Creating a picturesque setting is key to a successful garden party. Here are some tips:
For a more relaxed vibe, opt for finger foods and bitesized portions that can be easily mixed and matched. Whereas a more formal dining setting might call for three or four courses, which can be eaten using cutlery. Also consider the weather is warm, so something light and summery will be preferred by most guests.
Decide what drinks you’re going to be providing (alcoholic and soft) and how you want them to be served. Do you want to keep people topped up yourself or have a self-service area with a selection of options for people to grab their own? Ice buckets and drink dispensers can be found quite cheap in home stores and are a great way to display drinks.
Lawn games like croquet, boules, cricket or badminton are perfect for outdoor fun.
Create a playlist that suits the mood of your party. Make sure you have a speaker that can be placed in an optimum position at the right volume to be heard without being overpowering for those close to it. If you have a large garden, consider multiple speakers that can sync (such as Amazon Echo Dots or Sonos) to create a seamless sound experience.
Create a backdrop with balloons, flowers and greenery, and provide props for fun photos.
Gazebo
A gazebo is easy to install and there are various sizes and styles to choose from depending on the scale of your event. You can purchase one yourself for not too much, or for a more professional set up with less hassle, you could hire one! Hire companies often provide extras like lighting, heaters and more to create a full indoor experience.
Parasols and canopies
If the weather gets really warm, it’s always nice to have a shaded area for people to seek shade. Parasols and canopies are a great way to create designated shaded areas for guests relax in if the sun gets too much.
Blankets and Heat
If you’re planning on being out late into the evening, it’s always nice to have blankets available for your guests to cosy up and carry on enjoying the festivities. Also consider if a patio heater is needed (depending on the time of year, the temperature can drop quite a lot when the sun goes down). Or alternatively, a fire pit or chiminea could create a cosy glow for people to gather round and offer the option to toast marshmallows too!
