14 Garden Party Ideas | Summer Entertaining Tips

14 garden party ideas to help you throw a joyful outdoor bash

You don’t need an excuse to enjoy your glorious garden this summer. But if you were looking for one, throwing a garden party for friends and family is one way to make joyful memories at home. Read our garden party inspiration – from how to decorate and what to wear, to getting the right atmosphere and keeping guests entertained – and get set for a summer of fun outdoor get-togethers.

Get your garden party-ready

The good news for anyone who doesn’t have green fingers is that you don’t have to be a gifted gardener to make your outside space look its best. Try these simple garden party decorating ideas.

1. Arrange your seating

Set up your garden furniture so guests have somewhere comfy to sit and enjoy the sun. Placing chairs in a circle or in smaller groups is one way to encourage everyone to socialise.

2. Create a shady corner

On especially warm days, your garden party guests will need somewhere to shelter from the sun. Set up a canopy or parasol for people to comfortably sit under and have a little break from the rays.

3. Take the indoors outside

Laying down a blanket or outdoor rug is an elegant garden party idea that will help section off a designated area for guests to relax in. It’s also a good way to make harder surfaces like patio a little softer underfoot.

4. Add some lighting

Garden lighting such as lanterns or string lights can be dotted around to illuminate your outdoor space as the sun sets. Pick solar powered lights which automatically come on so you and your guests can enjoy the party well into the summer evening.

5. Provide cosy blankets

Another idea to help your guests comfortably enjoy the summer evening is to scatter throw blankets that they can wrap around them as the sun goes down.

Decorate the table

One way to impress your guests is by setting an Instagram-worthy table to be the centre of attention. These ideas are sure to make sure your garden party table decorations wow.

6. Pick a theme

One easy way to tie your garden party table decorations together is to pick a theme. Opt for striped tableware in the form of serving plates, bowls and jugs to create a core theme, then intersperse the table with an eclectic mix of glassware and accessories for a curated look.

7. Add some candles

As well as essential tableware pieces, add extra flourishes such as colourful with decorative candles and candle holders that will give your table a luxurious feel.

8. Play with textiles

Another way to make your garden party table decorations feel more luxurious is to use a table cloth as a base. Pick a bright and vibrant design then layer with coasters and placemats to frame your table decorations and accessories.

9. Display flowers

If your garden isn’t blooming with fragrant florals just yet, incorporate a bouquet in a vase to your table. Dried flowers make a striking alternative to fresh ones and won’t attract insects while you and your guests enjoy dining al fresco.

Keep your guests entertained

Make the most of the warm weather with an agenda of garden games and entertainment that your guests will love. Here’s some garden party inspiration for entertaining.

10. Share a dress code

Want to get your guests fully onboard with your bash? Why not share a dress code ahead of time so everyone arrives in their best garden party outfit. Whether it’s florals or tropical summer prints, a dress code is a fun way to involve all your guests and start conversation.

11. Play lawn games

An essential for any garden party, lay out some garden games for guests to pick up and play. Classics such as connect four or a bat and ball will provide hours of fun for adults and children alike.

12. Hit play on summer songs

Set up an outdoor speaker and share your favourite summer playlist. Having some music playing in the background will help everyone get in the party mood and could even get some guests up and dancing.

13. Set up a cocktail corner

Pimms, spritzers or mocktails, there’s no better time to enjoy a summer cocktail than with friends in your garden. Take a bar cart outside and set up a station with glassware, barware, drinks and garnishes so guests can have a go at making their own cocktail creations.

14. Serve some delicious food

Looking for food inspiration for your garden party? With guests and the sun outside, you’ll want to spend as little time as possible in the kitchen. Prepare buffet style dishes such as cheese boards ahead of time and provide plenty of serveware for everyone to help themselves.