How to Host a Garden Party

Every garden party is unique, so we can’t provide a list of absolutely everything you’ll require (sorry!). But, we can give you a garden party checklist of things almost every outdoor shindig needs:

• A table for serving food and drink

• Comfy outdoor seating

• Outdoor cushions and throws for extra cosiness

• Bug repellent to keep pests at bay

• Suncream to protect everyone from the rays

• Parasols for shade

• Delicious food

• Refreshing drinks

• Garden-safe diningware including plates, cups, cutlery and napkins

• Somewhere to put rubbish!

Ever been to a garden party where you’re stuck in an uncomfortable chair? Each person has a different preference, so cater for your party guests by supplying different kinds of outdoor seating. From wicker chairs and deck chairs to floor cushions and beanbags for a bohemian garden party vibe. 

Different kinds of outdoor seating also give a charming eclectic vibe to your garden party that we absolutely love! 

Our top tip? Make sure your seating area is complete with plenty of parasols for those guests who need a little shade from the rays. 

Garden party grub is some of the best, isn’t it? Fresh salads, barbecued burgers, delicious desserts. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it! 

Of course, garden parties require a certain kind of plate. With blowing winds and outdoor activities posing a threat, you’ll want garden dining sets that are as durable as they are funky. That’s why our stunning statement picnicware is made from shatter-resistant melamine to handle whatever the great outdoors can throw at it. 

Interesting and unique garden ornaments are such a fun talking point for your garden party guests. Not to mention, they go such a long way in curating the atmosphere of your outdoor space. Will you use ornaments to create a boho vibe, a cottage-style scene, or a fairytale garden? 

For your party, try using a garden ornament as your table centrepiece for a touch of whimsy. A planter or gnome would look charming, completing your garden party tablescape.

Now you’ve gathered your essentials, it’s time to plan the party of the summer!

If this is your first garden party, it’s important to envision how the party will be set so people can move with ease. The first port of call is to set the table as the ‘centrepiece’ of your garden. Think about how people will naturally move around your garden and bring your other elements in, such as seating, rugs, condiments and drinks tables.

All you need to do now is adjust it slightly until you have it perfect, and you’re ready to party!

Transition from day to evening in snug style by having prepared blankets and cushions to make your guests feel extra cosy and at home in your garden. Not only do outdoor furnishings make your guests feel like they’re being really looked after, but it stops people from clambering into your house as soon as a chill is in the air. 

In Joe’s opinion, a cosy evening under the stars is better than a standard evening indoors.

Less is usually more, but not on this occasion! When it’s warm, appetites tend to decrease, with people favouring more ‘picky’ things to eat. After the main event, be that a barbecue, buffet, potluck (or fuddle, if you come from Yorkshire), simply collect the food and present the leftovers later on so your hungry attendees can graze at their leisure.

Whether it’s a marquee or a quick-fire way to move the party indoors, a wet weather backup is essential – especially in Britain! If you want to go the extra mile, set up your wet weather backup prior to the party and add some seating. If the weather beams down on us, it can provide some much-needed shade for some of your attendees. 

Joe’s top tip: Practice the wet-weather backup or how you’d execute the backup in advance of the party, so there are no nasty surprises!

Make your own playlist yourself with tunes everyone will enjoy. It’s also handy to have a couple of different playlists for different times of the day. Why not have some feel-good summer music on in the background by day, and by evening bring in some of those classic songs people will want to have a dance or sing along to? Then, by night, have some gentle wind-down music as people start to leave.

If you’re stuck for music choice, your music streaming provider might also have playlists already created, so pick one with some great tracks.

Make your own playlist yourself with tunes everyone will enjoy. It’s also handy to have a couple of different playlists for different times of the day. Why not have some feel-good summer music on in the background by day, and by evening bring in some of those classic songs people will want to have a dance or sing along to? Then, by night, have some gentle wind-down music as people start to leave.

If you’re stuck for music choice, your music streaming provider might also have playlists already created, so pick one with some great tracks.

It’s not a garden party without a lawn game or two! You can find affordable garden sets easily, so take your pick. A few great ideas are badminton, twister, croquet, or even giant Jenga. Why not grab some hula hoops and host a mini competition? You could even host a drinking competition if you dare!

If there are children in attendance, these games will keep them occupied for hours while the adults get their grown-up time.

Prior to your party, decorate your garden and turn it into the perfect mini Shangri-La with bunting, balloons or maybe a floral arrangement or two to bring an extra touch of class to a garden party. Decoration is so much more than looking pretty – it keeps the eye moving throughout the garden to reveal each little detail you put into your garden party. 

Joe’s top tip: Set the lighting up in advance. Outdoor lighting, such as mini lanterns or even tea lights in mason jars, provide a whimsical touch to your garden party. There’s nothing like a bit of gentle lighting to set the mood!

Transition from day to evening in snug style by having prepared blankets and cushions to make your guests feel extra cosy and at home in your garden. Not only do outdoor furnishings make your guests feel like they’re being really looked after, but it stops people from clambering into your house as soon as a chill is in the air.

In Joe’s opinion, a cosy evening under the stars is better than a standard evening indoors.

Before your garden party starts, be sure to string up your outdoor lights so they’re ready to switch on and make your outdoor space even cosier than it already is! Any amount of cute outdoor lighting is a novelty that’ll ensure the party carries on into the evening (and through the night, if you wish). One of our favourite ways to light up the night is using candles or tea lights to dot around the space. Cute, cosy and crafty – all the elements that make a garden party from ordinary to extraordinary!

For an added bonus, pop a citronella candle in your stunning candle holders to keep those pesky mosquitos away. 

You’ve got your garden ready for the party - but what about yourself? A garden party is the perfect time to bring out your newest summer dress. Pair your dress with pumps or other flat shoes, as heels might puncture your lovely lawn!

Florals are particularly on-theme for a garden gathering, but you can opt for any colour or patterning you like! Of course, dresses aren’t a must. Try a skirt and t-shirt combo or pair jeans with a gorgeous blouse. For men, a short-sleeved shirt or polo is perfect, finished with smart shorts or chino trousers.  For more garden party outfit ideas, check out our blogs on Fabulous Floral Fashion For Outdoor Occasions and The Gentlemen's Guide to Garden Party Attire.

Ensure your garden is the envy of everyone at the party with pieces from Joe Browns gardenware. And don’t forget to tag our Instagram in your garden party pics!