With the warmer weather comes the desire to spend time outdoors, and for those with outdoor spaces, to enjoy it. Well, there's nothing better than throwing a garden party!
Maybe you have an occasion to celebrate, like a birthday. Or maybe not, but it doesn't matter: you can easily invent the occasion!
The million-dollar question is: how to throw a garden party without going crazy?
Our sincere advice is: get as much help as possible with the food, perhaps by ordering something or delegating it to moms and friends. If everyone brings something, the menu is quickly created! And besides, with the heat, no one feels like eating heavy or elaborate meals: better to opt for appetizers and finger foods, which are easier to prepare in advance.
This way, you'll have enough time and energy to take care of the garden party setup so everything is truly impeccable: no one can do that for you. So grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes: let's find out how to throw a dream garden party in four simple steps.
1. Themed garden parties are always a great idea
You might think throwing a themed garden party is a bit excessive.
We're not actually recommending extending the theme to the dress code (although that can be fun): simply choosing a mood for your garden party will be a great help when choosing the decor!
The best garden parties, in fact, are those with a certain coherence between the decor, music, table settings, and decorations.
Any ideas for your garden party themes? Here are some of the most popular:
- White party (yes, you can ask your guests to wear white: it'll take them little effort to find an outfit and will create a beautiful look for your party!)
- Provence and lavender
- Hippie/boho-chic garden party
- Travel and adventure
- Movie-themed party
- Flowers or fruit
- Hawaiian party
- 1950s (or 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s...)
- Oriental party
Whatever theme you choose for your garden party, make sure you stick to it in the setup, table setting, and decorations (we'll see how shortly).
You can also have fun creating some cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and inventing names for them that match the theme: written on a chalkboard, they'll look super cute!
2. How to choose decorations and ornaments for your garden party
Now that you've chosen your theme, let's move on to the most fun part of planning a garden party: decorations and ornaments!
Always start with what you have available: what is your garden like? Does it have a roof, like a gazebo or pergola, or is it completely open-air? Is everything exposed, or does it have some secluded corners? Are there trees? Based on this, you can already figure out which decorations are best for you.
For example, if you have a gazebo or trees, you can create a truly impressive display with hanging decorations: lanterns, vintage birdcages, flowers, Polaroids... Even origami!
Don't have the means to hang decorations in the garden? No problem: we can also do a great job with floor decorations! If you've chosen a boho-chic mood for your garden party, for example, try setting up a tent (a blanket or a tulle mosquito net will do): fringed rugs, macramé pillows, pampas grass, dream catchers... And you'll have created a super Instagrammable corner.
Source: Pinterest
And if the atmosphere is more shabby/Provençal? Here's a great idea for a garden party: decorations made with flowers and gardening tools. Have you ever thought that a vintage watering can, a jug, and even old rubber boots could become unique vases? Try it and believe it!
Do you own a projector (or have someone who can lend you one)? A white wall can be a great base for a fantastic cinema-themed garden party (but a sheet will also work just fine). Don't forget to decorate the wall with some garlands or fairy lights to make the whole thing even more impressive.
Source: Pinterest
If you have corners hidden by trees or bushes, set up a small table with two chairs and create a romantic atmosphere with flowers and candles: it will be the most photographed area for couples. And who knows, maybe a spark might fly between some of the guests!
If you want a casual atmosphere, remove sofas, chairs, and benches and arrange beach towels, rugs, and soft cushions on the floor. Complete with oriental-style lanterns and you'll have the perfect setting for an exotic-themed garden party.
Finally: a touch of artistry? Organizing a photo booth corner will be a much-appreciated idea among guests: set it up with a beautiful frame, fun signs, and some hats or costumes in keeping with the theme, and fun is guaranteed. If you have a Polaroid, make it available to guests and attach some clothespins to a string stretched between two branches: at the end of the evening, you'll have a wonderful memory of your garden party.
3. Table Setting Ideas for a Garden Party
It's very likely that there'll be food at your garden party. Ideas for table settings?
Never forget that we're talking about setting the table outdoors. Save the good service for other occasions and create a casual table... but above all, a durable one! Reusable plexiglass cups and disposable (but eco-friendly, wooden!) cutlery will give the table the right amount of sophistication, without the risk of anything breaking.
If you have a beautiful wooden table, don't cover it: replace the usual tablecloth with a series of runners (linen or jute ones are beautiful, especially if you're looking for shabby chic or Provençal table setting ideas), placemats, or wicker chargers.
And what about the centerpiece? Try creating your own with branches from your garden, fresh flowers, lanterns, and candelabras: it'll be a huge success!
If you're looking for alternatives to the usual table, opt for a series of pallets to set up in the garden: with a rustic look, adorned with flowers and candles, they'll give your outdoor table an irresistible charm. In this case, of course, you'll have to do without benches: you'll eat sitting on the floor, on cushions!
The country alternative? Rectangular hay bales: the perfect idea for a summer garden party.
4. Evening garden party: how to choose the perfect lighting
If we're talking about a summer garden party, evening is the best time to organize it: from sunset onwards, the air becomes cooler and the atmosphere more evocative.
Whether your little corner of paradise is already well-lit or needs a helping hand, additional light sources aren't just useful: they'll be your most effective ally in making your garden party even more beautiful.
Strings of fairy lights or light bulbs are the most popular choice: you can stretch them from one end of the terrace to the other, twist them around tree trunks, or use them to enhance a gazebo or pergola. Choose warm white bulbs for an elegant atmosphere, or multicolored ones for a vintage or bohemian-themed party.
Besides fairy lights, lanterns usually take center stage at any respectable evening garden party. You can find them in every shape and style to suit any theme: shabby chic for an elegantly retro garden party, coastal for a nautical-themed party, oriental-inspired for an ethnic or boho setting... There's truly something for everyone.
Arrange them with flowers, decorations, and candles (real or fake, it doesn't matter!) and place them strategically, near the corners you want to highlight: hung from the branches of a tree, at the foot of your gazebo's entrance, on a beautiful window sill... They'll immediately catch your guests' attention.
A tip: use them in groups of two or three, preferably of different sizes, and don't place them all at the same height. The perfect arrangement is one with one lantern on the ground, one on a small raised surface (like a wooden box), and one on a slightly higher surface. This way, the overall effect will be very balanced.
Love DIY? Jars, string, and candles will create a gorgeous rustic light (ideal for shabby chic and country chic themes!)
Finally, perfect for an oriental-themed summer party are paper lanterns and lanterns, preferably in warm, intense colors like red or magenta. Hanging from a string between the trees, they will give your garden a mysterious and captivating atmosphere.
See how easy it is? Theme, decorations, table setting, lighting: four steps to organize a dream garden party. Let us know how it goes!
