Disclosure: This is a collaborative post about garden party ideas.
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Garden Party Theme Ideas
Garden parties can come in many different forms, from barbecues to a fancy dinner party. Your garden space can be transformed in a fun way with fairy lights or made to look sophisticated for an adult park with tea lights. Themes may vary from a birthday person’s favourite hobby, let’s say gardening or fishing. Lots of natural foliage and tree branches hung in interesting ways, would work well for a gardener. Or perhaps tiny origami fish adorning the table centre pieces for the fisherman?
Children’s parties are always the theme that child has chosen, which could be anything from a television programme to caterpillars! It’s a great way to have fun with throwing a party and making it over the top themed for the children.
Adult parties may find it nice to have a more natural plant based theme or for a lively cocktail party perhaps some vibrant colours to get everyone in a good mood? The great thing with party themes is that it’s totally up to you (or your child!).
For larger gardens in the UK, where the weather may not always be the best, hiring a tent is a good option. Have a look at party event companies such as Poptop. You can hire tents as well as arrange other amazing party ideas.
Consider The Lighting
Lighting up the garden party is an important factor if it’s expected to go on into the evening. There are so many stunning lighting options, why not consider string lights hanging from the fences and trees? These can be solar powered, battery powered or even plugged into the electrical sockets indoors. String lights can be softened a little by adding paper lanterns over them in a variety of different colours.
You could also consider floating candles in dishes of water. However, if you don’t want candles, then mason jars with string lights tightly packed inside work. Or go for traditional metal lanterns with fake or real candles inside? This would make your garden party table stand out for sure!
Candles at different heights on the dining table would work well for a calm adult party. Just don’t use real candles if children are invited, we wouldn‘t want it to go up in flames!
Food Options
It’s a good idea to give guests an idea of what food options will be available in advance. Then anyone with allergies or dietary requirements can get in touch or prepare food in advance. The barbecue is a big favourite for a relaxed evening garden party, even better if you have a garden bar. Many people transformed sheds into bars in their own gardens during lockdown, these are still great options. Don’t forget an ice bucket if you have bottles or cans available. It’s an easy way to ensure the drinks stay cold for your guests. And for BBQ party ideas you’ll need to remember to include some veggie food options too.
If you are vegan it could be great to introduce your friends or families to delicious vegan food. Or perhaps you are more of curry person? If you have an outdoor pizza oven you could show off your amazing pizza making skills with a pizza night. Finish it off with some delicious fresh fruit salad!
Table Decorations
No outdoor party is complete without some pretty garden party decorations. Think carefully about what table decorations you go for. Is it a relaxed party with a chilled vibe and paper decor? Or a fancy dinner table setting with little hand written place setting cards and beautiful floral arrangements? What is the best colour scheme to go for? You can go for bright contrasting colours of pinks and oranges, or more subtle nature inspired greens and blues.
Another idea for a relaxed outdoor space is to have floor cushions for guests to relax on with a drink, rather than lots of tables. Plenty of cushions works well for a barbecue or evening drinks and snacks. If it’s a special occasion with a long outdoor table, you may wish to think of more formal ways to decorate.
If it’s a relaxed picnic style garden party then outdoor rugs and a large picnic blanket would be great. Compliment this with cushions and paper lanterns for decorations. Table settings for a picnic is likely to be paper plates. However you can also use some mismatched fancy looking crockery from the local charity shop. Think about using some cake stands in the middle of the blankets too. This is perfect for a warm day!
Outdoor Games – Garden Party Ideas
No party is complete without a few outdoor games to play! If it’s a multi generational party then a treasure hunt is a great idea to get everyone involved. Think about a diverse range of clues, so that there’s plenty for everyone to help with. The prize could simply be a small token sweet or perhaps a cauldron of gold coins! Whatever would suit your guests best!
A more formal adult garden party may enjoy croquet. Or perhaps a silly fact or fiction card game to get the whole table involved. For a birthday party you could set up a quiz all about the birthday boy or girl. Finally you will find plenty of ideas for a baby shower online. With lots of silly games to keep everyone entertained!
