7 Essential Things You Need to Host the Perfect Summer Garden Party

Are you planning to host a garden party this summer? There really isn’t a better way to celebrate the warmer weather than a fabulous get-together with friends and family out in the garden. But if you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to help.

We all want it to be a stress-free experience with the enjoyment bar set really high – and that includes you, the host. It’s all about minimal running around, maximum pleasure and it all comes down to answering these 3 questions:

- What kind of party do you have in mind; casual lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or all-day barbecue?

- How big is your outdoor space?

- Who’s on the guest list, and what do they need to feel comfortable and catered for? 

If you can nail down the answers to those questions, you should be able to figure out the answer to the biggest question - what do I need for a summer garden party? 

Apart from the sun, we believe there are 7 essential things you need for hosting a successful garden party. 

So now let’s look at everything from garden seating and food to repelling insects and, of course, entertainment…

Garden Party Food and Drink

We start with the most important things, the food and drink. Most often, it’s the main focus of any party. So, what’s your plan: day or evening, sit-down or ‘find a seat’, buffet or barbecue? 

Don’t forget, this party is outside and the weather always adds that extra layer of consideration. 

What food do you serve at a garden party?

You’re going to be overwhelmed with ideas, so we’ve put together some top tips to help you plan the food for your outdoor party.

1. Don’t feel obliged to make everything yourself - remember the stress-free promise. Have a mix of pre-prepared and your own dishes.

2. If you are making some of the food from scratch, go for tried and tested - your own signature dishes or family favourites. This is not the time to channel your inner MasterChef or Bake Off.

3. Try to limit the amount of running around you do on the day so you don’t exhaust yourself. Being the host means socialising as well as catering. Let guests help you with tidying and ferrying dishes to and from the kitchen.

4. If you are barbecuing, then marinate meat and fish in advance, and definitely pre-cook chicken to be on the safe side.

5. Snacks and sharing dishes, such as mezze, tapas and dips, will keep guests satisfied while they wait for the barbecue main event.

6. You can keep the number of salads down to just 2-3 if you also offer some very different dressings.

7. If you’re planning a pizza party, then maybe invest in a good quality pizza oven.

8. An easy way to add wow factor is with desserts, puddings and cakes. Again a mix of bought and home-made will work.

9. Try to cater for your guests with allergies and dietary needs as part of the main menu, and just avoid peanuts altogether.

10. Finally, keep it simple even if you are getting the caterers in. It’s all about enjoyment for you too.

What kind of drinks should I offer at a garden party?

Again, the choice is jaw-droppingly huge so we suggest you keep the following in mind...

- Beers, ciders, wines and spirits: do you need to offer every type of alcohol? Maybe limit it to a manageable choice of 2 types (your guests are likely to bring supplies too).

- Ensure you have plenty of water and soft drinks, especially if it’s warm weather. Too much sun and alcohol is not a good mix.

- Pre-mix drinks - cocktails, iced teas, Pims and maybe old-school punch.

- Don’t forget that tea and coffee are often just as welcome on hot sunny days.

- Offer more than orange juice and lemonade for ‘non-drinkers’. There are some very sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks on the market these days.

- Create a special cocktail (and mocktail) for the occasion.

- You’ll need lots of ice to keep bottles cool, so don’t be too generous with it in your guests’ drinks.

- If you’ve got the room, create designated drink stations so guests know where to go for their cocktails or soft drinks.

- Keep accessories to a minimum, such as straws and umbrellas, etc. Fruit slices are much nicer, and much better for the environment. 

Garden Party Seating 

There are so many different types of garden furniture so keep in mind the kind of party you are organising.

Is it a formal sit-down meal or a more casual affair with your guests choosing a spot to sit and eat as and when? 

You want garden seating that allows your guests to enjoy the wonderful food you are preparing as well as socialise easily. If your party is going to include children or elderly relatives, then comfortable, lightweight and mobile seating such as an aluminium dining set is a must. 

What’s the best type of furniture for a garden party? 

Space is an important consideration, so what will work best for your party plans? You want people to be able to eat easily rather than squashed round a table or wondering where to put their drink while they balance a plate of food. 

