How To Host A Garden Party To Remember

We love the sun. Humans have worshipped the sun since time immemorial and it’s not hard to see why everyone’s favourite big yellow orb in the sky is able to impart us with so much joy. It’s what makes us feel good, feel warm, and feel happy. It’s what makes trees and gardens grow. Garden parties are a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions (like, y’know, the sun actually coming out for once) or simply enjoy the beauty of nature with friends and family.

Throwing a good garden party, however, is anything but easy. There’s a number of pitfalls and danger zones you should always avoid to ensure that your garden party is a success. It's important to understand the etiquette involved in hosting one, too. In this article, we'll go over the dos and don'ts of garden party etiquette, so you can host an event that your guests will remember for years to come. How do you throw an amazing garden party? You follow all of the advice in this article. Simple.

The first thing you need to consider when planning a garden party is the time and date. The ideal time for a garden party is usually mid-afternoon, when the weather is warm and sunny but not too hot. As for the date, it's important to choose a day when most of your guests are likely to be available. Like the weekend. And not some random Tuesday. Weekends are usually the best option for garden parties, as they give your guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy the event without having to worry about work or other commitments.

Once you've chosen the time and date for your garden party, the next step is to send out invitations. It's important to give your guests plenty of notice, so they can plan accordingly. You can either send out paper invitations (real old school) or use the tried and tested method of a WhatsApp group chat. Make sure to include all the important details, such as the date, time, location, dress code (if applicable), and any special instructions. I’d strongly recommend making one of your special instructions “bring your own booze”. It’s great to have plenty of drinks to offer people but getting everyone to bring their own will ensure no one runs out.

One of the best things about garden parties is the beautiful natural setting they provide. However, it's important to make sure that your garden is in tip-top shape before your guests arrive. That means cutting your grass, trimming hedges and bushes, and removing any debris or clutter. That big pile of bricks you’ve got in the corner of the garden? That needs to go. You might also want to consider adding some additional decorations, such as fairy lights, lanterns, or flower arrangements, to create a more festive atmosphere. That will, of course, depend on your budget so don’t go crazy if you don’t want to end up accidentally spending £15 on bunting alone.

It might sound painfully obvious but it’s important to make sure that all of your guests have a place to sit and relax during the garden party. This means providing plenty of chairs and benches, as well as tables for food and drinks. You may also want to consider setting up some shade structures, such as umbrellas or canopies, to protect your guests from the sun.

No garden party is complete without refreshments. Make sure to offer a variety of cold drinks, including alcoholic beverages like wine and beer as well as non-alcoholic options such as lemonade, iced tea, or water. Some light snacks or canapés wouldn’t go amiss, either. You might even want to consider setting up a makeshift bar area with a cool box packed with ice and some homemade cocktails or punch. Don't forget to have plenty of napkins, plates, and utensils to hand, as well as trash and recycling bins for your guests to dispose of their waste.

What food do you serve at a garden party? Whatever you want, really. But it’s important to make sure you’re reading the room and serving the appropriate food for the appropriate vibe. If you know that a lot of your friends are vegetarians, then you’ll have to make sure you plan accordingly. Barbecues are always a good idea when the weather is good (we’ve got some great barbecue recipes for you to test out) and anything from our collection of our freshest summer recipes should see you right.

While a garden party is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings, it's also important to keep your guests entertained. And your chat might not be enough. Consider setting up a game of pétanque to keep your guests occupied – it’ll add a nice gallic bent to your party. Don’t bother hiring an actual musician or DJ to provide some background music, just set up a decent set of speakers and crack on a playlist that’ll have people smiling.

Finally, it's important to be mindful of your neighbours when hosting a garden party. Make sure to keep the noise level down, especially in the evening, and avoid any activities that may disturb your neighbours. If you're planning on having a large event, you may want to consider notifying your neighbours in advance, so they can plan accordingly. Hell, it’s never a bad idea to simply invite them along for the fun and make as much noise as you want.