Summer is the perfect time of year to be outside making the most of your garden and what better way than an entertaining out there too.
Here’s the Fresh Design guide to some of the essential elements to consider when planning and hosting an outdoor garden party.
Party theme
To theme or not to theme? Having a garden party theme can make it easier to focus on how you want your outdoors to look and the types of foods and drinks to have on offer . For example a tropical garden party theme could involve bright colourful garden furniture and decorations, teamed with tropical cocktails and flavoursome food, whilst a an afternoon tea garden party could include mis-matched china, tea and cakes and pretty floral bunting.
Outdoor seating
If you’re hosting a party with a formal, sit down meal included, then you’ll need to ensure you have enough tables and chairs to accommodate your guests. Extra tables can easily be brought outside and made to look stylish by dressing the table – think tablecloths, napkins and floral arrangements – you’ll disguise what’s underneath in no time! Chairs can be made to look more matchy by the use of inexpensive seat covers.
For less formal parties, mismatched tables and chairs of different colours and styles may be perfect, or you could have seating on benches, logs or on outdoor beanbags and cushions.
Shady structures
Not everyone loves being in the sun all the time outside, so it’s practical to ensure you have some shady areas available. Sun umbrellas or awnings are the obvious first choice, but temporary structures such as pop up pergolas can provide a bigger area of shady seating.
For something a bit more substantial, a specialist events company can provide excellent temporary structures for stylish outdoor events ensuring that everyone gets the chance to be in the shade if they wish.
Garden decorations
Adding decorations to your garden will instantly lift spirits and give it a party vibe. Hang bunting from the trees, fill planters with colourful plants, use outdoor rugs to liven up dull paving, fill jam jars with bunches of flowers and have plenty of colourful cushions dotted around on benches.
Garden lighting
If you’re hosting your party in the evening, then garden lighting is essential. For a traditional party atmosphere, hang light garlands from trees or fences or have lanterns on tables and dotted around the garden. If you don’t want to use candles, then opt for battery operated tea lights – they’re inexpensive and can be re-used time and time again.
Solar lights that gradually come on as dusk falls are also a good option and can be used to line pathways so your guests can see where they’re going along uneven surfaces.
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With many thanks to Heart Home for the use of images.
(Collaborative post)
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I love this! Garden parties are the best 🙂 Reminds me of when I was little we used to have “fairy grotto” parties in the garden with fairy lights all around and dainty fairy-themed decorations – always a hit. Thanks for the post and lovely pics x
Another interesting post with some useful pointers!
The images here are making me want to organise a party!! Great inspiration
Some great tips here. I’m re-thinking my garden design as it has helped with that too x
Gorgeous inspiration! I wish my outdoor area looked as good 🙂 x
Great advice here. Can’t wait for hubby to finish our garden so we can get out there and enjoy another “room” x
Ahhhh I can’t wait to start hosting gatherings outside again, lots of great inspiration here!
Indeed these are some essential elements for outdoor garden party. But the thing, to apply them correctly an expert would be required. This is why instead of doing it yourself, must consider an expert outdoor decorator.
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