'Tis the Season for Garden Parties!
Make your next garden party one to remember with these top tips
One of the best and most enjoyable ways to make the most of Australia’s summer season is getting together with friends to celebrate the joys of life, through a mutual appreciation of food, drink and conversation. In this lucky country, there is always something to celebrate. Whether you have been inspired by the worldwide phenomenon of Dîner en Blanc or are looking to simply kick off the summer holiday season in style, here are some simple tips to get your next big garden party started.
Consider the details
Work out what will go where in your garden – the bar, food station, chairs, picnic rugs, etc. Where you station food is particularly important, as it needs shade, so as to not overheat. You’ll also want to have a contingency plan just in case the weather gods don’t shine down on party day.
Next, create an inventory and order glassware, plates, and cutlery. If your barbecue will be put into action, make sure it is fully functioning with a full gas bottle. Also give thought to other necessities, such as ice, insect repellant and the big clean-up.
Work out what will go where in your garden – the bar, food station, chairs, picnic rugs, etc. Where you station food is particularly important, as it needs shade, so as to not overheat. You’ll also want to have a contingency plan just in case the weather gods don’t shine down on party day.
Next, create an inventory and order glassware, plates, and cutlery. If your barbecue will be put into action, make sure it is fully functioning with a full gas bottle. Also give thought to other necessities, such as ice, insect repellant and the big clean-up.
Create a social environment
Set up an environment that encourages conversation. Ensure chairs are available to those who need them, but otherwise make them relatively scarce. The best parties are spent on your feet, mingling and chatting with other guests.
Close friends are usually happy to help out with special jobs too, like making sure everyone has a glass in hand, or dishing out dessert. Their contribution will allow them to feel more connected, will help to lighten your load, and gives friends the opportunity to mix with people they may otherwise have felt too shy to approach.
More ways your guests can help out
Set up an environment that encourages conversation. Ensure chairs are available to those who need them, but otherwise make them relatively scarce. The best parties are spent on your feet, mingling and chatting with other guests.
Close friends are usually happy to help out with special jobs too, like making sure everyone has a glass in hand, or dishing out dessert. Their contribution will allow them to feel more connected, will help to lighten your load, and gives friends the opportunity to mix with people they may otherwise have felt too shy to approach.
More ways your guests can help out
Set the scene
Do something unexpected and don’t be afraid to kitsch it up. It’s a party after all, so grab a theme and run with it! Sipping margaritas under a colourful umbrella may not be your idea of a fiesta, but by introducing a theme or a game to your event, you add an element of surprise to the party.
For a classy event, leave the colourful balloons and lanterns at the dollar store. Instead, forage in your garden for bunches of foliage and blooms that will enhance and complement your party setting. Create ambience with lighting, candles or an open fire, and give some thought to your tunes – music matters, it’s your party’s backbone.
17 DIY ideas for summer parties
Do something unexpected and don’t be afraid to kitsch it up. It’s a party after all, so grab a theme and run with it! Sipping margaritas under a colourful umbrella may not be your idea of a fiesta, but by introducing a theme or a game to your event, you add an element of surprise to the party.
For a classy event, leave the colourful balloons and lanterns at the dollar store. Instead, forage in your garden for bunches of foliage and blooms that will enhance and complement your party setting. Create ambience with lighting, candles or an open fire, and give some thought to your tunes – music matters, it’s your party’s backbone.
17 DIY ideas for summer parties
Prepare delicious morsels
Its just not a party without tantalising food and beverages. If you are going to go to the effort of throwing a party, do it well and put thought and imagination into the scrumptious food you serve. Guests will be mingling with a glass in hand, so choose food that is both easy to serve and eat. And always make more than you think you’ll need. You may have leftovers for a few days, but it’s better that than running out of food.
Its just not a party without tantalising food and beverages. If you are going to go to the effort of throwing a party, do it well and put thought and imagination into the scrumptious food you serve. Guests will be mingling with a glass in hand, so choose food that is both easy to serve and eat. And always make more than you think you’ll need. You may have leftovers for a few days, but it’s better that than running out of food.
Stock the bar
Your refrigerator will be crammed with delicious nibbles, so make sure you also have Eskies or basins full of ice for drinks, so that guests can help themselves. Put out plenty of glasses and have a selection of beers, bubbles and wines chilling alongside jugs of a welcome cocktail, ready to greet guests as they arrive. Also make sure you have still and sparkling water readily available.
20 tips and tricks for your outdoor party
Your refrigerator will be crammed with delicious nibbles, so make sure you also have Eskies or basins full of ice for drinks, so that guests can help themselves. Put out plenty of glasses and have a selection of beers, bubbles and wines chilling alongside jugs of a welcome cocktail, ready to greet guests as they arrive. Also make sure you have still and sparkling water readily available.
20 tips and tricks for your outdoor party
Play in the park
If living quarters are tight and your outdoor space is limited, don’t let that stop you from throwing an amazing garden party. Australians are spoiled with an abundance of beaches, public parks and bushland, many with wonderful facilities that provide well for large gatherings. Plus, if you opt for a gathering in a public space, you’ll be off the hook for pre-party tidying, and will have more hands on deck for the post party clean-up too.
If living quarters are tight and your outdoor space is limited, don’t let that stop you from throwing an amazing garden party. Australians are spoiled with an abundance of beaches, public parks and bushland, many with wonderful facilities that provide well for large gatherings. Plus, if you opt for a gathering in a public space, you’ll be off the hook for pre-party tidying, and will have more hands on deck for the post party clean-up too.
Enjoy yourself!
Throwing a party is a generous gesture towards friends and family – it shows that you care enough to make an effort. With a bit of forward planning, you can create an event that is truly special.
Most of us love a party, especially one that is well organised and thought out, but if you’re the host, make sure you don’t get hung up on trying to do things perfectly or you may drive yourself mad. The point of a party is to have fun and enjoy the day.
TELL US
Have you thrown a garden party recently? Share your photos and tips in the Comments.
MORE
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How to Host a Tea Party at Home
Host a Low-Key Girls’ Night in Your Garden
Throwing a party is a generous gesture towards friends and family – it shows that you care enough to make an effort. With a bit of forward planning, you can create an event that is truly special.
Most of us love a party, especially one that is well organised and thought out, but if you’re the host, make sure you don’t get hung up on trying to do things perfectly or you may drive yourself mad. The point of a party is to have fun and enjoy the day.
TELL US
Have you thrown a garden party recently? Share your photos and tips in the Comments.
MORE
Dream Entertaining Spaces Ready for Summer Fun
How to Host a Tea Party at Home
Host a Low-Key Girls’ Night in Your Garden
The more work you do in advance, the less stress you will feel on the day. Plus, everything you do ahead of time gives you more time to spend with your guests.
Ideally, your garden party preparation should begin weeks before the event. At least a month out, have a conceptual plan for your party: set a date and theme, then plan your invitations. Next, start thinking about the menu, and any garden maintenance that will be required to get your garden in tip-top shape.
TIP: If you are throwing a big bash, think about outsourcing tasks that seem overwhelming.