If you’ve the space, a round or long garden table and chairs can be both formal and family-friendly. 

Equally, break-out ‘zones’ with seating and small tables are equally good for the midday barbecue and afternoon tea. If space is tight, then an adjustable garden table is a must as it allows you to convert a space easily.

What kind of vibe are you after? Cool, stylish metal or a more relaxed, rustic feel with rattan furniture? Are you OK with people just curling up for a snooze or a convivial chat? Sun loungers and daybeds are great for this and perfect for all ages, though children will likely go for the rugs and big floor cushions at ground level. 

The key is to make it all very easy and provide different options where possible: to eat and drink without messy accidents, while enjoying each other's company. The biggest thing of all when it comes to garden seating though, make sure every guest has a seat. 

How do I make my patio furniture more comfortable?

Throws, blankets and cushions will raise the comfort level of even the hardest garden furniture. Let your guests put their feet up on ottomans while outdoor rugs can keep the ground under foot warmer for longer and accessories such as lanterns and candles, will make an area look more welcoming as well as set the tone if the party lasts into the evening. 

Comfort also means having your drink and a blanket in easy reach, so don’t forget small side tables.

How should I arrange garden party seating?

Go for what will work for your party and your space, but be prepared to switch it around when it feels right. If you’re having a small gathering, maybe over lunch time, then arrange the seating to make it easy to serve and eat food. 

If it’s an all day event, with lovely food emerging continually from your kitchen or barbecue, then you can be more relaxed. In which case portable, lightweight seating will work best. Aim for a happy, chatty bunch of people that can move around freely rather than trying to style for an interiors magazine.

Lighting Your Garden Party

If your party is going to continue into the evening, then outdoor lighting is essential. You want to add atmosphere and of course, avoid accidents. 

How do you light a garden party?

There are 3 considerations to make when lighting a garden party:

1. How permanent do you want your lighting to be: Do you want it set into your patio and deck, or attached to walls and garden fences? Or would you prefer temporary solutions, such as string lights, lanterns, candles and fire pits? This will influence the following…

2. What kind of power source works for you: mains, solar, battery, natural fire? Or maybe a mixture?

3. What’s your style: cool, clean and minimalist? Fun and funky? Low key and atmospheric?

A good plan is to create lighting on lots of different levels around your outdoor space. 

Illuminate your garden table with groups of tea lights, candles and lanterns. Wind fairy lights around tree trunks and fences. Use solar uplighters to illuminate plants, trees and pathways at ground level, and hang strings of fairy lights wherever you can. 

Outdoor Party Tableware

Eating outside can be a bit messy, so for the sake of your guest’s dignity and comfort, do make sure you have enough of the right tableware to hand, especially if you have children coming to your party. The basic kit includes plates, cups, glasses, cutlery and napkins and non-breakable is always best. 

And because this is outside, buy some food protectors, and always have something heavy to hand to stop things flying off in the wind.

Think about the environment too. Avoid disposable and go sustainable (dishwasher proof is also possible). Colours, patterns and different materials will add a stylish edge as will centre-pieces and interesting accessories. Mix patterns or pick a theme. 

You could also add a candelabra and use flowers and plants to create a really inviting and summer garden feel. Don’t forget the ice bucket(s) too and for a really retro feel, you could add a drinks trolley. 

Creating Shade in Your Garden

It’s comfortable warmth you’re after, not scorching hot sun beating down on your guests and food (no one wants curly, dry sandwhiches). So shade is really important. 

If it is a particularly hot day, a cool conservatory is a great option to escape too when things get too much but you don’t want your guests to spend all their time inside, there are ways to provide shade in your garden with minimal effort.

How do you shade a sunny garden? 

You’ve a number of options. First off, are you able to take advantage of natural shade in your garden? Buildings, trees, even overhanging foliage? If not, then think about creating shade with a gazebo, canopies, sun sails and parasols. You could even use bed sheets if it comes to it. 

Parasols can be traditional umbrellas, maybe integral to a table. Alternatively, consider free-standing or side post umbrellas, such as cantilever parasols. This gives you ‘portability’, allowing you to create shade as the sun and your guests move around the garden. 

