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Last Updated on May 11, 2025
With the warmer months and Summer rolling in, it is time for long evenings outside and fun and memorable garden parties. If you haven’t hosted one before or want to take yours to the next level, here are a few of the best tips to remember and use.
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Location
The first thing you need to do is choose the correct location. While this won’t apply to you if you have a more miniature garden, as you will be limited on space, if you have a larger garden, you should put a bit of thought into it.
Choose somewhere shaded that gets a slight breeze for eating, and then have a separate area for socializing, for people to use their vapes, to relax, etc. In simple terms, you should eat in the best spot and then use the rest of your garden for socializing.
Guest List
Unlike a regular party, you should view your garden party as something a bit more intimate and pared back. The big reason for this is that if you want to serve up meals and keep everyone happy, the smaller the guest list, the better.
However, if you do want to have an extensive guest list, that can still work, but you will have to do more work when it comes to food and drinks, and if you don’t have enough space, some guests may not have the most comfortable or best time.
Menu & Drinks
When it comes to the menu, there are a few things to consider. First off, how much cooking will you need to do, and how much can you prepare in advance? This is important as you don’t want to spend all your time cooking, and barely spend any time with your guests.
Drinks are easy, as you need nothing more than a fridge and a few ice buckets. Laying the drinks out and letting your guests serve themselves is just easier, and you can make it even simpler by making a punch or two filled with fresh fruit and ice.
Buffet vs Set Menu
There are also two options when it comes to food, as you can choose to serve a set menu or lay out a buffet. A set menu is perfect for a smaller guest list, and if you want everyone sitting together to eat.
On the other hand, a buffer means you can set and forget the food, and just bring out more when something finishes or you want to serve something new. It is excellent for bigger garden parties, but is also perfect for smaller parties.
Table/Picnic
When it comes to a garden party, it can be very tempting to go down the picnic route. However, there are some downsides to a picnic, such as uncomfortable seating, difficulty eating, and it may not be possible for those with mobility issues.
Instead, it is almost always better to opt for a table, as it is more comfortable, better for eating, and better for socializing. You also won’t have to worry about standing on or knocking over food or drinks.
Check the Weather
You should always check the weather and prepare accordingly. While you will most likely cancel if it is a rainy day, rain isn’t the only thing you may need to contend with. Depending on where you live, high heat and wind can also be factors.
Therefore, it is crucial to set up a couple of umbrellas so your guests can sit in the shade, and to beat the wind, choose an area that has a natural windblock like trees or a wall. Setting your table up in the middle of your garden with no cover on any sides can be a disaster if the wind picks up.
Activities
No garden party is complete without a few games and activities, and there are plenty for you to choose from. Whether it’s hole, boules, croquet, or all three, there are a ton of garden games you can get that your guests will love.
Garden games will not only entertain your guests, but if you have a problem with your food or there’s a delay for whatever reason, the games are a great distraction to give you a bit of time to get your party back on track.
Music
No party is complete without music, and a garden party isn’t any different. To keep it still, use an app like Spotify or YouTube to find a playlist that you can just put on a loop. This is by far the easiest option, as there are countless niche playlists, and you are sure to find the exact style of music you want for your taste and the mood you want to set.
Prepare for Insects
Finally, the warmer months are also the time when insect populations explode, and the last thing you want is for tons of flies, bees, and other creepy crawlers ruining your party. Therefore, it is always best to prepare for this.
Discreetly placed bug zappers can work wonders, and citronella candles can be placed on the table and the surroundings to help keep flies away. If you are really struggling with insects in your garden, there are plenty of sprays you can use that aren’t harmful, but will keep the insects at bay.