Ideas for a garden party theme

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Looking for some lovely garden party ideas to quickly change your backyard into the perfect space for outdoor entertaining? You are in the right place! We have loads of gorgeous looks that you can recreate in your own space no matter what size garden you are working with. Even if your outdoor space is a balcony or a small patio, we have you covered too. 

Whether your garden parties are all about the barbecue, gathering around an open fire, or simply enjoying a cup of tea with a couple of friends in a gorgeous setting, we have lots of inspiring garden ideas to help you throw a party your guests will talk about for months.  

• When you're done being inspired, hop over to our feature on how to design a garden from scratch for more clever ideas.

1. Make a garden party feel special with textiles

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(Image credit: John Lewis)

A really easy way to up your garden party game and make it feel like a really occasion is to simply lay down some lovely table linen. You want to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors and make the tables outside feel just as special as they would at a normal diner party. Layer a few table clothes on top of one another for a laid back, rustic feel and match your table decor to that country vibe with wooden chopping boards, Mason jars and small vases of fresh flowers. 

2. Hang candles above a table 

(Image credit: Dobbies)

Love this idea! And imagine how special it would look at night, creating a lovely glow over the table. You could really easily DIY this structure using beams (or for a more rustic look use found wood) and then just hang candle holders at different heights to create a lovely atmosphere at the dinner table. 

3. Decorate your tables with garden findings 

(Image credit: Ella James)

The key to create lovely, country-style table scapes is lots of textures, so place jars of flowers sporadically thorough out the food and plates and trail garlands so they fall natural off the sides. Rather than buy your greenery, have a look around your garden for decor and DIY your floral decor. This will create a nice link between the table design and the surrounding garden too. 

4. Give your party a camp out vibe

(Image credit: Boutique Camping)

Even  for adults, there's something so exciting about camping, and that feeling of a party turning into a sleepover. So pop up a tent or tipi if you garden and surround it  with rugs, chairs and floor cushions to create a really vacation feel. Get a fire going too as it gets dark and hand out marshmallows as an after dinner treat. 

5. Create a garden party theme

(Image credit: Talking Tables)

If you're decorating your garden for the party, choosing a theme will make it punchier visually. Wish you were throwing a garden party in the tropics somewhere? Why not recreate a luscious tropical atmosphere with colorful accessories and a piñata. Add some bright cushions and hanging decorations, and you're good to go...

6. Set up a shaded area

(Image credit: Cuprinol)

It always a good idea to create a shaded area at your garden party for people who don't like being in the sun for too long, or if  your guests want a shaded spot to relax away from the main event.  A parasol would do the job, but we are loving sail shades this summer, they are just so simple and stylish and add a bit of a beachy vibe to a garden. 

7. Light up the garden for a night-time party

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

To make sure your garden party continues seamlessly into the evening, prepare with plenty of outdoor lighting. Mix and match different types, from tea lights to lanterns, for a really pretty, luminous effect. 

• Find more garden lighting ideas in our gallery.

8. Please a party crowd with fresh lemonade

(Image credit: Rex London)

Nothing screams 'garden party' like a lemonade dispenser. Plus it adds such a cute rustic feel to a garden party. You can pick them up really cheaply on Amazon and make your own lemonade really easily using just lemons, sugar and water. 

9. Find a fire pit for cooler nights

(Image credit: Moda Furnishings + Sandra Baker (@the_idle_hands))

If you're throwing a garden party in autumn or winter, an open fire of some sort always helps to draw everyone together. Marshmallow toasting is one of the great pleasures of cold-weather partying, especially if there are children at the party. 

• Find all our fire pit ideas in our gallery. 

10. Create an indoor feel with hanging lampshades

(Image credit: Mind the Gap)

Give your garden party table a real indoor/outdoor feel by hanging actual lampshades above. You could just hang them from string to a tree and wind around some battery-powered fairy lights to create a more... rustic but equally lovely version of this beautiful set up. 

11. Ensure your garden seating is super comfy

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

Comfy seating is a must in the garden, party or no – and it's crucial for keeping everyone happy into the evening. We say padded with plenty of cushions is the way to go. 

If your seating is naturally hard, for example, a corner bench or metal set, get plenty of cushions and blankets to create a cozy atmosphere. 

12. Create a party ambience with an outdoor speaker

Ultimate Ears UE Megablast

Want to really get the party started? You need music. And while you don't want to annoy all your neighbors with an overly loud sound, a tinny old speaker won't do, either. Go for a portable speaker that you can easily bring out into the garden and move it around should you need to. Then you just make sure you have a banging playlist ready to go!

• Find the best outdoor speakers in our buying guide.

13. Love garden party food? Build an outdoor kitchen

(Image credit: Ikea)

If you are seriously into your al fresco dining, then consider building an outdoor kitchen. This is a particularly worthwhile investment if you entertain frequently – imagine the time and effort saved by not having to carry endless dishes back and forth between your kitchen and garden.

