Gardening party decorations

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(Image credit: Future)

Garden party ideas are the perfect way to celebrate the warm weather in style.

In the middle of summer, you’ll want to spend every moment possible outside. Whereas in the fall, sometimes nothing can be better than cozying up around a fire with friends to enjoy the crisp air. There are ways to make a garden party decor work for (nearly!) any time of year or space available.

So, from intimate moments to family extravaganzas, we’ve curated our favorite garden party decoration ideas for every type of party.

Garden party ideas

Whether you’re simply taking the family outside for dinner, or hosting a big group of friends, bringing things outside creates a new and fresh dynamic for your garden party ideas. And unlike garden decorating ideas, which will make your space feel unique year-round, these ideas will create a celebratory feel, whatever the occasion.

1. Narrow down your theme

(Image credit: Talking Tables)

Deciding on a theme or color scheme early on can be a good starting point when it comes to planning a garden party. It can be as broad or as specific as you like - from roses and chintz to a Mad Hatter’s tea party - but having a theme can help to pull the party decor together visually and be a big help when picking out tableware, food and decorations.

‘Why not choose a seasonal color scheme based on the color combination of flowers in your garden,’ says Jo Jeffery, Head of Brand Development at Talking Tables . ‘For our shoots we also try to use in-season produce – so while you may only want a few blooms for a couple of bud vases, why not think about what’s currently flowering. And the same goes for food too.’

‘And try to make use of items you already have when it comes to tableware and party decorations, or consider a trip to a thrift shop which can give something once-loved a new life too. It might also create some talking points for the table.’

2. Organise a table plan

(Image credit: Sophie Allport)

Choose a sturdy outdoor table, positioned on a sound base so that it stays stable. Avoid using the lawn if there has been a lot of wet weather, as chair legs might sink into soft ground. Or consider laying a temporary deck using a few wide timber planks laid lengthways.

If your garden table won’t stretch to a larger number of guests, then consider a temporary solution. Long trestle-style tables are easy to set up outdoors and several can be joined together if you need to seat a crowd. Cover up with extra-long white table cloths, prettied up with colorful runners along the center. Once the party is over, tables can be folded and stored away in a garage.

3. Sort the seating arrangements

(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)

Make garden chairs comfier for guests by adding extra seat pads and cushions and a few knits and blankets to keep things cosy as the sun goes down. Having a stash of folding chairs on standby in the garden shed or garage is always useful too, should you need to seat extra numbers or any last-minute guests.

‘Create a magical setting for a summer’s evening with cushions, throws and candlelight,’ says Susie Watson . ‘It’s always a lovely idea when eating outside, to mix odd chairs from indoors. I love using our upholstered library chairs alongside a Gustavian chair or two. It will add color and interest, creating a jolly and welcoming look.’

‘The color palette for my fabric collection is inspired from the plants in the garden, never be afraid to mix the bright colors alongside the calming tones; they always look wonderful, almost like a flower bed in the middle of the lawn.’

4. Give the table a focal point

(Image credit: Pelargoniums for Europe)

Garden plants and flowers in rustic terracotta planters make a pretty table centrepiece, lined up along the length of a table. Using taller items like pot plants, pitchers filled with florals or cake stands piled high with fancies will give a table arrangement extra height and creates an eye-catching focal point. Or consider using the space above a table for decoration and stringing paper pom poms from the branches of a tree to bring an extra pop of color.

‘Just because the sun sets, doesn’t mean your party needs to,’ says Mary Claire Boyd, Fair Director at Spirit of Summer Fair . ‘Consider draping outdoor festoons or fairy lights amongst trees, shrubs or adorned on fences to create a pretty and effective way of keeping your party going long into the night.’

‘Alternatively, candles (real or battery operated) create a wonderful atmosphere and ambiance when dotted around in lanterns or hurricane jars and citronella candles not only provide a fresh aroma but are great for repelling pesky bugs and insects.’

5. Mix and match tableware

(Image credit: Future PLC / David Brittain)

Finding matching tableware to accommodate extra guests can be tricky, but opting for an informal mismatched scheme in jolly brights and clashing florals is an easy way of getting around the problem. Different sets of china can be put together to provide extra place settings, mixing plains and patterns in cheery colors that will bring a relaxed charm to any table.

Using vintage crockery is another easy way of stretching out tableware so that there is plenty to go round. Look out for pretty floral tea cups, saucers, plates and serving dishes at thrift shops or garage sales, building up a characterful collection of mismatched pieces that are perfect for bringing out for parties or special occasions.

