Entertaining: How to Throw the Perfect Garden Party
Make the most of the summer sunshine by throwing a party on your terrace or in your garden, complete with food, friends and fresh air
Something almost magical happens when you dine outside — the food just tastes better. So seize the opportunity for eating and entertaining outdoors that the summer season affords by hosting a garden party. From a family picnic in the sun to a sizzling barbecue for a troop of friends, there is an option to suit your foodie preference, entertaining style and budget. Here are some ideas to start you off…
Create different zones
If you have room, create a seating area as well as space for table and chairs, so that guests have a place to relax with a drink before settling down to lunch or supper. For those of us with small-scale outdoor spaces, a few floor cushions scattered in one part of the garden can achieve a similar feeling.
If you have room, create a seating area as well as space for table and chairs, so that guests have a place to relax with a drink before settling down to lunch or supper. For those of us with small-scale outdoor spaces, a few floor cushions scattered in one part of the garden can achieve a similar feeling.
Prepare for the evening
The best barbecues and garden parties go on right into the evening. String up some fairy lights and have candles in hurricane lamps or tea-light holders at the ready, to light when day turns to dusk. Then just put the kids to bed and sit back with a long drink.
The best barbecues and garden parties go on right into the evening. String up some fairy lights and have candles in hurricane lamps or tea-light holders at the ready, to light when day turns to dusk. Then just put the kids to bed and sit back with a long drink.
Plan for all weathers
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for all weather eventualities. A home with flowing indoor-outdoor space, like this house with its impressive glass box extension, is already well set up for quick dashes inside when it rains. An equally effective and more purse-friendly alternative is to put up a gazebo, perhaps with the barbecue positioned under it, so that any sudden showers won’t dampen the party.
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for all weather eventualities. A home with flowing indoor-outdoor space, like this house with its impressive glass box extension, is already well set up for quick dashes inside when it rains. An equally effective and more purse-friendly alternative is to put up a gazebo, perhaps with the barbecue positioned under it, so that any sudden showers won’t dampen the party.
Use your best
Not all outdoor parties demand melamine plates and paper cups. If you are hosting an alfresco party and want a more grown up and sophisticated atmosphere, there is absolutely nothing to stop you using your favourite china and glass from indoors.
Not all outdoor parties demand melamine plates and paper cups. If you are hosting an alfresco party and want a more grown up and sophisticated atmosphere, there is absolutely nothing to stop you using your favourite china and glass from indoors.
Make the most of a view
If your outdoor space has a pretty view, whether of the garden itself or over its surrounding area, capitalise on this beautiful backdrop. Place chairs facing the view if you can, and position your dining table as close to it as possible, to encourage guests to sit back and relax.
If your outdoor space has a pretty view, whether of the garden itself or over its surrounding area, capitalise on this beautiful backdrop. Place chairs facing the view if you can, and position your dining table as close to it as possible, to encourage guests to sit back and relax.
String up simple decorations
When it comes to a summer party, a little bit of decoration can go a long way. Tie ribbons and garlands from a bamboo pole, suspended over the table, as in this picture, for a whimsical look that will work for a daytime or evening party. Fairy lights, tea lights and flowers are also a wonderful, and easy way to decorate alfresco.
See how to style your space for a garden party
When it comes to a summer party, a little bit of decoration can go a long way. Tie ribbons and garlands from a bamboo pole, suspended over the table, as in this picture, for a whimsical look that will work for a daytime or evening party. Fairy lights, tea lights and flowers are also a wonderful, and easy way to decorate alfresco.
See how to style your space for a garden party
Clear the lawn
A patch of lawn is a lovely place for children to play before dinner and, if you spread out some rugs, works as additional seating for little ones, who are more at home on the ground. It also creates a safe space for them, away from the barbecue or any cooking areas.
A patch of lawn is a lovely place for children to play before dinner and, if you spread out some rugs, works as additional seating for little ones, who are more at home on the ground. It also creates a safe space for them, away from the barbecue or any cooking areas.
Keep it simple
While it is sometimes fun to go all out on your summer party decoration, it’s good to remember that the event is as much about the people as the presentation. So marry style with simplicity when you set the table, leaving yourself time to enjoy your friends and family. A few candles, plenty of foldaway seating, a bunch of flowers and you’re ready to enjoy a relaxed summer party.
While it is sometimes fun to go all out on your summer party decoration, it’s good to remember that the event is as much about the people as the presentation. So marry style with simplicity when you set the table, leaving yourself time to enjoy your friends and family. A few candles, plenty of foldaway seating, a bunch of flowers and you’re ready to enjoy a relaxed summer party.
Soft furnishings, candlesticks and even pictures and decorations can all be added to an outside space to make it feel like a room. Just be sure to bring everything in at the end of your party to protect it from rain, or invest in weatherproof pieces that can remain outdoors, making your alfresco room ready for use as soon as the sun comes out.
Check out garden furniture you’ll want to take inside