If your next big party is in the height of summer, it makes sense to open your doors to your garden area. Even if it’s no more than a yard right now there are plenty of ideas to help it become the perfect party venue. Whatever you’re celebrating, your outside space can offer everything you need to celebrate in style.
Start with providing some shade. Most of us love being out in the sunshine, but when you’re having a party, you need somewhere a little out of the direct sun too. You may have a gazebo or pergola already. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing or building something similar. It should be placed in an area that is level. That way you can arrange plenty of seating underneath.
You could also hang some solar powered fairy or tiki lights around the frame. Most parties go on beyond dusk so you will need to consider how to light your garden. Fire pits provide excellent focal points and plenty of light too. Solar lights come on automatically as the sun goes down. Most will offer illumination for four or five hours into the evening. You can use post lights, spot lights, or colored fairy lights to create just the right ambience for your event.
Most parties also need a little mood music. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, most portable speaker systems will play your favorite playlists. Most are also battery powered, so you don’t need to worry about anyone tripping over cables. Some sound systems offer the benefit of connectivity to several speakers at once. This means you can pump out your tunes in different areas and even indoors too.
Buffets are perfect for garden parties. If you’re concerned about the sun or insects getting to the food, lay your table out just inside the house. You can use covers and a gazebo with netting to avoid any problems. Some foods like meats, dairy and cheese, can spoil quickly. Seafood, in particular, can become hazardous in a short time. Keep them chilled in bowls of ice that you replenish regularly. Make a note of the times they come out of the fridge too.
It makes sense for hot food to be prepared on the barbeque. You may prefer a brick cooking area so there is a clear barrier between your guests and the heat. Or you may have a separate outdoor kitchen area. Kids and pets are vulnerable near hot things, so try to keep them well away. You can use a cook’s thermometer to help you check the food is piping hot throughout.
Any party will need plenty of plates and glasses. You may prefer to use disposable cups and cutlery to minimize the cleaning. Alternatively, try to rotate the dishwasher use. Glass gems can help people identify their own glasses if you wish to encourage reuse. Ask friends to bring some extra plates over, or you can hire them from your local restaurant.
A garden party is a really great venue for any kind of celebration. You may decorate it ready for a wedding reception, or just pop out a couple of chairs for an informal get-together. Make the most of the good weather!