With Summer approaching and the sun shining, we all want to get outside and enjoy the outdoors as much as we can. Whether dining al fresco at your local restaurant, a BBQ on your terrace or for those who like a little more refinement – a magnificent Summer Garden Party.
I myself absolutely love garden parties, especially in the summer months. The Royal Family host one of the UK’s most prestigious garden parties in town and if it’s good enough for Her Majesty – it’s certainly good enough for me! With all that in mind, I’ve put together my 6 top tips to help you plan for your very own Summer Garden Party.
1. The Venue
The venue is key to any successful garden party and should be the first point of call. Given the title of this article, a garden is of course your canvas here – but that’s not all you need to plan for and a garden party doesn’t have to be in your own backyard, with many garden venues or event spaces available to hire. What if the weather ruins your plans? You’ll be looking either to hire a gazebo as part of the event from Garden & Camping, or have one in storage for any unexpected weather forecasts.
2. What Food to Serve
People will be chatting, sipping on tea or cocktails and so when thinking about food, make it simple and make it easy to eat. Portable food is what you really need to look at as you want to give your guests the opportunity to mingle and eat at the same time with ease. They also only have two hands so no bowls with spoons because if holding a drink too, they won’t be able to eat it.
Here are a few of my favourite party foods which will help you make the perfect garden party:
- Cakes (lots of them). Plan to serve miniature versions of well-know classics. Why not even asks your guest to bring a cake with them to save on the preparations?
- Finger sandwiches. Again stick to classic fillings and plan to have around 6 different choices. Half should be vegetarian.
- Quiche. Because everyone loves them.
- Sausage rolls, scotch eggs, mini cocktail sausages. Serve then on cocktail sticks so people don’t have to get their fingers greasy.
- Fruit cocktail sticks and crudités with dips. Fresh, simple and everyone loves them.
3. The Drinks List
It goes without saying, but no garden party should be without proper English tea, brewed to perfection. For those who don’t like tea, serve coffee and if the weather is very hot – make sure you prepare some glass jugs full of iced tea, peach is always a popular choice. Alcohol isn’t necessary at a Summer Garden Party, but it would be if I was hosting it. I love to serve Gin & Tonic so why not create a G&T DIY Station? Take the stress out of it for you and let your guest have fun preparing them on their own with all of the ingredients laid out on the table. Don’t forget the water and for the little ones, a choice of soft drinks.
4. Lighting
If you’re entertaining after dark and no doubt some of your guests will continue into the evening, add a touch of romance just in case. Battery-operated lanterns, tea-lights or outdoor string lights are by far the most affordable and most affective at setting the mood and illuminating the evening. Wrap the trees, fill the bushes and line the tables. You can never have too many lights I say!
5. Have a Picnic
Do you have lots of children attending or simply a lack of outdoor furniture? Well then you’ll need to improvise! Use colourful, thick rugs and scatter across the lawn, lay big cushions all around them, trays for people to place their drinks on and pre-filled napkins with cutlery. As it gets dark, why not lay candelabras at the centre of each blanket (though make sure you use fake candles) or lanterns for a dramatic effect. Either choice is sure to add the look of luxury to any garden party.
6. Music
Now music can be a little controversial when it comes to a garden party, with many choosing to play quietly in the background out of speakers. Personally, I think this should be one of the highlights and one where guest will remember your party over anyone else’s. Hire a string quartet, operatic band or garden pianist. If you choose your band well, people will be talking about your garden party for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning for your Summer Garden Party!
