Top Tips for Hosting a Bloomin' Marvellous Garden Party

The days are getting warmer, the nights are getting lighter and the flowers are starting to blossom. Outdoor entertaining will be the key to a stress-free spring, with plenty of garden parties for friends and family! Here, we show you how you can make the bash of the year and be extra prepared this spring.

Create an Instagrammable Garden Setup

Buntins, patterned table cloths and deck chairs are reminiscent of fun fairs and days at the beach, so when you throw a good old springtide bash, you want to bring all that sunshine and energy to your very own garden party. Having themed decorations or pretty, flowery decor will maximise your party potential. The very first step of the garden party planning is to establish your space. Is your garden large enough to be sectioned off into its own zones, or do you have a more intimate area? 

Splitting your garden into sections will keep your guests entertained with different stations they can visit, but let’s not forget about the dining table. Be bold with a unique table for your guests and refreshments. The table is probably the most important part of your garden party set-up, so it’s important to make an eye-catching statement table to get your guests talking. The pinnacle of garden party grandeur, no matter what your budget or garden size, the dining table should certainly be the star of the show. Checked table cloths and hearty tableware should be carefully considered for dressing, but it's always great to have a larger table where everyone can be seated together. It can be difficult to find large weatherproof tables, but this Rustic Metal Outdoor Table is perfect for all to gather around, a true sociable table. The distressed style will add vintage glamour to a Mad Hatter’s tea party or an industrial edge to a more feminine garden party setup.

Food, Glorious Food

Which brings us to what’s next on the checklist - the scrumptious food that will be served on top of your dining table! Will you have a dedicated food table full of home-made cakes and finger sandwiches, a tapas bar or will you go for something a little more rustic, like burgers with roast peppers and feta cheese displayed on a wooden serving platter making the food look even more delicious! Theming your food to fit in with your decor and the rest of your party will certainly bring your party together. A section for food with overhead decoration like buntins, balloon arches or banners can be used to highlight your spectacular food table.

If you choose to have a more formal setup, with a beautiful floral garland down the centre of a long table, and a table setting for each guest, you could consider party favours as a finishing touch that is a cute keepsake for your guests.

Keep it Chilled

Create a space where you can hang fairy lights, build a pergola for your bar and get yourself a hot tub to keep guests entertained.

The bar is the heart and soul of the party, somewhere where your guests will chat, drink and be merry. So why not create an outdoor bar area and raise the bar with one of our upcycled engine tables, perfect for laid back chats, late night revelry and casual industrial style. What’s even better is many of our designs have a built-in ice-bucket for your beers or bottles, so pop in your home-made punch, drop in the ice and scatter your mason jars to create a self-serving chiller where your guests can stay hydrated late into the evening.

Consider the Great British Weather

Another must-have section for guests to enjoy is a designated ‘relaxation zone’, perfect for your guests to sit, unwind and socialise. Scatter cushions on the floor surrounded by potted plants and a couple of deck chairs can really set the mood. Don’t forget to consider the great British weather, perhaps place this part undercover for when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Plenty of blankets and an outdoor fire pit will help for when the night gets a little colder. You could even create a terrific terrace, an extension of your kitchen or dining room, giving your guests the option to seek some shade if the weather becomes a little too humid, it’s certainly a great way to make the most of your indoor-outdoor space.

Looking for more outdoor seating for your guests to kick back and relax in, or discover vintage to make your tea party vision come to life.  Whether you’re creating a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party or a chilled out bohemian style party, we’ve got you covered.