Garden parties aren’t just for royalty – they’re actually a fantastic way to celebrate the summer, good food and drink, and being with friends and family, and if the usual way you do that is with a barbecue, perhaps it’s time for something a little different; it could be the start of a brand new tradition that everyone loves. 

Of course, you’ll need to get the planning right if you want to host the perfect garden party, and although that can be daunting, it’s not actually as bad as it might seem at first. Yes, there’s a lot to think about, but if you take it slowly, give yourself plenty of time, and go through everything step by step, it’s perfectly possible. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to host the perfect garden party. 

Choose The Right Theme

If there’s one thing to know about hosting and planning a garden party, it’s that there should be a theme – it’s not the law, of course, but it’s definitely a good idea, and it’s something people are going to expect. Plus, when you’ve got a theme, it makes planning a lot easier – you can narrow your choices down so that you only need to think of a handful rather than an endless array of great ideas. 

There are all kinds of different themes to consider, including a vintage tea party, boho chic, tropical paradise, rustic countryside, and so on. Think about the space you’ve got, how you want it to look, and the food you like to eat and prepare, and that’s going to help you make the right choice. Or just pick a theme at random and go with it; that’s not going to be something everyone likes, but it can be a fun way to get some inspiration! 

Setting The Scene

Once you know what theme you’re going with, you’re going to need to think about how to transform your garden into your garden party venue – and you might need to be a bit creative, depending on the results you’re looking for. Start by ensuring the yard is clear of clutter and nice and tidy, and make sure you do some weeding and mow the lawn if need be. In fact, you could even plant some fresh flowers if it’s going to make a positive difference – people are sure to notice and it could be what makes your garden party really stand out. 

You’ll also need to think about the seating arrangements, as the last thing you’ll want is to not have enough seats for everyone. You can use a mix of different seating like chairs, benches, stools, or even picnic blankets if you want a more relaxed vibe, but this is something you’ll need to think about beforehand so you can be sure everyone’s going to be comfortable. Something else you’ll need to think about beforehand is outdoor tables. Having the right tables, and the right number of tables, is crucial, as you’ll need to lay the food out somewhere, plus people might prefer to sit at a table to eat too. 

Decorate The Space

To show off your theme and to make your garden look great, you’re going to need to invest in some decorations, and how many you get and how much you do is your choice – you’re the only one who knows what your garden party should look like, after all. However, no matter what you want the final result to be, making an effort is going to go a long way, so don’t leave things until the last minute – this is certainly something you’ll want and need to plan ahead, especially if you want everything to match your theme. 

You’ll need the right lighting, table settings, and any additional decor like bunting, balloons, flowers, or even props as well. Work on these things and have them in place before your guests arrive to give them the wow factor when they step into your garden.

Planning The Menu

Of course, if you’re hosting a garden party, you’re going to need to give your guests food, which means you’ll need to plan the menu as well – something else that can’t be left until the last minute, especially if you’ve got to make and cook dishes. 

Unlike a traditional dinner party, you’re probably not going to be cooking three courses and asking people to sit at a table and eat together – this is a different kind of party. Because you’re outside and the weather is (hopefully) good and warm, it’s best to opt for light food and food people can eat standing up, perhaps even wandering around, and so on. A table with a few different dishes of finger food will suit perfectly.