6. Make easy table settings

(Image credit: Future PLC / Simon Scarboro)

Using in-season blooms is an inexpensive way of decorating a garden party table and breaking down a large arrangement into separate smaller posies will make your flowers go further.

For an informal display idea, recycle old glass jam jars to display mini posies in. Wrap with brightly colored ribbon and stand one at each place setting. They also make lovely keepsakes for guests to take away afterwards.

7. Try a quick trick with cutlery

(Image credit: Future PLC / Simon Scarboro)

Give vintage cutlery and utensils a new lease of life with vibrant colors spray-painted on the handles. An easy way of co-ordinating mis-matched sets, go for a color combination that complements your table theme and then hand-tie knife, fork and spoons together using lengths of colored bakers’ twine finished with a bow.

For quirky place setting markers, create personalized rosettes for guests using remnants of fabric and offcuts of colored ribbon. Glue a circle of stiff card on to the front of each rosette and inscribe with guests’ names in a fancy font.

(Image credit: Future PLC / Lizzie Orme)

Create a makeshift bar that can be stocked with bottles and glassware so that the main table doesn’t become too crowded. Use a sturdy table covered with a colorful cloth and set in an easy-to-access spot so that guests can help themselves.

‘Being an attentive host does not mean you have to do it all,’ says Mary Claire Boyd. ‘Having an area for guests to help themselves to drinks is an easy way to make sure you’re not spending all day topping up glasses or mixing cocktails.

‘A drinks station or table with spirits, glasses, ice and mixers means guests can get creative and make their own concoctions. You can even have a couple of drink dispensers filled with ready prepared cocktails.’

‘Similarly, if you have the time to prepare salads and food in advance, try to do so the night before and then let your friends and family serve themselves. By preparing a few dishes ahead of time, you won’t be hidden away in the kitchen missing the fun outside.’

9. Organize a breakaway area

(Image credit: Future PLC / Simon Scarboro)

Set up a few easy chairs away from the main table area where guests can go to sit and chat or enjoy some quiet time away from the hubbub of the party. Add a parasol or makeshift canopy that will provide shelter from the sun when it's at its hottest.

‘Plan for all weathers,’ advises Mary Claire Boyd. ‘It's always good to have a wet weather plan, should it decide to take a turn for the worst. Do you have space to continue the party inside? Alternatively, can you pitch up a gazebo or marquee in your garden? Think about the "what ifs" so you have a plan B if needed. ’

‘A basket of blankets or throws hung across the backs of chairs also makes it easy for people to grab and use if the evening turns cooler. And a few floor cushions situated on outdoor rugs provide an alternative and inviting place to rest if there are not enough chairs.’

10. Set the mood after dark

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

Plan garden party lighting ideas that will take your table from day to night and create a magical mood outside. Position pillar candles and lanterns along the length of your table, ready for lighting after dark, adding nightlights at each place setting to give extra sparkle.

‘For the perfect finishing touch, place connectable string lights overhead to create a magical atmosphere all around,’ says Claire Bassett, Senior Product Manager at Lights4fun . ‘From a singular power source, attach the string lights to overhead branches, shepherd hooks or the beams of a pergola and swag each string back and forth to light up your garden party. ’

‘The warm glow will radiate across your space and create an enchanting ambience so you can celebrate after dusk. Finally, add solar bulbs either to the string of fairy lights or surrounding tree branches, securing them in place with fishing wire. The flair of color will create a rich, vibrant display, perfect for hosting summer celebrations.’

11. Set up for a playful outdoor tea party

(Image credit: Future)

What could be more magical than an afternoon tea party surrounded by friends and the beauty of nature? For an outdoor dining idea with whimsy and wow-factor, position a portable table under a tree in a secluded part of the garden and use the branches overhead to suspend paper pompoms over the table – the perfect garden party idea for a playful festival feel.

Layer the table with patterned linens and top chairs with plenty of eye-catching seat-pads cushions. Bring the table to life with jugs of fresh flowers and arrange treats on tiered cake stands for a classic afternoon tea feel – these will also bring height to your spread, too.

12. Create a pretty place setting with vintage finds

(Image credit: Emma Bridgewater)

For a quirky, homespun look which is easy to create, why not use what you have and layer up a selection of vintage floral, block-printed and lace-edged tablecloths with mix and match crockery, glassware and cutlery? For a feminine flourish tie cutlery with ribbon and dot about plenty of freshly cut garden flowers.

13. Create a fabric awning

(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)

A garden awning is a perfect shade garden idea against the midday sun during summer lunches – for a pretty country twist try making one using classic striped fabric as demonstrated here by Susie Watson Designs.

