Summer’s almost here – you can feel it in the air. The birds are singing for longer, the nights are lasting forever, and the temperature is on the rise. And we all know what that means – it’s the perfect time for an outdoor summer party! Whether celebrating a graduation or a birthday or just want to have a big do with your besties, there are many simple ideas for the perfect summer garden party.

Seating

One of the first things you need to think about is having enough seats for your guests. Sure, you can have a free-for-all, but if everyone’s on the move all the time it can lead to high spirits – and hijinks. Don’t have enough seating already? Not a problem. You can pick up some amazing contract outdoor furniture by Bridgman, for example. Long, cushioned seats are ideal because you can pack more people on there, yet they can still sit in comfort. You could also think about purchasing some all-weather beanbags to dot around the place.

Lights

As the night draws in, you will still need to keep things going, so think about your lighting. Solar powered garden lamps are an excellent option, and will help people make their way to and from different areas without crushing your flowerbeds. Fairy lights are another great choice, and the more you can put out the better the effect. Don’t go for anything too bright, however. Cosy, intimate and cute should be your goal here!

Food

Make an effort with food to make your garden party a memorable one. And it’s not just the cooking you should be thinking about, it’s the presentation, too. A long garden table is an ideal, but you can also make use of your entire garden area. Try hanging trays of canapes from tree branches, or using your the stone surrounds of your raised flower beds for an unusual dining experience.

Decoration

Go wild with the decoration. It doesn’t matter how much or how little or money you spend. You can get some fantastic results with just a few paper lanterns, streamers and well-placed offcuts of pruned shrubbery. You could even make your own table linen. Just let you imagination go wherever it wants to, and you will have unique and memorable decor that everyone will be talking about for the next few months. One thing to bear in mind is, however, that what goes up must come down. And that could mean a long time spent tidying up after yourself.

Music & Entertainment

Music at a garden party can be problematic – especially if you have neighbors with kids. Make sure you let everyone know what you are planning in advance, and send them another reminder the day before your party. Be reasonable – don’t have the volume too high and choose music that fits the garden setting, rather than the nightclub. Acoustic music is almost perfect, and f you have guests that can strum a note on the guitar, it will be more appreciated by your neighbors than pumping techno. In most cases, at least!

Enjoy your garden party, and don’t forget to be respectful of your neighborhood!

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