When the weather is fine there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a garden party. So, gather your nearest and dearest, decorate your space, and fire up the BBQ because it’s time to start making some new summer memories with your loved ones. In this guide, we'll explore a variety of backyard party ideas, from whimsical themes to creative garden party decoration ideas that will transform your outdoor space into a picturesque party hub. Get ready to elevate your BBQ gatherings and alfresco feasts with our inspired suggestions and expert advice.
Choose a theme
Entertaining outdoors offers so many possibilities for décor that you don’t need to narrow down a theme for your gathering to impress your guests. But, if you want to delight in the opportunity to elevate your celebrations with a carefully curated theme, the opportunities are endless. Some garden party theme ideas include:
- Movie screening: Snuggle up for a cozy movie night. Hang a white sheet against a wall, fence, or between two trees and project your favorite films onto it. Lay out plenty of blankets and cushions for everyone to sit on.
- Music festival: Set up a tent or canopy in your garden, hang some string lights and bunting, and let the music play.
- Tea party: The garden is the perfect space to host a traditional tea party. Set the table with teapots of tea, a few teacups, and a cake stand or serving platter full of your favorite sweet treats.
- Coastal escape: Transport your guests to the coast by laying out lawn chairs and serving classic seaside treats like corn dogs, fish tacos, and shaved ice.
- Enchanted fairy garden: Create a whimsical atmosphere by decorating with twinkling string lights, lanterns, and mystical props. Hang sun catchers on branches to capture the light and create a rainbow effect across your garden space.
Decorate your space
A garden party doesn’t always need a lot of décor, as you can let the natural beauty of your surroundings take center stage. In fact, you can use elements from your backyard in your garden party decorations. A well-set table, a little greenery, and some cozy lighting should be enough to create the right atmosphere.
Set the table
When it comes to alfresco dining, most people opt for a casual table setting to match the relaxed outdoor setting. For a casual and laid-back vibe, consider setting the table with a mix of dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and glasses in coordinating colors or patterns. Ceramic dinner sets are often the best choice for dining outdoors, as they’re not only more sustainable than disposable options, but are less likely to blow away on a breezy day.
To encourage a sense of shared enjoyment, place serving bowls at the center of the table, allowing guests to help themselves to their favorite dishes and flavors — charcuterie boards and tapas are perfect for relaxed alfresco dining. If you have your own bar cart or trolley, consider bringing it outdoors for quick and seamless hosting.
A natural color palette can add some earthy style to your garden party table that will work beautifully with your surroundings, but whatever color you use inside will work perfectly outdoors. Our Greenhouse collection features a beautiful botanical print that would coordinate beautifully with your outdoor setting. With a neutral color palette, it can also be mixed and matched with existing pieces, whether you choose a few decorative pasta bowls or a serving platter.
Add organic texture and interest to your garden party table décor by layering woven placemats underneath your ceramics. A tablecloth will also add some depth to your outdoor table while making cleanup a breeze at the end of the day.
Add some shelter
Although not essential, a sheltered space never goes amiss when hosting any outdoor gathering. Whether to shield your guests from particularly bright sunshine or a brief sprinkling of rain, consider putting up an umbrella, canopy, or gazebo over your entertaining area. If you don’t have a canopy to hand, consider moving your seating to the shade of a tree. Alternatively, hang some sheets over a clothesline to create a makeshift tent for your backyard party, pinning them in place with tent pegs or any heavy objects you can find.
Incorporate some greenery
Whatever kind of foliage you have in your garden, you can snip a couple of sprigs and place them in a vase, jug, or small drinking glasses on your table. Mix a few different types of flowers and greenery to create visually appealing arrangements. Alternatively, decorate your party with small pots of herbs and add sprigs of herbs to napkin holders, which can add beautiful scent to your garden party décor. Not only does this help to tie your table settings and garden décor into your surroundings, but it’s also a more sustainable and low-effort option compared to buying decorations. Take a look at our guide to growing herbs for some ideas.
Light up your party
When it comes to creating a magical ambiance for your garden party décor, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the atmosphere. Incorporating a variety of lighting options can turn up the coziness factor and ensure your backyard party can keep going well after the sun sets.
String lights are a whimsical and versatile option for adding a touch of sparkle to your garden party décor. Hang them from trees, pergolas, or across fences or walls to create a twinkling canopy overhead, or you can try weaving them through foliage and around seating areas for a soft, enchanting glow. For added visual interest, choose string lights in different colors or shapes to complement your party theme.
You can also incorporate small atmospheric touches to your table or seating area by adding a couple of battery-operated lamps or dotting around a few candles. Scented candles will add a dreamy aroma to your garden party. Choose sweet floral scents such as freesia, jasmine, wisteria, lily, and patchouli to give the illusion of a fresh and fragrant garden, even if you don’t have many flowers. A citronella scent will even keep pesky insects at bay.
If you entertain outdoors a lot or enjoy whiling away the summer evenings in your garden, you may want to consider a fire pit. This not only provides a stunning focal point in your backyard but can also help you enjoy your outdoor space even as the cooler autumn and winter days set in.
Add cozy extras
Incorporating a few cozy additions can create a homely feel in your outdoors space and ensure everyone at your backyard party is comfortable. Layering cushions and throws is the perfect way to get that cozy feeling in any space. Plus, guests can drape the throws over themselves if the temperature starts to drop. You may want to add an outdoor rug to your garden area to add extra comfort underfoot.
Winter backyard party ideas
Even in the winter, you can still make the most of your outdoor space if you plan ahead. Alongside adequate lighting, you might also want to provide extra blankets and a shelter to keep everyone feeling toasty. Encourage your guests to dress warmly so they can enjoy the crisp winter air and celebrations in full comfort.
A winter garden party also provides the opportunity for a seasonal menu. Serve up warming soups, hearty stews, and comforting casseroles, such as our warming chicken casserole or roasted vegetable soup. You can keep them in a large cast iron pot with a lid until serving, to help them stay hotter for longer.
Offer plenty of seating
No matter how many people you’re hosting, it’s a good idea to ensure everyone has a place to sit. If you don’t have enough garden chairs, you could bring a few dining chairs from indoors. The mismatched look can add to the relaxed feel of a garden party. Alternatively, lay out a blanket and place a few cushions for a casual picnic feel.
From captivating themes to creative décor, these backyard party ideas will help you throw the perfect gathering for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re hosing a summer BBQ, relaxed buffet, or an elegant tea party, beautiful and sturdy tableware is your best friend. Denby stoneware is handcrafted from Derbyshire clay and is versatile, beautiful, and durable enough to use outdoors with confidence. For even more outdoor entertaining tips, take a look at our picnic ideas.