With spring soon giving way to summer, the weather is sure to be warming up.
So, it’s time to start thinking about those outdoor get-togethers with family and friends. It might seem a little pre-planned, but you will be thankful for preparing now rather than leaving it to the last minute.
Here are a few tips on how you can plan a family-friendly garden party this year:
1) Keep the guest list small
This is probably the most important tip when planning a garden party. You want to be able to enjoy the party yourself, and not be stuck running around trying to entertain everyone.
A good rule of thumb is to invite no more than 10 people, including yourself and any other family members who will be helping out.
2) Set a budget
Before you start planning anything, it’s important to set a budget for the party. This will help you avoid overspending on unnecessary items, and will make it easier to stick to your overall plan.
When trying to figure out how much to spend, a good place to start is by estimating the cost of food and drinks. You can then add in the cost of any decorations or games you might want to include.
3) Choose a theme
One of the best ways to make your garden party stand out is to choose a theme. This will help you narrow down your decoration and food choices, and will make the party more cohesive overall.
Some popular garden party themes include:
- Tea party
- Summer barbecue
- Garden party
- Fruit-themed party
4) Plan the food and drinks
No garden party is complete without food and drinks! When planning, be sure to consider any dietary restrictions your guests might have.
A few light snacks and finger foods are usually enough for a garden party. For drinks, you can either provide a selection of non-alcoholic beverages or set up a DIY cocktail bar.
5) Buy the Right Furniture
One of the most important things to consider when planning a garden party is the furniture. You want to make sure you have enough chairs and tables for everyone, as well as any other furniture you might need like umbrellas or rugs.
This might be the perfect time to buy some new garden furniture. Splashing out on good quality, high end outdoor furniture will make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your party.
But you don’t have to buy new furniture. If you’re short on furniture, consider borrowing some from friends or family members. You can also look for second-hand furniture at garage sales or thrift stores.
6) Decorate the Space
Once you have all the furniture you need, it’s time to start decorating! Again, your choice of decorations will be influenced by the theme you’ve chosen.
Some garden party decoration ideas include:
- Hanging lanterns or fairy lights
- Potted plants or flowers
- Bunting or flags
- Picnic blankets or rugs
7) Set up Games and Activities
To keep your guests entertained, it’s a good idea to set up some games and activities. This is especially important if you’re inviting children to the party.
A few garden party game ideas include:
- Water balloon toss
- Limbo
- Horseshoes
- Cornhole
8) Clean up the Space
Before the party, take some time to clean up the garden area. This will help ensure that your guests have a enjoyable experience.
Some things you should do before the party include:
- Mowing the lawn
- Picking up any sticks or leaves
- Weeding the garden
- Trimming any overgrown plants
9) Enjoy the Party!
Once everything is set up and ready to go, it’s time to relax and enjoy the party. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures to document the fun!
