7 garden party ideas for alfresco entertaining
From creating a destination drinks bar to outdoor dining table decor, follow our seven garden decorating tips to make sure your garden or patio space is ready for entertaining al fresco style.
Image: B&M
Make the most of your garden and the start of spring by turning your green space into a stylish, comfy haven to entertain your family and friends.
UK Lockdown restrictions are due to ease on March 29, so take note of some of the top garden party decoration ideas to ensure your space is fit for a feast and a much overdue catch up with loved ones.
Create a feature with decorations
Image: Matalan
Bring a girly holiday vibe to your garden by painting walls or fences in shades of eye-catching colours and add pops of colour in the form of stripey rainbow prints, strings of lights and stylish alternatives to bunting.
Add a table and chairs and string up some tealight lanterns that will emit a twinkling glow in the evenings – and don’t forget those blankets!
Finally, finish with large cacti and palms in chic planters for effortless style. This cone shaped plant pot from Matalan is super Instagrammable!
Read more: 7 ways to get your garden ready for spring
Design a destination drinks bar
Image: Habitat/Argos
With UK pubs, bars and rooftop pop-ups open for outdoor service from 12 April, there’s no need to wait until these establishments are open.
Whilst your waiting to support your local public house, why not get the first orders in at home?
Read more: How to create a stylish home bar
Natural materials including grass and bamboo featured in this bar from Habitat hit the nail on the head when it comes to trends you should be incorporating in your outdoor space.
Create an outdoor kitchen space
Image: John Lewis & Partners
You’ve planned your al fresco menu and bought all of the trimmings, but have you thought about where you’re going to prepare your dishes?
Why not create an outdoor kitchen space with the addition of a wooden bench inspired by the Scandinavian chic? This will allow you to use portable cooking appliances and utensils in a safe, convenient and clean place.
Frame your outdoor kitchen to separate it from the rest of your garden area to draw your guests to your tasty food.
Shop new outdoor garden furniture sets from John Lewis & Partners
Co-ordinate your space with colour
Image: B&M
Indoors or out, similar rules apply to space.
Pick two or three key hues to ensure an fun and stylish finish. Choose colours like blue, green and corals, and contrast with a radiant shade of fuchsia. This will create a striking scheme that is perfectly fitting for al fresco dining. Finish off the look by adding global, tropical and botanical inspired accessories such as palm print cushions, and an Aztec throw or rug.
Shop the B&M Babylon Garden range
Bring the indoors outside
Image: Cuckooland
Whilst dining and socialising indoors is the norm in Spring due to cooler temperatures and volatile British weather, it shouldn’t stop you styling your exteriors just as you would your indoor spaces. By adding a waterproof rug to your space, you will be able to inject style into a space, and also take care to avoid spillages on your patio or grass.
This azure blue indoor/outdoor rug from Cuckooland is reversible and comes with a carry handle to take with you wherever you choose to lay it. It can be rolled up for easy storage and comes in a standard and larger size for more ample outdoor spaces.
An outdoor mirror will also provide the perfect opportunity for pictures and a selfie zone for social media snaps.
A moody theme for evening entertaining
Image: Lights4Fun
Create an atmospheric Moroccan-style outdoor space by combining solar-powered lanterns and tea lights to illuminate an evening of entertaining. Use a copper tray with a delicate cut out rim to serve up some sophisticated spring cocktails. Serve up your own Arabian night with mint tea served in small glasses for the full sensory experience.
Read more: 5 inspiring outdoor cinema set-ups for your garden
Place citronella candles in hurricane lamps and middle-eastern inspired ornaments on a dining table for a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.
Create a comfy outdoor living area
Image: Wayfair
After an afternoon of gorging on indulgent foods you’ll want to take a little time out for relaxation. Throw plump cushions across your garden seats and a soft rug on decking to make a cosy, modern chill out area. Don’t forget to bring out a comfy pouffe, so you can put your feet up after a day of entertaining.
Better still, upgrade your seating to a hanging egg chair like this one from Wayfair or a hammock which, with their curvaceous structures will hug your body for the ultimate oasis.
