 'An easy way to feed guests, especially in the garden, is to order a selection of food platters rather than having a sit down meal. Grazing platters are very on trend right now and come in lots of options, from antipasti to tapas, meze, cheese – even dessert platters.'
HB garden party tip: Play with pattern. You don't have to match everything together, so don't be afraid of mismatch napkins and tablecloths.
Shop the full look at M&S
• Shop garden party tableware now •
6. CREATE A GLOW WITH A FIRE PIT
Some of the best evenings are those spent crouched around the fire pit melting marshmallows. Providing enjoyment for all, getting your hands on a fire is the most popular and best add-on you can invest in for a garden party. A great excuse for people to gather without their phones, fire pits (or chimineas and grills) add a little extra warmth once the sun has disappeared.
'Fire pits or masonry barbecues not only cook the food, but also provide a lovely heat source with aesthetic glowing embers that will keep your guests mesmerised and warm late into the night. The ultimate multi-purpose option,' adds Patrick.
Get those s'mores ready...
Shop the full look at Lights4Fun
7. CONSIDER DIFFERENT ZONES
Zone your party by creating interesting contrasts, such as a place for games and a chill-out area. 'As guests arrive, direct them to the "cocktail zone" in the garden, with ready-made drinks they can easily help themselves to,' suggests Philly. 'This is where people will initially be catching up and chatting so should be free from loud music so they can hear each other talk.
'You could also add an outdoor bar area, which acts as a focal point for guests to gather around. Once people have eaten and become more relaxed, there needs to be a designated chill out zone. This could be as simple as a few seats with blankets as the temperature starts to drop.'
HB garden party tip: Make the most of your summerhouse or shed by turning it into a zone. A fresh lick of paint, pile of pillows and a cosy sofa can go a long way.
8. PROP UP A GARDEN POD
Portable garden pods — also referred to as garden domes, garden igloo or bubble tents — offers a chic way to cosy up, dine and relax outdoors (while also social distancing). They're more of a splurge buy, but can be reused every year.
Some bubble tents are crafted from sturdy transparent PVC that allow full 360 degree views, while other, more traditional, wooden garden pods feel more like an extension of the home with cosy furnishings. A relatively new concept for gardens, these bubble tents provide unique seating arrangements with space for tables, chairs, a garden sofa or toys for children.
Not sure how to decorate your pod? Bethan from John Lewis advises: 'Don't be afraid of borrowing some "inside" pieces and using them outdoors for your party. Cushions, throws and side tables work perfectly!'
HB garden party tip: If you've opted for a transparent bubble tent, why not suggest stargazing when the sun goes down? Grab a blanket and look up...
Pop Up PVC Bubble Tent, £599.95, Cuckooland
9. KEEP GUESTS WARM
There's nothing better than a summer garden party, but don't forget to keep guests warm after hours. Once the temperature tumbles, we recommend switching on your patio heater, draping blankets over chairs and making sure the flames from your fire pit stay lit.
Patrick tells us: 'To wrap up your preparations, and really make your celebration one to remember, add a touch of luxury to your garden with an outdoor heater. Watch your guests mingle and make memories late into the evening in comfort and style, by adding a heater to your outdoor patio area. All you need to worry about to keep the party going is that you have enough fizz to last!'
HB garden party tip: Tell guests to bring a warm jacket with them, especially if they are planning on staying late.
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13 outdoor cushions that are both practical and stylish
This diamond ikat outdoor cushion is perfect for layering on your garden sofa or bench. It's made from 100 per cent recycled polyester with a water-repellent coating. It's available in a navy, too.
We love the contrast piping and sweet scalloped edges of this bolster cushion from M&S. The blue stripes are perfect for adding some colour to your outdoor setting this spring and summer.
Boasting a rust colourway and printed swirling sand dune pattern, this outdoor cushion has been crafted from high-quality UV and water-resistant polyester fabric. It's sure to jazz up any garden sofa.
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces, this stylish woven cushion hits the spot. It might be made from recycled plastic bottles, but it has a cosy softness to it.
Keep warm on chilly summer evenings with this heated outdoor cushion. With three heat settings and pockets on the side, it will keep both your hands and body warm when the sun goes down.
Give your outdoor bench added comfort with this long cream cushion. Choose from a range of colours to find the right one for your space. Why not get the matching seat pads, too?
This waterproof garden cushion is perfect for your outdoor space. Thanks to its anti-fungal coating and waterproof lining, it's brilliant for alfresco dining. Barbecue at home, anyone?
Dreaming of warmer climes? Brighten up your outdoor space with these playful cushions, complete with a matching bold orange reverse, standard knife edging and a hidden zip closure.
Give yourself extra comfort on a wooden chair with this striped seat cushion, made from a cotton weave with a plump polyester filling. So chic!
Bring a playful touch to your outdoor decor with this orange and blue garden cushion from furn.com. We love the fun papaya print, which brings a feeling of summer holidays to the garden.
You can't go wrong with stripes! With a showerproof and UV resistant design, this striped outdoor cushion boasts a decorative piped edge, and is double stitched for added durability.