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6 Garden Party Ideas for Entertaining Guests this Summer
Lifestyle
As we move from the freshness of spring into the warmth of summer, there’s no better time to make the most of your outdoor spaces with friends and family. With longer evenings and sunnier days ahead, turn your garden into the hub of summer fun with our top six garden party ideas.
Whether you’re drawn to elegant alfresco dining, a charming British tea party, or a vibrant Hawaiian beach-inspired bash, we’ve got ideas to suit every style. Make unforgettable memories filled with laughter, great food, and summer magic.
1) British Tea Party
Embrace tradition this summer with a quintessential British tea party. This elegant garden party idea is the epitome of class and sophistication, feeling like a Jane Austen novel, or the Mad Hatter’s tea party, depending on your persuasion. Be sure to have your finest crockery on display; vintage teacups, saucers and plates will set the scene perfectly. A white linen cloth and lace detail will brighten your table, whilst botanical patterns and fresh flowers will magnify the glorious surroundings of your garden. Also remember to mimic whichever design you go for on cloth napkins and bunting to create a harmonious feel to your outdoor spaces.
Having expansive bifold doors or sliding doors connecting your kitchen to the garden makes it all the easier to host with flair, effortlessly gliding between spaces as you top up teapots and refill cake stands.
The table’s splendour should be reflected in the catering. All the big hitters are worth including like scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches, savoury bites, and an assortment of cakes that would put Mr Kipling to shame. It’s lovely to give equal thought to your tea selection, with Breakfast, Earl Grey, Green, and Herbal teas remaining firm favourites. If it’s a scorcher, why not prepare some iced tea or crack open a cheeky bottle of fizz?
2) Games Tournament
Get into the garden and enjoy your outdoor spaces this summer by hosting a games tournament. A fun day of activities is a terrific way of getting friends and family around during the warmer months. This party idea will guarantee a few laughs, whilst small, silly prizes will encourage a bit of friendly competition (although some won’t need it).
To get rid of any hassle on the day, designate spaces in your garden for different games and make sure there’s something for everyone. Grassy areas are great for lawn games such as croquet, boules and giant Jenga. If there’s enough room, crack the small goal posts or badminton net out for a game of three-a-side or doubles.
A large cooler of drinks and a casual buffet of finger food is just the ticket on a busy day of activities where it’s every man for themself. Shade from a fixed pergola will be a luxury during the heat of the summer, allowing guests to rest up and escape the sun. This is also a fantastic area to set up a board and card game stall, with the pergola’s cover stopping any pesky breezes from toppling the pieces or scattering the cards.
3) Hawaiian Beach Garden Party
Capture the aloha spirit with this vibrant garden party idea that will transform your outdoor spaces into a tropical-inspired haven. Set the scene before your guests arrive with vivid colours and fun pergola decorations, including inflatable palm trees, flamingos and beach balls. Outdoor lighting, such as lanterns, candles, tiki torches, and built-in pergola LEDs, will cast a warm, inviting glow as your party continues into the night.
Bring the tropical islands’ essence into your garden by blending natural greenery with colourful flower arrangements; faux flowers are great, but if you want to go the extra mile, hibiscus’ will add an extra special touch. Define paths in your garden with a light sprinkling of sand or make a larger sporting area for volleyball and limbo to really bring that beach atmosphere home.
Turn the holiday playlist up as your guests arrive and welcome them to the party with a Mai Tais or Pina Colada. If they have dressed for the theme, complete their look with a Hawaiian Leis and get ready to have a great time!
4) BBQ party
As far as outdoor party ideas go, what’s better than a good, old-fashioned BBQ? Have the tribe over and relax in the summer sun with great food and even better company. Get the vibe going in your bioclimatic pergola, with a low-fi playlist that can be projected from speakers built into the roof. If the weather turns, use the home automation system to close the roof’s louvres with ease, and turn up the LED lights to keep the party going.
Fire up the grill for a delicious banquet that will keep your guests partying throughout the evening. With open louvres, the chef can be at the heart of the fun, as the pergola’s natural ventilation clears away the smoke. This means a constant stream of burgers, sausages, and skewers will be available straight from the BBQ, ensuring none of that piping hot, smoky flavour is lost. Don’t forget that Quorn products, grilled halloumi burgers, and grilled vegetable skewers offer excellent meat alternatives for your vegetarian friends.
5) Movie Night
If there’s a film you and your loved ones have been dying to see, why not turn it into an extra special experience with your very own open-air cinema? This might sound like a daunting idea for your summer garden party, but it’s a lot more doable and affordable than you think. All you’ll need is a projector and a screen, which can easily be set up with the help of a bioclimatic pergola equipped with drop blinds, perfect for creating a shaded, screen-friendly space. Alternatively, a white sheet and a bit of DIY ingenuity will do the trick just as well.
Once the screening practicalities are nailed down, it’s time to set up the viewing area and its décor. Bring home comforts outdoors with your bioclimatic pergola’s inbuilt speakers, which will create the ultimate auditory experience. Turn the heaters on and combine your garden furniture with extra pillows and duvets for a cosy viewing experience. String lights and lanterns create that ambient cinema atmosphere, whilst balloons and bunting will make someone feel special if it’s their big day.
Gather your favourite snacks, have the popcorn popping and get ready for an extraordinary movie marathon that won’t be affected by the weather.
6) Live Music Night or Karaoke
With the warmer weather and longer evenings, live music is a brilliant way of creating unforgettable garden parties. You should consider the vibe you’re trying to achieve, as well as your guests’ music taste, before booking an artist.
Live function bands are a focal point for the evening, bringing a livelier atmosphere for those wanting a boogie. If you want a chilled and laid-back tone, jazz and acoustic sets establish a cool background ambience that guests can zone in and out of between conversations. Explore your options on Alive Network or Entertainment Nation, and be sure to look at the reviews.
Whichever artist you choose will need a designated performance area. Both glass verandas and carports provide a large space with complete weather protection so musical equipment won’t be damaged if it rains. Their open design ensures performances are both seen and heard clearly, so it’s a good idea to give your neighbours a heads-up if the party is likely to continue past 11 pm.
We hope our top 6 garden party ideas have provided plenty of inspiration for your upcoming summer festivities. For more tips on making the most of your outdoor spaces, be sure to explore the other blogs here.
If you’re looking to host in comfort and style, why not browse our bespoke range of aluminium bioclimatic pergolas, verandas, and outdoor furniture, designed to keep the party going, whatever the weather?
Visit the Exterior Spaces showroom and chat with our expert team to see how our versatile structures can redefine your outdoor living space.
