It is no secret that I like a good garden party and if I can create a theme, even better! My daughter’s birthday is at the end of July and every year she asks for a trip to a soft play/indoor play area or any other snot infested cesspit in the heat of the summer and I always win her around.

“Oh no no no,” I tell her, “You don’t want to do that! You want to have a garden party where we can invite all your friends and have Pinatas and water fights whilst mummy drinks fizz in the sun!” I know exactly where I’d rather be!

 

Outdoor entertaining has exploded over the last year, mainly because we have only been able to see our friends and family in the back garden, something we would have thought preposterous back in the golden age of 2019.

Entertaining outside is no longer seen as a summer pastime anymore either. We are no longer confined to grabbing a burnt sausage in a friend’s backyard from June to, erm June. Garden dining, accessories and furniture have surged in popularity and nearly every high street and brand is now embracing our gardens. I wrote about some of my favourite garden accessories here.

We can now throw a garden party all year round and I am totally embracing it.

It also doesn’t matter what size garden you have either. There is inspiration for all sizes, whether you have a small patio or large lawn. It’s all in the details.

Here are my favourite garden party ideas for everyone to try out this summer, you can even grab a burnt sausage or two!

Campsite Party

We may not be able to go abroad this summer, but we can certainly bring the holiday to our back garden. We’ve all grown up sleeping in a tent in our back garden as kids but these days, you can add a bit of glamour to your garden and go glamping!

Get a bell tent set up ready for your garden party. There are plenty of companies that will even come and set one up for you, complete with outdoor dining arrangements. Throw some rugs, chairs and cushions around outside and don’t forget the all-important fire pit to toast marshmallows when it starts to get colder and dark. Your kids (and their friends) will totally thank you for it later.

The Vintage Tea Party

If you fancy recreating scenes from Alice in Wonderland, then a Vintage Tea Party in the garden will be right up your street (or down a rabbit hole ).

Tea Parties are quite easy to throw together as the food is easily prepared, like cucumber sandwiches, scones, finger food and obviously a teapot (but it doesn’t have to be filled with tea!)

Using your existing garden furniture, drape a tablecloth over your table, create a floral centrepiece and decorate your table with teapots filled with flowers, colourful doilies laid out with vintage tableware and teacups placed on top and of course, floral bunting!

If you have a tree, you could think about hanging a chandelier with candles from it.

Tropical Beach Party

We might not be able to go anywhere tropical this summer, so why not bring tropical to your backyard? DIY Bars in our gardens are set to be huge this year and I am here for it!

Build your own beach bar around a garden pergola or create your own bar out of pallets. Tiki bars are also becoming extremely popular and again, you can make your own out of old pallets and bamboo, or purchase a “Build your own Bar” from Wickes.

Finally, add finishing touches like colourful tasselled lanterns, tropical inspired tableware and a grass skirt each for your guests.

 

The Secret Garden Party

Set in a walled garden in England at the turn of the last century, the Secret Garden is all about a young girl finding the key to a hidden garden behind a locked gate. The Secret Garden Party would centre around the beautiful rustic charm of an English walled garden, with lots of flowers, fairy lights, pallet furniture, homemade decor and cosy vibes.

 

Keep the table décor simple with candles and festoon lights hanging above. Put out floral inspired tableware and serve seasonal food with a gin cocktail!

The Boho Chic Party

Finally, how about a laid-back approach to having friends and family around in your back garden. This is all about creating the ultimate hygge setting in your garden with plenty of cushions, rugs, throws and simple, natural décor.

Create different seating zones in your garden where people can relax, chat and enjoy a mojito or 3. 

Keep the lighting soft with lots of candles, serve your drinks on bamboo and rattan trays and give your guests daisy chain garlands and flower crowns to wear. 

We absolutely love to entertain in our garden and throwing themed parties for our guests. Which theme do you think you’ll try out?

Mel x