7 fantastic garden party ideas - how to style your garden

Not sure how to throw the perfect garden party? Then read on to find out my 7 fantastic garden party ideas and how to style your garden to get the party started.

I truly love the summer, not just because it’s warmer but also because it encourages us to entertain more. Suddenly it seems the perfect opportunity to eat later, chat with friends into the night and generally be more relaxed. Which is why I love a garden party.

Go big with decorations

You don’t need to blow the budget on decorations. Things like crepe streamers, giant pom poms and balloons. Look fab is you have enough of them. Arrange them in groups to lead the eye around the garden. Plus stick to a simple colour scheme and keep the paint pallet explosions for the kids parties.

Set the table

Make sure there is room for everyone to sit down. We have an enormous piece of ply board we keep in the garage. Turning out normal 4 seater table when laid on top into one roomy enough to seat twelve. Hidden under my linen tablecloths. It looks amazing. Then go to town setting the table. Just make sure you don’t use anything too precious. You don’t want to be crying over broken china because the wind blew or a football hit it.

Make your guests feel at home

Make guests feel relaxed, include a Hammock for lazy afternoons. Then have a blanket box available for the chiller evenings and get people to add their playlists to the music for the night.

Have a games area

Give the kids something to do and the grown ups too. A can toss game or giant jenga are always popular. Or if you’re feeling brave and the weather is warm enough. How about a water balloon fight?

Create a photo booth

These days parties don’t happen without photos being taken. Give your guests a giggle with a photo booth set up. You don’t have to go all out like my vintage caravan. Just provide them with some dress up items and a great backdrop.

Get guests to serve themselves

I am all for relaxed entertaining. So I often have everything set up in advance. Have a drinks station, snacks on the tables and even a display of desserts if it’s not too warm. Then guests can help themselves and you don’t have to be rushed off your feet all night.

For even more stress-free planning, you could use Poptop to book trusted local caterers, entertainers, and party suppliers who can help you create the perfect garden celebration.

Light it up.

One of my most favourite things at a garden party is when twilight finally arrives and your can switch on the garden lights. There is nothing more magical and they should definitely not be reserved for just Christmas.