Hosting a garden party is the highlight of any summer social calendar – all thanks to Queen Victoria. In the 1860s, the Queen began to host afternoon ‘breakfasts.’ These regal garden parties were only open to fellow Royals, officials and nobility and offered debutantes the opportunity to be presented to the Court. When Queen Elizabeth put an end to debutante presentations in 1958, garden parties soon became a pastime to be enjoyed by every level of society. 

If you’re hosting a garden party soon, a little advance planning will make it a great celebration for your family, friends and neighbours. Here’s how:

Start with a theme

Whether it’s botanical prints or you’re drawn to a coastal mood board, a theme will guide your colour palette and ultimately, your garden party décor choices. Your theme could also inspire new recipes and ideas. 

Bring the indoors outdoors

Just because you’re dining al fresco doesn’t mean you’re limited to using a picnic set and plastic garden furniture. A garden party is a celebration, so bring out your best china, glassware and cutlery. You could even bring your indoor furniture and furnishings outdoors. Think designer rugs, comfortable armchairs and plenty of plush pillows.

Add luxe flair with linen

One of the easiest ways to make your garden party feel like a special occasion is to lay down some luxury table linen. The idea is to make the outdoors feel like you’re hosting a special dinner party. Choose mix-and-match tablecloths that work with your theme and layer them on top of another to create a plush vibe.

Liven things up with creative lighting

Create the perfect garden party ambience with creative lighting. Bring the indoors outside with table lamps and hanging pendants. Hang string lights in the trees, and, on the table, use fairy lights in mason jars for a magical touch. 

What’s on the menu

Whatever your theme, one of the best ways to tie it all together is to reference it in your menu and on your table. From classics like lemon drizzle cake to towering showpieces adorned with edible flowers, or traditional finger sandwiches and iced biscuits, lay your table with themed cake stands, serving platters and charcuterie boards.

Set up a mix-and-match cocktail (and mocktail) bar

There’s nothing like a refreshing cocktail on a hot day (or mocktail, if you don’t drink alcohol). If you don’t have a specific place to set up a bar, you can dress a bar trolley with spirits, wines, citrus juices and cordials. Make sure you have the glassware to match and don’t forget an ice bucket and cocktail shaker!

Shop our favourite garden party items