From Mothers day to the 4th of July to Labor Day, there are a ton of opportunities to have fun this summer so why not celebrate au naturel? No, not a party wearing your “birthday suit” but a garden party in the great outdoors! Did you know that the Queen of England hosts garden parties throughout the summer? Boasting 30,000 guests, 27,000 cups of tea, and 20,000 slices of cake, she makes the most of the warm weather.
So, take a leaf out of Queenie’s book. Get outdoors, kick back, relax, and enjoy the weather this summer with a garden party. If you’re looking for some amazing garden party ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Are you ready? Let’s take a look at the ultimate guide on how to throw the perfect garden party this summer.
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What is a Garden Party Anyway?
What is a garden party? It’s a social event that’s held outdoors, most likely in the warm summer months. Just like indoor parties, garden parties can give off different vibes. For example, it could be a Queen Elizabeth-esque lawn soireé with tea, cake, and sandwiches. It could be a pumping house party, but outside by the pool instead. Or it could be an uber cool, laid back BBQ with hammocks, and chilled music. Whatever your vibe, the aim is to bring the party to life in an outdoor setting.
How to Throw a Garden Party — Step by Step
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Now you know what consists of killer garden parties, it’s time to start planning. Read on for the ultimate guide to throwing a garden party.
Step 1: Be Prepared
This scouts motto is what you need when planning your garden party. You have to think about seating, food, drinks, entertainment and more. But don’t worry too much. Your party doesn’t have to be elaborate to make it a success. Garden parties are well-known as relaxed gatherings where the guests sit back, relax, and enjoy the weather with a drink in hand.
But it’s especially important to prepare when it comes to the weather. Don’t blame it on the weatherman, prepare beforehand for the worst. For example, invest in a marquee or gazebo.
Step 2: Scout the Perfect Location
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Are you blessed with a landscaped back yard filled with gorgeous blooms and foliage trimmed to perfection? If you have such a location on hand, take advantage of it!
If you don’t have an amazing back yard, ask one of your friends who does. Or rent a community garden, rooftop deck, terrace, or even a country home.
Step 3: Provide Ample Seating
A key element in garden parties is ample seating. Nobody wants to stand around all day, even if the weather is great.
If you’re hoping your guests will dance the night away, remember that it may take a few hours before the dance floor really gets moving. They’ll need plenty of seating before the dancing kicks off.
Of course, “seating” doesn’t necessarily mean chairs. Opt for blankets, beanbags or hammocks instead. There may also be natural seating available, such as logs or tree stumps.
Step 4: Create a Show-Stopper Menu
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What is a garden party without an awesome menu? If the weather’s going to be sweltering hot, it’s always best to choose light meals. Light meals and bites are generally easier to prepare too. For example, salads, tea sandwiches or bread, cheese, and meat platters are all great ideas. One of the best garden party ideas for the menu is to have a BBQ. Burgers and hotdogs are favorites for kids and adults alike.
Dyna Glo Grills have always been a crowd favorite for BBQ lovers. Reading the Dyna Glo Grill reviews is the perfect way to find your match for your summer garden parties and don’t forget your sweet treats! Ice lollies, smores, marshmallows, and cupcakes are perfect for summer evenings.
Step 5: Drinks All Round
Because it’s summer, and the weather is fine, your guests will need plenty of drinks to quench their thirst. Always have some non-alcoholic options prepared, and make sure there is plenty of drinking water too. A garden party isn’t a garden party without summer cocktails. You can also prepare a fruity punch or offer a light wine or Sangria.
To keep your guests cool you could make colorful ice cubes with extras frozen inside. Such as rose petals, cucumbers, rosemary or violets. It’ll give a pop of color and cool down your guests.
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Step 6: Don’t Forget Decor
When planning garden parties, don’t rely on the natural greenery of your garden for decoration. Gardens, like our homes, need colorful decor to give it a party vibe.
Here are some garden party ideas for decor:
- Colorful bunting
- Vases with freshly cut flowers
- Decorative tableware
- Flower garlands
- Balloons
- Statues
You don’t need to overdo it with the decor, especially if your location is stunning in itself but a few decorations here and there will turn your normal back yard into a vivid fiesta.
Step 7: Back Yard Illuminations
Keep your party going even when the sun goes down. All you need is some well-planned elegant lighting. Use lighting to decorate the table, hang them in the foliage, or use them to light up steps or pathways.
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Here are some cool garden party ideas for lighting:
- Solar lights (for pathways and steps)
- Mini lanterns
- Mason jars with candles
- Tiki torches
- Glow sticks
- String Christmas lights
- Scented candles (to keep the bugs away)
Christmas lights all year round, why not?
Step 8: Play that Funky Music
The perfect playlist will set the mood for the entire evening. Have a low-key playlist for background music, and have an upbeat playlist ready for when the dancing begins. Plan your playlist ahead of time and make sure you have enough songs to play over the duration of the party. You don’t want your guests to hear the same few songs on repeat, after all.
Work Hard, Party Harder
Now you’ve read the ultimate guide to throwing a garden party, you can create the best bash of the summer. All you have to do is be prepared, choose a great menu, and light it up. But whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Work hard, but party harder!
Of course, when planning a garden party, not everyone has a huge budget to work with. How can you plan a party on a shoe-string budget? Find out here.
Images provided by Pixabay CC License
