Summer is the perfect time to throw an outdoor party – not only is is safer from a health perspective in the current climate, but it is also a great way to get out and enjoy the sunshine with family and friends.
If you want to have a garden party, either as a celebratory occasion like a birthday party or just as a reason to get family and friends together now that restrictions are easing, but in a way that is less risky than an indoor gathering, here are a few tips on how to throw a fantastic garden party…
Seating is something that you should make sure to provide for everyone. You can borrow fold up camping chairs if you are short on seating, and maybe set up a picnic area with blankets and bean bags. Of course this might depend on how old and how mobile the guests are, but kids in particular will love this idea!
Food for garden parties should be easy but tasty – you don’t want to spend ages slaving over a stove, so you could do a barbeque, or you could do some traditional picnic foods such as sandwiches and cakes – a particular firm favourite is Victoria sponge filled with jam and buttercream and flavoured with vanilla extract like this https://www.foodieflavours.com/shop/flavours/natural-flavouring/gorilla-organic-vanilla-extract/
Plan what entertainment you might want – of course, it might be music played through a Bluetooth speaker, but if you have kids coming over you might want to provide something additional – a paddling pool always goes down well, and garden games, or how about hiring a bouncy castle?
Keeping children entertained outdoors
A summer garden party is a great chance to celebrate a birthday or the end of the school year with children. On sunny days, make sure they have sunscreen and create a shaded area where they can escape the strongest sun.
A tent pitched in the garden makes an instant games area or chill-out zone, and children love the feeling of camping out together. Tents usually have loops and hooks for hanging decorations, and a few bright cushions and bean bags finish it off. It can even become an outdoor cinema, with hot dogs and popcorn making the catering simple.
Games are easier to manage outside, where mess matters less. Hang a piñata from the washing line, make a limbo pole from a decorated washing line prop balanced on two garden chairs, or play food on a string. If you want to reduce the stress, hire in help with food or entertainment, from a DJ or magician to a bouncy castle. Many suppliers offer set packages that can be tailored to your party.