As soon as spring rolls around and the days become a little longer, people start to spend a bit more time outside. The winter slump is over, and we’re all sick of being cooped up indoors to avoid the cold. So this is the perfect time to start thinking about throwing a garden party.
Say goodbye to the horrible weather and invite your friends and family round to soak up the sun, eat delicious food, and reminisce about good times. But hosting a successful event in your backyard is not as simple as you might think. There’s a huge amount of work that has to go into a garden party, and it can easily go wrong if you’re not on top of your planning and organisation.
To ensure all your guests have a great time and your event goes down a treat, here are a few tips for throwing a memorable garden party.
Pick the right date
You don’t want to throw your garden party on a day when it’s pouring with rain. Picking the perfect weather window is important, so keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your event. If it’s looking terrible, you can always reschedule. Also make sure to choose a day that your guests are likely to be free on, and let them know well in advance so they can clear their diaries.
Cater for all requirements
Food will be a big focal point of your garden party, so make sure everyone will be well-fed. There will no doubt be plenty of different dietary requirements and preferences so it’s a good idea to get these from your guests in advance. Prepare a wide range of different options to suit carnivores, vegetarians, vegans, and those picky eaters. The same goes for drinks. Not everyone will want to consume alcohol so ensure there’s a mix of soft beverages too. The worst thing that can happen is your guests going home hungry.
Prepare your garden
Is your backyard ready to comfortably accommodate your large guest list? Will everyone have a place to sit? Is there a plan if the weather turns? You may need to invest in some additional garden furniture to ensure there is enough seating and tables large enough for everyone. Canopies and awnings from Open Space Concepts are a great option to both protect people from the sun and provide a cover if it does start to rain. Make sure your garden is neat and tidy before people arrive, free from clutter and with the lawn freshly mowed.
Provide entertainment
Once guests have finished eating, many will be content to sit around and enjoy a conversation with friends. But some people may require more stimulation, especially if there are children present. For this reason, it can be a good idea to provide some entertainment in the form of garden games or toys. If you have a swimming pool, hot tub, pool table, or other items, these can be offered as an option for your guests.
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