Summer Party Ideas
Summer is the season for getting outside, and a garden party, barbecue or pool afternoon needs surprisingly little to feel like an event. The key is planning the space into zones so everyone has room to eat, drink, play and cool off.
Here is how to lay out the garden, keep the party going into the evening and keep the kids happy in the heat.
Plan the garden into zones
A garden works best when you give each activity its own patch. It keeps queues down and stops the barbecue smoke drifting over the picnic blanket.
- Food and barbecue. Set the grill downwind and away from where people sit, with a table beside it for prep and plates.
- Drinks station. A separate table for drinks and ice means nobody crowds the food. A tub of iced water and juice keeps everyone topped up in the heat.
- Shade and seating. Put chairs, rugs and cushions under a tree, gazebo or parasol so guests can escape the midday sun.
- Water and play. Keep paddling pools and water games at the far end, on grass, away from anything electrical or anyone who would rather stay dry.
Keep it going into the evening
British summer evenings are long and lovely, so plan for the party to run past sunset.
- Lighting. String lights, lanterns and citronella candles add atmosphere and keep the bugs down as it cools.
- Bunting and balloons. A run of bunting along the fence and a few air-filled balloon clusters read brilliantly in photos and hold up outdoors for the whole day. Weight anything on helium so a breeze does not carry it off.
- Layers and blankets. A basket of throws by the door means nobody heads home the moment the temperature drops.
Keep the kids cool and busy
Hot afternoons and restless children need a plan. A paddling pool or a set of water games buys you a good hour of peace. Add simple outdoor games, keep a shady spot free for quiet time, and have plenty of water and ice lollies on hand. Reapply sun cream on a timer so the fun does not end in sunburn.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop decorations blowing away outside?
Use air-filled balloons rather than helium for anything structural like arches and garlands, as they hold their shape and will not float off. Tie bunting tightly at both ends, and weight or peg down anything loose. Save helium balloons for a sheltered corner and add a weight to every one.
How much food should I plan for a barbecue?
As a rough guide, allow around two to three items per adult from the grill, such as a burger, a sausage and a skewer, plus a couple of sides and a good stock of buns. Cater for a few more than confirmed, as outdoor eating and warm weather tend to boost appetites.
What is the easiest way to make a garden feel like a party?
Height and colour. A run of bunting along the fence, a balloon cluster or two by the entrance and a coloured tablecloth transform a garden in minutes. Add string lights for the evening and you have the whole day covered.
Make the most of the sunshine: shop summer party supplies, barbecue supplies and paddling pools and outdoor fun, or add bunting and garlands from the full decorations range.