Set the Scene for a Garden Party

You've sent the invites, tracked the weather and planned the menu. All that's left is to decorate your outdoor space for a party to remember

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Dulcie Emerson

Garden party scene featuring colourful crockery, pillar candles and bowls of fruit

Dinner is served: Al fresco party ideas

There's nothing more enjoyable than the first garden party of the year, whether you're throwing a birthday barbecue or an Easter gathering for friends and family. Once you've spruced up your outdoor space, it's time for the fun part: setting the scene with decorative touches.

Consider a playful, colourful theme if all ages are invited. Set the table with patterned crockery, statement glassware (like these eye-catching green coupes), pitcher jugs and fruit bowls for an abundant al fresco dinner party.

Don't forget table linen: napkins and napkin rings add a thoughtful finish to the outdoor dining experience, instantly elevating the everyday. Get creative with summer garden party decorations: hang bunting, garlands and seasonal decorations to create a festive ambience.

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Garden party scene featuring a grey rattan table and chairs

Shake it up with drinks on the patio

For drinks-based gatherings, such as sangria on the terrace or even a summer cocktail party, you'll need to ensure you have the right barware and glassware. Choose accessories that are both practical and decorative. A crystal glass jug like our Maxim design will showcase your homemade punch while an Art Deco-inspired mirrored silver tray will create a Gatsby-esque feel.

A few well-placed planters and a string of solar fairy lights can work wonders for decorating outdoor space for summer parties. Choose crisp linen tablecloths and patterned throws draped over garden chairs for a relaxed yet sophisticated feel. Keep flowers understated: think elegant white stems or bunches of freshly picked wildflowers at the centre of the table for an English country house feel.

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White hurricane lantern surrounded by pillar candles

Illuminate your space for a night to remember

Opt for a refined decorating theme if you're hosting a sophisticated do for grown-ups. Choose a cohesive colour palette, such as monochrome or earth tones, and accessorise your outdoor space accordingly.

An array of candles works for evening gatherings. Decorate pathways with hurricane lamps or burning torches to add a sense of occasion, and combine pillar candles with dinner candles for a magical feel at dusk. Choose citronella-scented candles to help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Showers on the horizon? Consider investing in a smart gazebo or a pergola for a drizzle-free party. Decorate with plush scatter cushions and throws to create an inviting retreat that will keep your guests cosy and dry whatever the weather.

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