• See all our outdoor kitchen ideas. 

14. Get an outdoor projector for garden movie nights

(Image credit: Cuprinol )

There's nothing like ending a successful party with a late-night film screening. Technically, for an outdoor cinema, all you really need is a sheet, or a white wall and an outdoor projector (if you're not sure what to go for, check out our guide to the best outdoor projectors ), but we think it's the extras that make it all the more special. Basically, that means string up A TON of fairy lights, the more the better. We love the look of festoon lights and you could also add some lanterns to create even more of a lovely glow. And if you are feeling really extra, bring out your duvet and hang up a net canopy to create an almost outdoor bedroom. Dreamy!

Make sure your garden furniture is extra comfy by adding plenty of cushions and roll out an outdoor rug to create an even more outdoor living room feel. 

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15. Create home bar – instantly

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

Bar stools are fun and create a cool and intimate atmosphere; and – if you are very lucky and have a swimming pool – they can contribute to a poolside bar look that is just perfect for a garden party.  

• Find out how to make a home bar in our guide if you want to DIY yours.

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16. Create an outdoor living room

(Image credit: Oh So Kel)

If you want to create a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere at your garden party, switch the tables for floor cushions, outdoor sofas and coffee tables. Add to that living room feel by adding plenty of throws and pop down a rug too. Be sure to avoid indoor furniture outside though – it's one of the worst patio decorating mistakes!

17. Find a great garden party dining set

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

For a complete garden party experience – think nice, long dinner, followed by a nice, long conversation – nothing beats a proper outdoor dining set. Set your expectations high: it should be well-built, spacious, and cater to all weathers. Oh, and, of course, it should be good-looking. 

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18. Throw an impromptu cocktail party

(Image credit: Cuprinol)

There's nothing like a refreshing Margarita on a hot day – or a fruity mocktail, if alcohol isn't your thing. One thing's certain: no fab garden cocktail party is complete without a gorgeous cocktail shaker. 

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19. Minimise food prep with a cheese board

(Image credit: Ikea)

Don't fancy doing lots of cooking for your garden party? Especially if you'll be hosting in a small patio or on a balcony, big plates of food might not be practical. Instead, serve a chic cheese and charcuterie board that people can dip in and out of as they choose. 

20. Go full rustic with low seating in a country garden

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

We admit that to recreate this garden idea in your garden you probably would need to live on a farm, but what could be more romantic than the idea of enjoying an evening with friends on some hay bales? If you don't live anywhere near any hay, try bean bag seating instead.

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22. Go boho and relaxed for an easygoing garden party

(Image credit: Ikea)

If you don't feel like hosting a sit-down dinner, but still want to make sure your guests are well-fed, go Scandinavian and create a buffet-style table with salads, sandwiches, and drinks. That way, you won't need to worry about everyone finishing eating at the same time. 

23. Combine formal and rustic elements in your dining scheme

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

Garden design is all about mixing modern rustic and more contemporary styles at the moment, and the same goes for your garden party. Think combining rustic-style, linen napkins and cushions with more formal elements such as a candle holder and crystal glasses. 

24. Be prepared for rain and shine

(Image credit: Ikea)

It doesn't matter where in the world you are, you can bet that, as soon as you set a date for a garden party, the weather misbehaves. So, we'd always advise preparing ahead for rain and shine. Gazebos are great, parasols look pretty and are forever useful and wind/sun sail shades are a quick fix. Whichever, just make sure there's enough shelter for all. Find more of the best garden parasols in our buyer's guide.

• Find more of the best garden parasols in our buyer's guide.

Anna is Content Editor at Real Homes. She moved to the world of interiors from academic research in the field of English Literature and photography. She is the author of London Writing of the 1930s and has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. At Real Homes, she covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design. 

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, 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.

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@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.

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.

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.

1 of 4

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10.

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!

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• Summer
90,000 summer party: Ideas How to arrange a party at

Leave intricate quirks and a bustle for winter entertainments - now the most time is timeless!

A summer party in the country is a great idea: you don't have to spend hours at the stove for a gourmet dinner and spend time cleaning the house and other preparations. Make your life easier with an outdoor party. Apart from snacks for a summer party, all you need is simple street decorations - they will not cost a lot of money, and some you can even do yourself. For your attention - a number of ideas on how to have a party in the country or organize a matinee.

Corynne Pless

1. Make a quick table out of ordinary goats
Do you have enough furniture in your garden to throw a dacha party for a big company? Take a couple of ordinary wood sawing goats (you can borrow from neighbors) and cover them with several boards or one wide board (an old door, a large mirror) - and the party table is ready! An impromptu tabletop can be left as is, painted, covered with a tablecloth or parchment paper.

