Best Outdoor Entertaining Buys for Summer Garden Parties

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Right then, let’s talk garden parties. If you’re after the best outdoor entertaining buys for summer garden parties this year, you’ve landed in the right spot. Solar-powered festoon lights are the first thing I’d point you towards because they turn any scruffy patio into somewhere proper lovely within minutes and you don’t need an outdoor socket in sight.

Why Garden Party Buys Matter More Than You’d Think

You don’t need a big garden or a big budget to host something memorable. Having spent years in the hotel trade, I know that guests remember how a space feels long before they remember what was on the menu. A few well chosen pieces do more heavy lifting than you’d expect.

Setting the Scene

Bunting strung along the fence or across the patio adds instant party feeling for next to nothing. I’ve got a few sets now in different colours so I can swap them depending on the occasion.

There’s loads of other little touches that make a garden party feel proper put together too. Colourful paper streamers and multi-coloured paper pom poms are cheap as chips and make a real statement strung between trees or along a fence.

A patterned tablecloth with matching napkins ties the whole spread together without much effort at all. If you’d rather not be stuck washing up after, disposable cups and plates in a nice design and means you can spend the evening with your guests instead of at the sink. Try this Pink and Gold Party Tableware Set which includes everything you need, 9”&7” Tablecloth, Paper Plates, Cup, Napkin, Straw, Wooden Cutlery(Knife/Fork/Spoon).

And of course you can’t beat a few extra Decorative solar lanterns dotted about alongside your fairy lights for that warm glow once it starts getting dark.

For lower cost garden party décor try cushions in bold colours and a rug to ground the seating area. My guide to backyard staycation garden buys has more on this if you want to go further without spending loads.

Keeping Everyone Warm and Comfy Once the Sun Dips

Chunky throws and Woven blankets are something I keep in a basket by the back door all summer long. Nobody wants to head in early just because it’s gone a bit chilly once the evening rolls on.

Outdoor floor pillows are proper handy too when you’ve got more guests than seats. They just get plonked round the fire pit or the low table and everyone piles in, no faff about finding extra chairs.

Food, Drink and Keeping Everyone Fed

No garden gathering runs smoothly without proper drinks sorted early. A large insulated drinks dispenser is one I’ve used for years now and it’s a lifesaver because guests can help themselves and you’re not stuck refilling jugs all afternoon, however, if you value aesthetics more I’d get a Glass drinks dispenser as they look a little bit fancier, this 2 Pack of 1 Gallon Glass Drink Dispensers comes with ice cylinder & chalkboard labels so guests know what’s what.

A lazy susan with snack dishes on the buffet table is a small thing that makes a massive difference. Everyone can reach the dips and nibbles without leaning across the table or knocking someone’s drink over.

If you fancy something a bit special for the grown ups have a go at making a proper cocktail and for the food side my grazing table guide will sort you right out for feeding a crowd without stress.

A Bit of Fun and Games

A few chalkboards and liquid chalk proper comes into its own if you fancy turning drinks into a competition. Get everyone to invent their own cocktail (or get into teams) and write the name and ingredients up on their boards, it’s a right laugh watching people try to out do each other.

A bubble machine is a proper hit if you’ve got kids or grandkids about, or even just a few big kids at heart among the adults, and a stack of Bubble bottles dotted round the tables works just as well if you fancy keeping it simple.

A couple of decks of Playing cards and A pack of Uno or Uno Flip are handy to have on hand too, nothing fancy just a quick game of Snap or a hand of cards while everyone’s chatting keeps things ticking along nicely between courses.

An outdoor karaoke system is one for the braver hosts among you. Get it out late in the evening once everyone’s had a drink or two and I promise you it never fails to get people up and singing. Its the perfect outdoor entertaining buy for a summer garden party.

An outdoor fire pit, like this 3-in-1 for barbecue, heating, cooling drinks with cover & poker, keeps the party going long after the sun’s gone down. It were right good the first summer we got ours because suddenly nobody wanted to go home, they just wanted to sit round it chatting until midnight.

Comfort and Little Touches

A portable Bluetooth speaker is another one I wouldn’t be without. It’s a good en for background music while you’re pottering about getting everything ready and loud enough to carry across the garden once the party gets going.

These Mosquito Coils, Spirals smoke Repellents are an absolute lifesaver. Before I started using these every single garden party ended up moving indoors because of the bugs, no matter how nice the evening was going. Now I light them as soon as guests arrive and we can stay out until the early hours without anyone getting bitten to bits. I use them at every single party now without fail.

Bringing It All Together

These outdoor entertaining buys work whether you’re hosting six people or twenty six. Start with lighting and seating then build outwards with drinks, comfort touches and a bit of entertainment. For more inspiration on turning your whole garden into a proper retreat check out my garden holiday retreat guide.

You don’t need to spend a fortune or wait for a special occasion. A proper summer garden party can happen on a random Tuesday if you fancy it.

Well go on then mi darlin, get that garden ready for its first party of the summer.

FAQs

What do I need for a garden party at home?
The essentials are seating, lighting, drinks and a bit of shade. Everything else is a bonus.

How much does it cost to host a garden party?
You can host a lovely garden party for under £50 in food and drink if the furniture and lighting are already sorted. Bigger buys like seating sets or a fire pit last for years so they work out cheaper over time.

What lighting is best for a summer garden party?
Solar festoon lights are the easiest option because there’s no wiring involved and they charge up through the day ready for evening.

How do you keep bugs away at a garden party?
Mosquito coils arranged around the seating area work brilliantly. Light them early before guests arrive so they’ve had time to start working.

When is the best time to host a garden party ?
Late May through August tends to give the most reliable weather although any warm evening will do the job nicely..