How to Throw a Garden Party

Curate Your Guest List 

Sue’s first port of call for a garden party is a well-curated guest list, so start your planning early by deciding who you’re going to invite. “Everybody would like to know the secret to a failsafe gathering, but sometimes things go with a bang and other times they don’t,” she explains. “I think it helps if there’s a mixed age group, though, and if everyone knows at least one person. Otherwise, ensure those who haven’t met at least have common interests, so they immediately feel at ease in conversation.” Why not go traditional with stylish invites on luxurious paper you pop in the post? There’s nothing like something beautifully-handwritten dropping on the doormat to encourage an RSVP ‘yes’.  

Set the Scene 

A considered set-up will also encourage socialising, so ensure you arrange your outdoor furniture in an intuitive way that invites people to sit and relax. We’d recommend avoiding one large group of chairs and opt instead for smaller clusters that guests can easily flow between – and don’t forget about creature comforts. “I see my outdoor space as an extension of my home, so when creating a spot in which to enjoy the good weather with friends and family, I like to take inspiration from my sitting room,” says Sue. “This means including plenty of outdoor sofas and armchairs, a table or two for trays of drinks and nibbles, and lots of cushions to add colour, interest and comfort.” 

Cook Up a Storm 

“Sitting down for a long, lazy supper outside is one of summer’s real pleasures,” reveals Sue. “There’s something delightful about seeing friends and family around a great big dining table out in your garden. Better still, one of the best parts about dining al fresco is that the occasion always feels naturally relaxed, so let your menu follow suit with sharing dishes served on pretty platters.” Why not take your culinary cues from the Mediterranean or Middle East for something as colourful as it is delicious?  

Set Up a Spritz Station 

For effortless entertaining, set up a DIY spritz station on an outdoor table or console laden with glassware, spirits, mixers and garnishes for guests to help themselves. Says Sue: “My husband likes making cocktails like Aperol or limoncello spritzes, but I don’t, so make sure your station has easy alternatives such as rosé wine as well as pitchers of pre-mixed concoctions such as sangria or Pimm’s.” She adds: “Don’t forget to offer something non-alcoholic for those driving or simply choosing not to drink.” 

Dial Up the Drama 

If your garden party will be marking a specific occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, what better way to make it feel all the more special than with a few choice decorations? Bunting and banners will bring your event to life, while something as simple as fairy lights add twinkle. “String them along a garden fence or wrap them around the base of a parasol,” advises Sue. “Atmospheric outdoor lighting is also key for garden parties that go on long into the night.” We recommend lanterns, battery-powered candles and portable lamps for a subtle and welcoming glow. If you’re hosting a sit-down dinner, do include a few table decorations, too. A bunch of seasonal flowers, a smattering of tea lights and some colourful linens can make all the difference.  Sue says: “Nothing is nicer than sitting down to a properly laid table, be it inside or out.” 

Prepare for Every Forecast 

This being a British summer, a heatwave or downpour could strike at any moment, so ensure you factor in the weather when planning. “It can be a bit of a battle between trying to stay cool and wanting to sit outside on particularly hot days,” says Sue, “so a source of shade in a pretty parasol or two is essential for shady reprieve.”

Soundtrack the Night 

While the gentle hum of conversation provides a pleasing soundtrack to a sunny evening, there’s nothing quite like music to get people into the party spirit. In Sue’s house, this task falls to husband Alex. “He’s got the Sonos app on his phone, so nobody else has a chance,” she jokes. Start by playing more low-key melodies during dinner to allow people to talk easily and bring in something a little more upbeat as the party gets underway later on. “Sometimes it’s quite fun, especially if there’s a mix of age groups, to go around the table after dinner and get everyone to choose their favourite song,” Sue says. What better grand finale to a sun-soaked day than dancing under the stars with family and friends?