Corynne Pless

2. Turn a wooden crate into a freezer
Any old crate lined with plastic wrap turns into a rustic open ice bin. Of course, this is not a real refrigerator, but it will do for beer and lemonade.

3. No box? Use any container
A garden cart, a wheelbarrow, an enamel bucket or even the back of a kid's truck - any of these items can make a makeshift ice container for a summer party. Just put a film or a regular bag inside ─ you're done!

Cezign

4. Give your garden bar a beachy look
If you're having a summer party in your country house, the easiest way is to build a thatched roof or shed. Naturally, you do not have to order panels from palm leaves via the Internet - in Russia, from ancient times, roofs were made from reeds or ordinary straw. Attach them to the roof of a gazebo or shed for a summer party.

Celia Bedilia

5. Make candle holders in the forest style
Roll up a wide green leaf and place it in a glass jar. Then pour water and place a floating candle. Another option for a party is to wrap a piece of birch bark around a jar or candle holder and secure it with coarse string.

6. Or at the beach!
Pour a little sand into a screw-top jar for an unusual summer candle. One of the advantages of such a candle is that it is easy to turn it into a flashlight. Just tie a flexible wire to the neck and hang the jar on a tree. If you are afraid of starting a fire during a party, use candle-shaped LED flashlights or battery-powered electric ones.

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7. Arrange flowers in lemonade bottles
Tall, narrow bottles can be a fun table decoration during a party. You won't need any effort at all. Just line up the bottles in a row and put a flower in each of them. The best option for a party is daisies, gerberas and sunflowers.

Soapstone Werks

8. Don't be in a hurry to be 100% ready
To make your summer party a success, involve your guests in the celebration. Ask them to help you squeeze lemons for homemade lemonade, turn the handle of an old-fashioned ice cream maker, or give them a pruner and send them to the garden to cut a bouquet for table decoration.

9. Seat all the guests at one big table
Such a feast for a party in the country is a great idea. If you do not have a large table, move two or even three together - the effect will exceed all your expectations.

Corynne Pless

10. Use old crates for trays
Vintage wooden soda crates are the perfect summertime party container. It is convenient to take glasses, vases, napkins, candlesticks into the garden in them - in general, everything you need for a party. Another option is to put such a box on the table. Let there be cutlery in one compartment in a glass jar, napkins in another, toothpicks or drinking straws in the third.

Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby's Realty

11. Create a special atmosphere with lanterns and signs
A good idea for a party is to mark the celebration area by placing a pair of lanterns with candles at the entrance. Place a board next to it, on which the menu will be written in chalk or simply: “Welcome!”.

Beckwith Interiors

12. Serve guests summer-only drinks
Fill a large pitcher with ice water and add lemon or orange wedges, mint leaves, berries, or even cucumber slices. A healthy refreshing drink is ready! You have no idea how many people would prefer a sip of water to a sweet soda.

Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby's Realty

13. Set your table in the shade
There's nothing worse than trying to appreciate a delicious meal while sitting in the hot sun. Therefore, if you are having a party in the morning or afternoon, place the table in the shade of a tree or under an awning. In extreme cases, you will have to spend money on buying a pair of umbrellas.

Cottage Home, Inc.

14. Don't give mosquitoes a chance
If you have a pond in your garden, don't forget to clean it regularly, otherwise mosquitoes will breed there. There are places where there are generally a lot of mosquitoes and midges, in which case it is better to organize a holiday during the day. Another option is to move dinner to the porch behind a mosquito net: this way you will still be in the open air and your guests will not be bitten by insects.

The Cousins ​​

15. Divide the garden or yard into several zones for a crowded holiday
How to arrange a party in the country, because it is not easy to entertain a large crowd of guests? To keep your backyard party fun, let them entertain themselves. To do this, create several points of attraction: a dining table, a campfire, a couple of chairs on the porch, and an outdoor bar. The guests themselves will be divided into several small groups, and it will be much easier to cope with the party.

Becky Cunningham Home

16. Pack your things for the summer holidays in advance
hour before guests arrive. Most of these items don't even need to be bought, just collect jam jars, wash beautifully patterned tins - there you have vases and candlesticks for the party. And think twice before throwing away an old sheet. If there are no holes on it, it can be a great outdoor tablecloth!

Celia Bedilia

17. Create bouquets from what grows in the garden
Cutting flowers and branches in your own garden costs nothing and is a million times more interesting than buying. Take a look at your garden in a new way and pick something unexpected for a bouquet. Dandelions in a glass jar look charming, blooming onions look romantic, and an artichoke in a bouquet on the table will become not only a decoration, but also a conversation point - your summer party will be remembered for a long time.

18. Hang bouquets on a tree
Use an awl or drill to make two holes in the cans. Thread the wire through the holes so the jar can be hung from a tree branch.

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