Picture this: it’s 28 degrees and you’re hosting the hottest summer soirée. And who knew the perfect destination would be your back garden?
Here comes the sun – we’ve got the inside track to some of the best tips, tricks and outdoor essentials for you to step into your new outdoor oasis.
Think: Insta-worthy cocktails, textural layers, colourful crockery and a whole load of sunshine, let’s ring in the warm-weather aesthetic. Let the summer garden party commence.
Plan, Prep and Party
Being the ‘hostess with the mostest’ doesn’t come easy, but it can be fun! Our advice is to prepare and plan in advance – that way, you can take it easy on the day.
Not sure where to start? Begin with the guest list, you can’t prepare without knowing who’s attending. Whether that’s having enough seats, drinks or crockery, you most certainly need to cater to everyone.
If you’re anything like us, a garden party isn’t complete without picture-perfect cocktails (or mocktails if you’re not one to drink) and some light snacks or a feast to remember.
What’s a garden party without a barbeque? If you haven’t already got one sorted, take a look at BergHOFF’s 9 Piece BBQ Set in Apron and Black Portable Tabletop BBQ. It’s time to embrace your inner chef – but don’t forget to cater to the veggies as well as the meat lovers!
BergHOFF 9 Piece BBQ Set in Apron – £25
BergHOFF Black Portable Table Top BBQ – £99
When it comes to the atmosphere, music is a must! So dust down your old speaker, bring out a hot playlist or invite the family DJ to get the party started. And remember, if you’re not planning on creating a party playlist, then think twice…because no one wants to hear any adverts in the background!
Set the Scene
Your garden furniture may be collecting dust in your shed, but as you contemplate hosting, here are the perfect pieces for a summer of entertaining.
The Oxford Sunlounger, Set of 2 with a Side Table is as close as you can get to the beach without buying a plane ticket. Maze’s sun loungers are the perfect garden party tool for you to bring that holiday feeling home.
Maze Oxford Sunlounger, Set of 2 with Side Table – £749
Lounging like this will have your family and friends lingering for hours!
The Oxford Sofa Dining Set with an Ice Bucket and Rising Table is a refreshing way to gather everyone together and the perfect stage for an outdoor feast.
Maze Oxford Sofa Dining Set with Ice Bucket & Rising Table – £1,599
Create a cosy ambience as the sun sets, whilst you party the night away under the stars. Lighting is very important when it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere. Smart Solar offer an array of lighting styles to set the mood.
Smart Solar Ferrara Flaming Lantern – £7
Smart Solar Set of 10 Starburst Lights – £9
Smart Solar Set of 10 Cool Flame String Lights – £10
If it gets a bit chilly, have the throws and blankets on standby. It’s only right to be prepared for the unpredictable British weather.
Febronie Stockholm Chevron Hammam Throw, Pearl Grey – £20
Febronie Stockholm Chevron Hammam Throw, Light Taupe – £20
Cushions are essential and look best when they aren’t overly arranged. Scatter some across the lawn and place some on the chairs. The trick is to add vibrant cushions to brighten a neutral seating space.
Maze Pack of 2 Bora Bora Cushions – £29
Evans Lichfield Hawaii 43 x 43cm Outdoor Cushion, Multi – £9
Summer Dining Al Fresco
No summer party is complete without a beautiful bountiful tablescape. Setting your table doesn’t just mean putting plates down, in 2022, tablescaping is just as important as the food served. Your garden party is the perfect time to put your al fresco skills to the test and impress your guests.
Let’s start with the table runner – the foundation. The Living Jewels Table Runner is inspired by stunning intricate artwork. It’ll instantly transform any table. Unique prints and patterns make winning base layers.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Living Jewels Table Runner – £21
Of course, one must have showstopping tableware, and glassware to match. You can never go wrong with simple serving bowls, classic cutlery and elegant dinner sets.
Sophie Conran 12 Piece Dinner Set – £96
Sophie Conran Medium Floret Serving Bowl – £12.50
Sophie Conran 24 Piece Floret Cutlery Set – £58
Dress it up with contemporary charger plates for a modern tablescape and a curated look.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Green Living Jewels Charger Plate, 32cm – £48
Now for the main event, the drinkware. A nice selection of glassware will most definitely create a sense of occasion. And when cocktail hour calls, your guests will be ready to ladle into their glasses.
Chef&Sommelier Sublym Decanter, 2L – £21
LSA Set of 2 Rum Mixer Glass, 550ml – £26
Chef&Sommelier Set of 6 Sequence Stemmed Glasses, 350ml £16
At a BrandAlley garden party, you’d most definitely find colourful crockery. If you’re big on colour, then you’ll love LSA’s pastel wine glasses and Pearl Carafe.
LSA Set of 4 Pastel Polka Wine Glasses, 400ml – £30
LSA Pearl Carafe 2.4L Mother of Pearl – £37.50
And how do you know it’s been a success? When your guests don’t want to leave…
Words by Patience Ssebuwufu
