How To Host a Garden Party: Your Step-By-Step Guide

With summer just around the corner, chances are you’ll be soaking up the sun at a friend’s garden party. But what if this year, you’re the host? Whilst we all love a summer garden party, you might not realise how stressful it is to actually plan one – especially without some guidance! 

From food to décor to those little details that make a big difference, there’s a lot to think about. Don’t worry, though. Our hosting experts have created a simple step-by-step checklist to help you throw a garden party that’s not only stress-free but one that your guests will be talking about for months to come!

So, what do you need to consider when hosting a garden party?

To host the perfect garden party, start by choosing a theme and sending stylish invites. Prep your garden with fresh plants, clean seating, and mood lighting. Decorate with flowers, bunting, and table styling to match your theme. 

Serve seasonal food like BBQs, grazing platters, or pizzas, with simple desserts like pavlova or lemon posset. Offer themed cocktails, prosecco on arrival, and homemade lemonade. Don’t forget music, games, and a wet-weather backup plan!

Catering for different dietary needs, having an emergency plan for bad weather, and remembering to invite everyone all need to be considered along with many other things.

 

So, What Do You Need To Consider When Organising a Garden Party?

Catering for different dietary needs, having an emergency plan for bad weather and remembering to invite everyone all need to be considered along with many other things. Follow the guide below for tips on hosting the perfect garden party:

 

Choosing a Theme

You don’t have to have a theme for your garden party, but if you are looking to create a memorable afternoon or evening, a dedicated theme is really guaranteed to impress your guests. Regardless of what theme you go for, it gives your party a sense of originality and uniqueness.

Some of the themes that I’ve recently followed (and guests have loved!) include:

• Italian Summer / Amalfi Coast – Think citrusy cocktails, crisp linens, lemon centrepieces, and antipasti spreads.
• Afternoon Tea Garden Party – Vintage china, tiered cake stands, finger sandwiches, floral bunting
• Mini Festival / Boho Chic – Layered rugs, floor cushions, fairy lights, live acoustic music or a curated playlist, flower crowns.
• Farmhouse / Countryside / Seasonal Eating – Rustic wooden tables, wildflowers, seasonal produce, sharing platters.
• Coastal /  Summer in the Hamptons – Striped linens, seafood platters, chilled beers, hydrangeas, and nautical décor.

Find something that works for you and your guests though, and consider if there will be children present, as this could impact the route you go down.

Invitations

Speaking of themes, sending out physical invitations to your guests can help set the tone for your garden party. Whilst a quick text or phone call is the easy thing to do, we love the traditional aspect of a physical invite – it will make the event feel even more special.

This is also a great opportunity for you to get super creative. For example, if you’re hosting a festival-themed garden party, turn your invitations into tickets and give your festival a name – go all out!

 

Preparing Your Garden

Don’t go to the effort of putting on the best party money can buy if you’re going to forget the simple things, like keeping your garden well-maintained! Completing a few essential gardening jobs the week before your celebration will make your garden look gorgeous, and help your decorations to shine. As a minimum, we’d recommend: 

Pressure Washing the Desk/Patio Area

Give your patio, decking, or paths a proper clean using a pressure washer. You’ll be amazed at how much fresher the space looks with just a quick rinse. It also prevents muddy footprints inside the house if the ground is damp!

Mowing The Lawn

A freshly mown lawn instantly makes your garden feel well cared for. Make sure your lawn is freshly mowed, either on the morning of your garden party or the day before. If you have animals, do frequent checks for any litter that needs removing, too!

Pruning Flowers & Shrubs

Another simple thing you can do before your party is to grab your pruners and go around removing any unwanted branches and dead flowers. Again, there’s no point in creating a glamorous garden only for a few dead plants to let you down!  

Add Fresh Plants or Pots 

If your garden needs a bit of colour, consider picking up a few fresh potted plants or hanging baskets. Even a couple of herbs or flowering pots near your seating area can make the space feel more vibrant and intentional. Your potted plants could also tie in with your theme. For example, for a ‘summer in the Hamptons’ feel, plant up some gorgeous white hydrangeas. For an Italian theme, potted basil is super effective.

 

Decorating For a Garden Party

A beautifully decorated garden can elevate your party from a casual gathering to a truly special event, but, you can’t just chuck a few balloons up and call it a day…

Decorative touches

Your chosen theme will help guide your decorative decisions, but even the simplest garden setup can benefit from a few well-placed accents. Think about the details that will make your guests feel welcomed and inspired. Some ideas include:

• Photo backdrops – Create a statement area with a floral arch, draped fabric, or a simple frame decorated with greenery for fun guest photos.
• Snack and grazing stations – Stylishly arranged snack bowls, grazing boards, or a DIY toppings bar can double as decor.
• Bar styling – Dress up a drinks table or bar cart with fresh herbs, citrus fruits, or custom signs.
• Balloons and bunting – Use sparingly or go big, depending on your vibe – great for playful themes.
• Floral arrangements and potted plants – Add colour with fresh flowers, either in vases, bud vases, jars, or arranged loosely on tabletops.
• Table styling – Don’t forget table runners, linen napkins, candles, and name cards for seated eating areas.

