Be the Best Garden Party Hostess

Throwing your own garden party? We’ve got the most sensational ideas that will ensure it’s the best of the summer.

Whether you’re timing your bash with a garden party at Buckingham Palace and Holyroodhouse on the 15^th and 31^st of May or the 3rd of July, or just want to invite all of your loved ones over, it’s so easy to turn your garden into a gorgeous party venue ready for spring and summer entertaining. From quaint tea pot planters to stylish lighting, take a look at some of our favourite ideas for the perfect party.

There’s nothing more quintessentially British than hosting a garden party adorned with country buntings and finger sandwiches, so why not create country garden theme? Aside from classic buntings and balloons, we think finger sandwiches, rich cakes and scones would look gorgeous on 3 tier stands, and pretty flower-filled teapots would make the perfect centrepieces.

Left: Marks & Spencer Domed Cake Stand, £15

Middle: Laura Ashley Rabbit Melamine Sandwich Tray, was £12 now £8.40

Right: John Lewis & Partners PiP Studio 3 Tier Cake Stand, £60

For a modern take on garden parties, setting the table really stands out from the crowd. Dress your table with all the trimmings including the tablecloth, individual place settings with cutlery and napkins (and luxe melamine plates!), as well as statement centre piece candles or decorations dotted down the table.

Left: Marks & Spencer 4 Sun-baked Dinner Plates, £16

Middle: Marks & Spencer Sun-baked Chip & Dip Platter, £12.50

Right: Laura Ashley Hanging Butterfly Tealight Holder, was £22, now £15.40

With vintage jugs and bottles, cute storage for your stirrers, an ice bucket and an array of fruit and mixers, a drink station is an ideal way to move drinks into the garden- meaning you can chat with your friends rather than make drinks for everyone! Choose plastic over glass to save breakages, and chic stations also keep your kitchen clean.

Left: Marks & Spencer Sun-baked Flamingo Jug, £12.50

Middle: Laura Ashley Faceted Acrylic Light Pink Wine Glass, was £6, now £4.20

Right: Debenhams 4 Pack Assorted Plastic Stacked Wine Glasses, was £12, now £8.40

Don’t forget to light the way when the sun goes down! Pretty fairy lights strewn across your trees and bushes and floor lights along paths help guide your guests, and gorgeous tea lights and lamps on your tables add a decorative touch to keep the party going.

Left: Marks & Spencer Gold Top Festoon Solar String Lights, £19.50

Middle: Made.com Alyx Large Standing Hurricane Lamp, was £69, now £39

Right: John Lewis & Partners Fusion Iron Lantern, £40

Finally, we’d recommend being prepared for any weather- you know how the British spring and summer goes! A gazebo decorated with bunting and flowers looks absolutely gorgeous should the rain come down, and why not put a cushion and blanket on the back of every chair for your guests? Not only does that add a touch of style to your outdoor furniture, but your guests will also appreciate a cosy blanket when the weather cools down.