Longer summer days are prime for gathering in backyards for more time with family and friends. When it’s your turn to host, you might turn up the charm with some of these handy hosting tips. And then suddenly your backyard BBQ turns into the best garden party in town.
Summer Garden Party Tip #1
Mix and Match Your Seating
That includes deep, cushioned sofas; low, lounging Adirondack chairs; and family-style picnic benches; and bistro-style tables. This gives your guests options based on where they will feel most comfortable and creates natural opportunities to mingle in small groups and comfortably eat or simply relax.
Bonus Tip: Weather permitting, bring your indoor table and chairs outside if you’re low on outdoor furniture.
Summer Garden Party Tip #2
Prep as Much as You Can
Prep as much as you can in the days leading up to the party, so you can focus on last minute touches and enjoying the party along with your guests. Veggies can be cut and stored in air-tight glass containers for up to three days ahead. Hamburgers can be seasoned and stored with wax-paper in between the patties the day before in the refrigerator (or several weeks ahead if frozen). Fruit salad, potato salad, and deviled eggs can all be made the day before and stored in the fridge.
Bonus Tip: Use silicone sleeves to add a pop of color and protect your glass dishes and then serve directly in the storage containers to make set-up and clean-up a snap.
Summer Garden Party Tip #3
Set Up a Few Beverage Stations
Set them up throughout your yard/patio area. You can use decorative pots, buckets, coolers or dispensers. Fresh lavender from your garden added to lemonade makes a beautiful and delightful refresher.
Bonus Tip: Freeze a few water bottles or water balloons overnight and use them to keep the other beverages cool without your guests having to plunge their hands into ice water!
Summer Garden Party Tip #4
Pay Attention to Lighting
Lighting can make a gathering magical (and functional). Hanging chandeliers, Moroccan lanterns and semi-permanent light strands along porticos, decks and patios add year-round ambiance to outdoor living spaces. You can also install solar or auto-timed lighting along pathways and flowerbeds. A great low-tech option is using citronella candles that have the extra benefit of warding off biting pests.
Bonus Tip: Use shepherd’s hooks to extend strings of light into your yard and along your patio or hang battery-operated lanterns or so that you can cover hard-to reach areas or where you don’t have access to outlets.
Summer Garden Party Tip #5
Incorporate Decorative Pots or Sculptures
Use decorative pots or sculptures that reflect your personality and bring beauty into your spaces. Planters filled with lavender, hibiscus, and hydrangeas will add color and fragrance. And patio herb gardens, strawberry plants or potted citrus provide fresh-from-the-garden additions to your menu (and impress your friends). Imagine mojitos garnished with mint plucked directly from your garden!
Bonus Tips: Use pottery for prettier “buckets” — they will blend in with your garden theme and won’t blow over.
- Use clean pots to hold utensils and napkins.
- Stock them with bug repellant, sparklers or markers to label cups.
- Larger pots can be used for yard games or sports equipment.
We’re always here to help make your garden and garden parties special. If you’re interested in some really cool outdoor lighting solutions (that show off your home year-round, not just for seasonal parties), check out Bountiful Acres’ EverBloom Permanent LED Lighting.
