Summer is almost here. That means it’s time to start thinking about kicking back with friends and enjoying good food, good drinks, and good weather! A laid-back summer garden party is a great way to kick off summer without making a ton of work for yourself.
Keep reading for some tips to make sure your summer garden party is a hit!
Summer Garden Party Tips
To throw a killer summer garden party, you’ll want to make sure you have all your bases covered. You’ll need food, drinks, appropriate shelter from the elements, good music, and plenty of places for guests to sit and congregate. You’ll also want to make sure your garden looks great too!
Have a Plan For Bad Weather
Summer weather can be unpredictable, especially in different parts of the country. In the South, be prepared for a pop-up thunderstorm to show up in the afternoon and soak everything. In the Midwest, get ready for the chance that you wake up on the day of your party and it’s cold, gray, and looks like March outside. Without proper planning, a summer garden party could be a literal washout.
Check the forecast a week in advance and if it looks like there’s going to be rain on the day of your party, plan ahead with a tent, gazebo, or another way to keep your guests covered from the rain.
If it’s going to be colder than you’d like, think about getting some patio heaters, a fire pit, or a chiminea. Having throws or pashminas for guest to throw on should they get chilly is also a nice touch sure to be appreciated by your guests.
Food
One of the most important things to think about (after the weather of course) is what kind of food and drinks you are going to serve. No one wants to host a party where they are stuck in the kitchen, especially during an outdoor party. So, keep the food simple and fresh.
Fresh meat and fish, marinated overnight, can be quickly and easily grilled. Prep salads and vegetables the morning of, so all you have to do when it is party time is set them out for guests.
Use glass or plastic domes to cover your food dishes, especially if you are serving them outside. You can also garnish your dishes with vegetable ribbons cut with a vegetable peeler or fresh herbs right from your garden.
Drinks
As for drinks, keep them fresh and light and summer-appropriate. Large jugs of cocktails are a great idea. You don’t have to prepare individual drinks or set up a large bar area. You can do this with non-alcoholic drinks too. Jugs of lemonade and sweet tea are another great summer option. Your guest can even mix the sweet tea and lemonade together to make an Arnold Palmer too.
You can even get edible flowers to garnish your cocktails and really play into your summer garden party themes. Pansies, fuchsia, and roses are totally safe and edible flowers that you can use to garnish your cocktails.
Keep other drinks, such as beer, wine, soda, and water on ice. A wheelbarrow, large flower pot, or wine barrel would be a great way to keep your drinks cold and keep with your summer garden party theme.
Make It Look Inviting
You don’t have to go crazy with decorations. Let the flowers, plants, and other flora and fauna be the star of your summer garden party. Simple, homemade bouquets full of fresh cut summer flowers, like daisies, sunflowers, roses, and black-eyed Susans are all you need to dress up your tables.
You can even add citronella sprigs to a few glass bottles or little vases to make a natural mosquito repellent.
When it comes to lighting, string up some fairy lights in trees or in the tent if you have one, scatter tea lights or other small candles around, and light a few lanterns or tiki torches around the garden.
Speaking of the flora and fauna in your garden, make sure your garden looks its best with bright and vibrant flowers. This company is a great source for plants and other decorative items for your garden. They even have workshops that will teach you the ins and outs of gardening as well.
If you don’t have enough seats for your guests, soft cushions and poufs make great places for sitting and chatting. You could even put down a large blanket with cushions, picnic-style, for guests to relax. Place soft seating around the garden and it is sure to look cozy and inviting.
Entertainment
You’ve created a cozy, inviting party, filled your guests with good food and drinks, now what? Yard games and other outdoor activities are a great option to get your guests up and moving and having fun. Lawn darts, bocce ball, or bean bags are great options to give your guests something to do.
Of course, good music is also necessary for a successful party. Create a playlist ahead of time so you don’t have to spend the party findings good music to play.
Plan Your Party
Now that you have the tips to throw the ultimate summer garden party, what are you waiting for?
Start making that guest list and get your friends over to show off your garden! While you’re at it, check out our blog for more party planning tips, like planning the best girl’s night out and getting party favors that your guests will love.