'I have always wanted to create an awning on the terrace to shade from the sunlight whilst we eat or read the newspaper,' says founder Susie Watson . 'Our Pale Rose Ivory Wide Stripe seemed like the perfect understated cotton; sophisticated and subtle, the stripes really do suit any outside space. The towering hollyhocks echo the colours of the jolly tassels, the ideal tone to transition from early spring to high summer.'

14. Choose a practical and stylish drinks trolley

(Image credit: The White Company)

The drinks trolley has made a huge comeback in recent years as more and more of us are discovering the delights of home entertaining. Rather than keep your drinks trolley indoors, why not bring some glamor to your garden party by wheeling it out of the dining room and onto the patio as a portable garden bar idea?

Make sure your trolley is fully equipped by loading it up with flutes, gin glasses, drinks, an ice bucket and coasters. Add in your favorite aromatic herbs in pots so that you can have a freshly picked supply for your summer cocktails and don't forget some candles to create that magical atmosphere after dark.

'Beautiful bar cart ideas make a perfect focal point when styled with wine glasses, flutes, goblets and tumblers all of different heights. Buff your glassware so it sparkles and add your linens and some seasonal flowers. As the sun moves around the garden you can easily reposition the trolley wherever you wish,' says Mark Winstanley our chief creative officer at The White Company .

15. Decorate a chair with ribbons

(Image credit: Future)

Creating a beautiful effect when fluttering in the breeze, tying ribbons to a chair is an easy and inexpensive way to bring a playful touch to garden party decor.

French-style cafe chairs are an easy design to fasten them to and will also give a relaxed feel. Pick out ribbons to co-ordinate with the colors in your table linen and choose different widths for extra interest, you could also add in floral sprigs, too.

16. Add floral flourishes

(Image credit: Sarah Raven / Photography © Jonathan Buckley)

No garden party table would be complete without freshly cut flowers. There's no need for an extravagant bouquet, just a few stems are enough to add a floral flourish, in fact, sometimes less is more. Set in a handy holder, these glasses from Sarah Raven make perfect mini bud vases – you could leave them grouped for a focal point or alternatively place one at each place setting.

For a mid-summer color pop try a combination of hot pink cacti dahlias and yellow fennel. If you're thinking of growing your own flowers for cutting then be sure to do your research on planning a cut flower garden.

17. Decorate with edible flowers

(Image credit: Emma Britton)

Decorating garden party food with edible flowers is a fitting finishing touch for a summer spread that is guaranteed to bring sparkle to an al fresco celebration. Try using them to decorate a show-stopping cake for an eye-catching centerpiece, or floating them in arrival drinks – they can also be used in salads, too. If you're thinking of using flowers to decorate food then it's important that they are certified as edible – be sure to do your research first and to buy them from trusted specialist suppliers.

18. Don't forget the party games

(Image credit: Future)

Outdoor living rooms are the perfect space for hosting games night. Outdoor games are a great garden party idea that all the family can enjoy. There are plenty of sets to buy online from classics such as croquet and French boules to oversized versions of indoor favorites like Jenga, chess and Connect Four. Alternatively, if you're feeling crafty, you could create your own garden party game idea such as this simple ring toss game made by filling a retro fruit crate with colored bottles ready for looping with ribbon-bound hoops.

19. Set the mood

(Image credit: Layered Lounge)

If you're planning on hosting an intimate gathering on the patio then factor in plenty of outdoor lighting ideas and cozy textiles to create a magical atmosphere after dark. 'When entertaining outdoors you want to ensure the set up is stylish and comfortable, almost like an extension of the home, says Suzy Humphreys, founder of Layered Lounge.

'Adding light throws and cushions in summer fabrics and colours adds texture and coziness on chillier evenings. I also like to dot lanterns and candles around the garden as the gentle glow of candlelight adds a real sense of occasion and will beautifully highlight your al fresco bar or dining table.'

20. Keep the kids entertained

(Image credit: Raj Tent Club)

When hosting a garden party for all the family it's important to keep the little ones entertained, so consider styling up a secret area especially for them. For a relaxed, playful look, why not choose a vibrant boho theme? Begin by laying down colorful patterned rag rugs (brilliant for disguising dirt and stains) and then add in miniature rattan furniture and a selection of Moroccan pouffes. Great indoors as well as outdoors, leather pouffes are easy to wipe clean if marked by little grubby hands. For a fun finishing touch tie colorful ribbons from branches overhead.