A stack of hats, regular umbrellas and supplies of sun cream can also relieve discomfort from the sun. And of course, keeping your guests hydrated with continuous supplies of fresh water will always go down well. 

How to Repel Insects

Mosquitoes, ants, flies and wasps can quickly ruin a garden party, especially when they sting or bite. No need to exterminate, however, just prevent and repel when you’re out in the garden eating and socialising:

1. Be sure to clean up spilt food and drink immediately.

2. Have pest-deterrent plants nearby - rosemary, garlic, chives, lemongrass and small pots of marigolds can work wonders.

3. Light citronella candles, torches and lanterns.

4. Spray mouthwash around - mosquitos hate it (choose the flavour carefully, though… you don’t want to remind everyone of the dentist).

5. Fill small spray bottles with lavender or eucalyptus mixed with a little water. 

6. If you do buy over the counter insect-repellent sprays, make sure they are children and pet-friendly.

It’s important to remember that some people are allergic to insect bites so be vigilant for serious incidents and be sure to keep some antihistamine tablets or cream on hand.

Garden Party Music and Entertainment

Music can really help with creating an atmosphere at a garden party, especially when guests arrive and might be feeling a little out of place. 

However, the choice of music and its role in the success of your party, does depend on the type of gathering you’re planning. You might also want to think about some party games to keep any children occupied.

What kind of music do you play at a garden party?

The best kind of music suits both your guests and the time of day. A heavy dose of jungle at 11am on a Sunday morning? Probably best not.

So, your first decision is live or playlist, or both? There are so many bands, solo singers and instrumentalists to choose from so be sure to go by recommendation, and always try to book local talent. 

Then, if you alternate a live act with some well-chosen playlists, you’ll be offering really balanced entertainment to your guests. Don’t forget some periods of quiet too, especially if you are organising games. Judge the mood.

Your playlists should be upbeat, happy and energetic during the day that moves into something more chill and light as you move into the evening. 

Get your guests involved too. In advance of your party, give guests some themes, and ask them to create a playlist for you or provide song recommendations.

Alternatively, Spotify allows you to create collaborative playlists, which can be really fun. This way, you and your guests can curate a playlist together that will see you right through to the end of your party without too much stress trying to decide on what songs to include.

Whatever kind of music you choose, you need to ensure the volume doesn’t upset the neighbours or stop people talking to one another. Music can very much set the mood but it also needs to be a background feature for the most part. 

Make use of mini speakers so you can avoid trip-hazard wires trailing across the lawn. You can also get them undercover fast if it rains. Choose one that fully connects to other compatible speakers and with a battery life of at least 18 hours, which would easily take you into the early hours.

Which are the best outdoor party games?

Having some games planned is a good idea, especially if children are on the guest list. You can go down the well-known lawn games route, like croquet, quoits or boules. 

Alternatively, try a piñata, or you could create your own coconut shy if you’re feeling crafty (or hire one if you’re not).

Your Summer Garden Party Checklist

Plan ahead and keep it simple so you can enjoy the party too. To summarise, here’s what we consider tyhe essentials for hosting the perfect garden party:

1. Decide if you are planning a set meal or more relaxed eating; all your other plans follow on from this decision.

2. Go flexible with your seating so it suits your guests and the food you are serving them.

3. Be mindful of everyone’s likes, dislikes and allergies. Older and younger guests may need a bit of extra attention.

4. Provide both shade and warmth, and always comfy, versatile seating.

5. Don’t worry about under-catering – just have lots of snacks available.

6. Similarly with your drink supplies, be sure to have enough wine and water.

7. Plan lighting for atmosphere and safety.

8. Be sure to keep insects at bay.

9. Base your music and entertainment choices around your guests.

10. Prioritise fun for all of you.

Enjoy!

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We hope you’ve found our summer garden party guide useful! If you have any uncertainty or questions about which type of garden furniture would work best for your outdoor party, just get in touch and one of our knowledgeable, friendly team will be on hand to help.

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Further Reading:
What Garden Furniture Should I Buy?
What Type of Patio Furniture is Most Durable?
What is a Height Adjustable Garden Table?