Lighting and Heating

If your garden party stretches into the evening (as the best ones often do!), creating a cozy and well-lit atmosphere is key. Not only does lighting set the mood, but it also ensures your guests feel comfortable staying late. Fortunately, there’s a range of options that will add style as well as warmth. These include:

• Heat lamps & patio heaters
• Fire pits
• Candles & lanterns
• Fairy lights
• Outdoor lamps (there are some really affordable rechargeable options available online!)
• Throws and blankets, for guests to grab if they get cold

Furniture

For me, one of the best parts of hosting a garden party is creating that effortless indoor-outdoor feel. The right garden furniture plays a huge role in achieving this.

Rather than dragging out mismatched chairs at the last minute, I like to think about furniture as part of the overall styling. Comfortable, intentional seating not only looks great, but encourages guests to settle in, relax, and enjoy your garden party for hours to come. Here’s how I like to do it:

• Layer cozy elements – Add throws, cushions, and even outdoor rugs to your seating areas. 
• Create different seating areas – If space allows, set up a garden sofa in one corner and a few low armchairs around a fire pit in another. It’s perfect for relaxed conversation and gives your guests plenty of areas to hang out in.
• Mix and match – Combine different seating styles: benches, poufs, hammocks, picnic rugs, or even bean bags for visual interest. 

 

Curating Your Garden Party Menu

If you’re anything like me, you know that food isn’t just an essential part of any event – it is the event! Choosing what to serve your guests, and how you serve it, is a great way to incorporate your chosen theme and vibe for your get-together. 

Main Meal

For a garden party, I’d recommend something along the lines of:

• A classic BBQ – Think juicy burgers, grilled halloumi, veggie skewers, and buttery corn on the cob. Check out our guide on hosting the ultimate BBQ – it’s full of tips on timing, marinades, and more.
• Pizza party – If you’ve got a pizza oven (like an Ooni) or access to one, why not host a DIY pizza night? Set up a toppings station so guests can build their own pizzas. We also have a guide on hosting a pizza party!
• Lots of large sharing platters –  Think Mediterranean-style spreads with couscous, grilled meats, herby potatoes, roasted veggies, salads, and plenty of fresh bread.
• A grazing table – For a more visual feast, a grazing table is your go-to. It’s a beautiful way to display a wide array of nibbles like fruits, cheeses, dips, antipasti, crackers, nuts, and sweet treats. It doubles as both decor and food!

If you’re looking for more delicious side dish ideas for al-fresco dining, you might find this guide helpful: What Side Dishes Go Best With a BBQ?

Dessert

Dessert is a non-negotiable at a garden party. You need something light and summery – absolutely nothing hot – to end your celebrations with. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Pavlova with fresh cream and berries
• Lemon Posset – check out our recipe for Lemon Posset here!
• Ice cream, sorbet, or even something as simple as ice pops!
• Tiramisu
• Cheesecake 
• Fruit salad – check out our Watermelon & Mint Fruit Salad recipe!

Don’t forget to cater for all dietary needs – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and any allergies. Encourage guests to let you know beforehand of any requirements. 

Drinks

No garden party is complete without something chilled and delicious in hand – but don’t forget, variety is key! Here’s what I’d suggest for the perfect garden party:

• Welcome drinks – Think Prosecco or Champagne upon arrival (add berries or a dash of elderflower liqueur for a seasonal twist).
• 1 or 2 signature cocktails – Choose cocktails that match your party’s theme (e.g. spicy margaritas for a Mexican vibe, limoncello spritz for an Italian-inspired menu).
• Non-Alcoholic options – Homemade lemonade, sparkling elderflower presse, or mocktails are a fabulous choice for those who are driving.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given is to create a self-serve drinks station with ice buckets, jugs, glassware, garnishes, and labels that guests can help themselves to. You could even include a giant ice bucket filled with beer or wine. It saves you from topping up drinks all day!

 

Keeping Guests Entertained

Whilst you don’t have to have an hour-by-hour schedule of the party – it’s important to have a few activities in mind to keep guests entertained whilst you are on hostess duties. Consider activities that guests can have fun with whilst mingling with a drink in hand. Our go-tos include:

• Beer pong (we also love prosecco pong!)
• Skittles
• Giant versions of the classics, like Jenga, Connect 4, or Noughts and Crosses
• A quiz
• Croquet or garden golf
• Table tennis
• Badminton

Bonus Tip – Have an Emergency Plan

I can’t stress this enough: have a wet weather plan! Unless you live in a country where summer rainfall is non-existent, rain or cold climates could drastically scupper your plans, have a backup plan ready. 

Whether that’s moving everyone indoors (don’t forget to decorate inside if so), having a gazebo on hand or even renting a few patio heaters and umbrellas, the key is to prepare ahead of time. Whatever your solution, having a contingency plan will save you the stress of last-minute changes.

 

Expert Hosting Tips From Savery Grazing

Whilst it may seem stressful to plan a summer garden party at first, following our checklist will ensure your day runs smoothly. Preparing ahead of time will also help you enjoy the day yourself instead of rushing around for any last-minute bits you may have forgotten! 

For more entertaining ideas, tips, tricks, and delicious recipes, keep up to date with our blog. For more foodie inspo, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.

So, fingers crossed you get the best weather possible, and we’ll eagerly await our invite for your unforgettable summer garden party!

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