How to Host the Ideal Garden Party
It's time to turn your attention outside.
As the warm weather starts to set in, why not take advantage of the rising temps to host an outdoor party? Together with our handy tips and tricks, we'll have you lighting up the barbecue, cracking open a few bottles and saying 'cheers' to another summer garden party.
Jump To:
- Laying the Foundations for Your Garden Party
- How to Set the Right Ambience for Your Outdoor Party
- Mastering the Grill Ahead of Your Garden Party
- Setting Up an Outdoor Party Drinks Station
Laying the Foundations for Your Garden Party
Similar to how you'd makeover a room inside your home for a party, your outdoor space requires that same kind of attention. Take extra care with seating, textiles and colour scheme. If you're working with a small outdoor space, choose seating that is multi-functional or works throughout the year in other rooms such as stools, folding chairs and ottomans.
Anyone with a larger garden might want to consider investing in some outdoor furniture such as benches, a dining set or swing seat. If you prefer your garden party to have a more casual vibe, opt instead for large cushions and bean bags which can easily come into the living room once the party is over.
Textiles and other indoor-type touches will give your garden party that stylish edge. There are plenty of modern designs in outdoor rugs, cushions and blankets but if the weather aims to stay dry, then bring your usual indoor textiles outside, avoiding anything that isn't machine-washable.
A cohesive colour palette or overarching theme is the final step to laying the foundation for a truly stylish outdoor party. Choose one primary colour and then two accent tones for an easy yet effective look.
Bright hues give an instant summery vibe, whilst moody tones are perfect for adding something a little different (and will look amazing against twinkling garden lights). If your space and budget allows it, consider painting your outdoor furniture or even one of your exterior walls or fence panels in your chosen colour to make a strong statement.
Find more ways to jazz up your garden party with outdoor cushions and outdoor rugs.
How to Set the Right Ambiance for Your Outdoor Party
Lighting is the unsung hero of the home, and the same goes for your outdoor space. The right (or wrong) lighting can instantly change the whole feel of a space so it's one of the first tools that interior designers use to refresh an area. It's particularly important in places, like your garden, that rely on natural light which we know isn't always a guarantee. Invest in some stylish solutions such as outdoor string lights (perfect for a gazebo or balcony), path stake lights and garden lanterns and keep your garden party going even after the sun sets.
Next, take into consideration your remaining senses when it comes to ambiance. What would you like your guests to smell? Invest in fragrant florals such as lavender or try citronella candles for a pleasant aroma (also great for repelling insects). Ensure all of your rubbish bins and recycling are long-gone before your party. Create a winning playlist and set the tone for your garden party, giving your neighbours fair warning - although, please try to keep the music at a volume that allows your guests to be able to hear each other.
Finally, think about accents to create the final decor touches. Don't be afraid to use typically indoor items such as mirrors, clocks and wall art to add some panache to your outdoor party. Serve small bites on elegant cake stands and arrange cooling buckets for drinks. There are no limits when it comes to decor experimentation.
Mastering the Grill Ahead of Your Garden Party
Fact: Did you know that almost 90% of Brits love to BBQ in their back gardens? Sure enough, a garden party is the perfect occasion for you to practice your BBQ skills and grow in confidence behind the grill. Last year saw sales of charcoal grills soar and that trend doesn't seem to be slowing. Gas BBQs are however still a popular choice for Summer garden parties, with electric BBQs not too far behind. Whichever way your prefer to grill, check out our BBQ buying guide to find the best BBQ to buy for your needs and make sure you have all the right BBQ tools and barbecue cookware to set you up for an excellent outdoor feast.
And speaking of feasts, these days people are leveling up their BBQ cuisine to offer a wider variety of flavoursome, homemade and healthier BBQ party food, sides and main dishes. Our list of easy BBQ recipes includes clean-eating turkey burgers, spicy lamb kebabs, barbecued fish and a delicious pineapple coleslaw, as well as vegetarian and vegan BBQ recipes that your guests will be lapping up at this year's Summer BBQ party.
Still struggling to find the space to grill and entertain? Our top tips to hosting a BBQ party in a small space will ensure you get the most out of your petite BBQ party - without compromising on fun.
Now you've got the seating area sorted, a drool-worthy BBQ menu planned and the ambiance down, it's time to organise the drinks. Drinks are usually the first point of call for guests at an outdoor party, so think about dedicating a section of your garden as a drinks station, ready to serve up some delicious cocktails, mocktails and some real thirst-quenchers.
Anyone with a bigger garden may already have an existing outdoor bar complete with stools for your guests. Add the right glasses, bar accessories and decor and your garden party is good to go, just make sure to check for refills and don't leave your guests with empty cups.
For anyone with a smaller outdoor space, a bar cart is your greatest ally. Serving carts with wheels are easily mobile, small enough to fit just about anywhere but still hold all your drinking essentials such as a drinks dispenser. There are other nifty ways in which you can create a make-shift drinks station, such as converting an outdoor table or console into a bar, or by filling a few empty plant pots with ice to create DIY wine coolers.