21. Choose a patriotic theme

(Image credit: Grandin Road)

Whether you're thinking Memorial Day decor, 4th July decorating ideas or even celebrating Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee party ideas, creating a red, white and blue color scheme can be a great way to make your garden party ideas suit not just patriotic occasions, but all occasions. Adorn the front of your home, or just create red, white and blue table decor out in the backyard.

How can I decorate my backyard for a party?

The best way to decorate your garden for a party is to first think about what type of occasion you will be celebrating. Once you have that important element nailed, consider budget, color schemes and whether your garden party decorations will need to be waterproof or child-friendly.

How do I throw a garden party?

Throw a garden party in any style you desire, but one of the most special things about taking things outside is the joy of al fresco dining.

Take a traditional dinner party and move the fun outdoors. Menu-wise, why not choose summer recipes that can be cooked on the fire or in the oven, depending on how the mood takes you. Plus, this outdoor dining idea is a lovely, family-style way of entertaining.

For decorating your table outside, complement the season with your color choices. Dress the table with simple linens, terracottas and recycled glassware for an earthy, eco-moment. If you have kids running around, swap in hardy melamine platters and plastic glassware that look like the real deal.

Demarcating zones is a great way to add intrigue and intimacy to a garden party.

If, when designing your garden, you have entertaining in mind, then consider using flowers and shrubs to define various sections. Planting beds can add a sense of privacy to smaller seating areas. Add in some herb pots here, too, for a natural way to scent a cozy area.

Tasha Green, Director of Weaver Green, suggests to, ‘create hidden areas to escape the madding crowd. Create simple wooden brackets and attach them to walls and fences to use as hanging structures for textiles (large bull clips are perfect for a non-permanent attachment).’

Alternatively, invest in a tent or marquee for an opulent feel. This is an especially lovely idea at a birthday, to create a focal point for gathering.

How do I keep my guests comfortable at a garden party?

Comfort is everything for your guests, especially when you’re outside and will be lingering until the last rays of sun have faded away.

While seat and bench pads are of course useful, few of us will have the right number of chairs when throwing bigger garden parties. Instead, make use of your square footage and make the ground a new comfort zone, as in the outdoor living room idea shown above.

‘We use lots of lovely outdoor scatter cushions, floor cushions and outdoor rugs to take the hard edges off,’ says Tasha Green, Director of Weaver Green. ‘Make sure your textiles are outdoor-proof and quick drying. Then they can be left outdoors with no ill effect.’

Keep guests warm with outdoor fireplace ideas or fire pits. Add chic, modern country charm to your garden party by looking to unusual ways of displaying practical necessities.

A foraged branch strung up with rope, or perhaps across where a hammock would usually hang, is the perfect place to display blankets.

Attach stylish leather loops to throws in complementary colors. They’ll look pretty during the day, and when evening rolls around, your guests will know exactly where to head to for an extra layer.

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

Summer garden party: 10 decor ideas

Decor Tips

Flowers, fabrics, pillows and blankets, garden furniture, hammocks and swings - all this will help turn your summer cottage into a playground for summer parties, children's parties and soulful evenings with loved ones . Summer is so short - so let's spend it with benefit and pleasure!

1. Blankets, pillows, bedding

Blankets, pillows, picnic mats, sun umbrellas, sunbeds - all this is the main must have for any outdoor pastime, whether it's a party with friends or just a summer tea in the garden. Stock up on this in advance, so that later, if necessary, quickly equip an outdoor recreation area.

Textile, H&M Home.

Photo: @stiltje.se

And don't forget the dishes. Porcelain of light shades with floral, marine motifs, glass (transparent and colored), ceramics are well suited for serving a summer table. Also, for tea drinking in the fresh air, you can use bowls with traditional oriental ornaments and light bowls made of colored transparent plastic (such are the Italian brand Kartell).

Textile, H&M Home.

2. Light bulbs on the trees

You can decorate your garden with simple electric light bulbs combined with boho-style wicker decor by hanging them on tree branches. You can complement the lighting decor with compact portable battery-powered lamps, placing them on tables and on the ground: with this design, you can arrange night parties until the morning.

3. Homemade wreaths

Homemade wreaths made from herbs, wildflowers and twigs can be used throughout the summer. They can be hung not only on the door of the house, but also hung on the branches of trees in the garden. Beautiful and elegant!

3. Hanging candle holders

Decorating your garden with candles is a good idea that will come in handy not only for the holidays, but also for ordinary summer evenings. For such a decor, both purchased candlesticks (sold at IKEA, as well as in all large hardware stores such as Leroy Merlin or OBI) and home-made ones, having built them from ordinary glass jars, are suitable. To attach candlesticks to branches, use metal wire, household twine or tape.

