5 ideas to get your garden ready for a party with Mel Boyden

I love hosting parties at our home and in the warmer months, we like to move it outside into our garden. We have had lots of garden parties in the past and if you throw in a theme, even better. We’ve celebrated Royal weddings, Eurovision and the odd birthday party in our garden and it can sometimes get quite busy with up to 50 guests. The more the merrier I say!

Our gardens have become our sanctuaries over the last couple of years and we are now more experimental and daring with our garden designs La Redoute offer a beautiful collection of fire pits, outdoor lighting and rugs as our garden designs have become just as important as our home interiors. 

They have become beautiful spaces in their own right and the perfect places to entertain. Having a party in your garden feels laid back and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunshine with family and friends. Here is my perfect edit to get the garden party started.

Here are 5 ideas to get you started

With the lighter and warmer nights, moving your dinner party out into the garden can create a relaxing and atmospheric setting. Choose this rectangular table to seat everyone around with this bench and some comfortable seating to create a relaxed vibe. Just add good food and wine.

Walu FSC Eucalyptus Garden Bench, £260

 

 

We tend to have garden parties in the late afternoon and early evening, so you need to think about lighting for when it starts getting darker. Adding lighting to your garden is the perfect way to keep your party going, it also makes your garden cosy and intimate. Add this Outdoor table lamp to your outdoor dining area and this jute lantern to your seating areas to give a soft glow. You can never have too many lanterns in your garden. 

Fanosa Indoor / Outdoor Table Lamp, £30

Pomilo Metal & Jute Lantern, £40

 

One of the most important ingredients of a party, the food and drink! Whether you decide to have a BBQ or a sit-down meal, treating your guests to fine tableware and glassware can add the finishing touches to a party. I love the details on this pitcher and tumblers, perfect for a jug of Pimm’s for your guests. Or serve a meat or cheese platter on one of these chopping boards.
 



Fleur Glass Pitcher 1250ml, £29

 

 

 

I like to set up smaller seating areas where people can go and have a conversation away from the hustle and bustle of the party. We always zone our garden to keep people entertained and it’s easy to do. Create a separate seating area with this 3-piece garden set where people can relax and watch the party in full swing. 

You can also create an area where people feel totally relaxed and enjoy their Pimm’s whilst cloud watching. Set up an outdoor rug like this Rozza scalloped jute rug and scatter some cushions on it. 

 

If you don’t want people walking in and out of the house to get themselves a drink, how about setting up an outside bar area? This Assia Galvanised steel garden trolley is perfect for the job. With two tiers to display all your drinks and wheels to move it around the garden, it’ll be a real focus point of your garden party. How about decorating it with some bunting or flowers? 

Assia Galvanised Steel Garden Trolley, £195

I always think it is important to remember the finer details when having a party, whether it be in the garden or in your home. Making that extra bit of effort is always worth it! 

I hope you enjoyed this edit as much as I enjoyed creating it, and I hope it inspires you to create an amazing outside space to enjoy with loved ones this summer.