4. Light canopy

Light canopy not only for your bedroom, but also for the garden. You can build it from a piece of light translucent fabric, simply by hanging it on the branches of a tree. Instead of fabric, you can use a canopy for a crib, shawls or a pareo with a colorful ethnic pattern.

You can cover the ground with polyethylene or tourist foam, and put a beautiful carpet or a bright blanket on top and throw in pillows - this way you will get a beautiful oriental-style tent.

5. Decorative pompoms

When the weather permits, you can hang these decorative pompoms in your garden. Children especially like them, invariably causing them delight, so this decor is good for children's birthdays and holidays.

6. Garlands

What a garden without garlands! But before hanging them nicely, make sure they are suitable for outdoor use

Photo: Getty

0002 Who said that a rain awning has to be ugly? Here are some examples to prove that this is not the case.

In the absence of a ready-made awning, you can build a beautiful tent yourself by decorating an ordinary piece of transparent polyethylene with multi-colored ribbons - if you try, it will turn out no less impressive!

8.

Chinese lanterns

Chinese rice paper lanterns with or without built-in LED lights are a win-win solution for garden decoration. They look especially beautiful if you hang them in picturesque groups and decorate them with colorful ribbons: the balloons will flutter beautifully in the wind, creating a festive mood.

IKEA has similar rechargeable ball lights. They are powered by a battery that is recharged by sunlight and do not need to be plugged into an outlet. Due to the absence of wires, they can be used anywhere in the garden. And LEDs last 10 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs.

Photo: IKEA

9. Swings and hammocks

Pump up your garden swing with bright decor and soft pillows. A battery-operated chandelier, which can also be hung from a tree, will help add atmosphere. Romantic mood attached.

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10. Floral decor

And of course, we should not forget about the flowers, which are abundant in the garden in summer. Fresh flowers will look great on the festive table. And besides, you can hang homemade vases from bottles on tree branches or build flower curtains using cut flowers and fishing line - there are a lot of options, it's all up to your imagination!

Photos: Getty Images

Garden Party

A great alternative to a picnic is a garden party. Fresh air and all the benefits of civilization at hand - this is for those who do not like to break away from comfort too much :).

We offer garden parties not only in summer but also in autumn. Also, a garden party is a great option for an evening pastime.

Some of our garden design ideas can help you implement your plan for a comfortable stay in your summer cottage or country house.

It's best to make a picnic-style garden party. To do this, you can use wooden tables, benches, checkered tablecloths and simple dishes. Decorate the trees with exquisite paper lanterns and recreate the atmosphere of home comfort.

Also, a comfortable gazebo will be a great place for a table :).

Don't forget to decorate the tables with live or dried bouquets and various country-style items. However, if you are planning to make a party on a solemn occasion - a birthday or an anniversary, then it is better to decorate in traditional solemn white colors, diluted with any color you like - blue, pink, green or yellow :).

Another original and rather difficult to implement idea is to hold a party in the city orchard. Imagine what a pleasure it is to walk with friends surrounded by cherry or apricot trees. And if orange? 🙂

A decorative material wall will hide you from the cool wind or prying eyes. It is very beautiful and practical as for me :).

In the evening, take care of decent lighting. It all depends on your personal imagination :).

An interesting solution for a garden party in the summer is a special table with soft drinks. Here everyone can enjoy lemonade or whiskey with ice :).

Sample invitation for guests. As a template, you can use any bright picture that you like. We just print on a color printer and write down the time of the party 🙂

A funny sign for all those who get lost :).

An interesting solution would be to decorate the party with various garlands. Such beautiful flags and decorations will be an excellent attribute of a festive mood and a cheerful holiday atmosphere.

The most original attribute of your party can be… an ordinary fence :). Decorate the fence with bottles filled with water with flowers stuck in them. Roses, field daisies and even gerberas - that's exactly what you need for a beautiful design.

You can also use old teapots or flower pots.

Decorate your table with natural flowers, beautiful tableware and ordinary flower pots. Such a gentle, uncomplicated design will appeal to you and your guests.

Remember that a quality garden party always depends on the special atmosphere and small details - music, company, menu. If you do not know what to cook at the garden party, opt for barbecue, baked fish, sausages or steaks. You can find recipes for interesting appetizers here, and recipes for mouth-watering salads are posted here.

If you are looking for interesting menu ideas, then read our article to the end :).