With the King hosting the first of three royal garden parties this year, you may have been inspired to host your own dinner party in your garden. Before you can gather your nearest and dearest, you will need to do some planning.
From the menu to entertainment, here are some tips to help your garden dinner party be the stand-out event of the summer.
Set the scene
Getting the atmosphere right is a great starting point for any event. You will want your guests to be comfy and warm enough – especially if the evening turns a bit cooler.
Start with your seating. Make sure you have enough chairs with plenty of blankets and cushions. You could always scatter some outdoor heaters around too just in case you need them.
Even though the evenings are getting lighter, you may need a bit of extra help to keep the area bright and cosy. Add some festoon lighting for a casual, fun effect. These light strings are great as you can use them for any occasion, making them cost-effective.
Menu
Selecting your food for your party can be a daunting task, but it does not have to be complicated. First, make sure you are aware of any dietary requirements of your guests. This will help you easily rule out any foods such as dairy or gluten.
Next, decide on the type of meal you want. A sit-down meal is a more formal option and means you may have to plan slightly more. A buffet-style affair means you can prepare a lot in advance, and everyone can serve themselves. One of the most popular choices in the summer, however, is a classic barbecue.
Have a plan for the bugs
Unfortunately, bugs may be an uninvited guest at your dinner party. Flies and wasps can put a damper on the mood of your party so you will need to find ways to combat them.
Bug zappers used to be unsightly, loud machines but they have undergone a bit of a transformation. Now, you can get ones that blend into your décor, such as ones shaped like lanterns. Whilst they do still make a noise, they will at least look pleasant.
An alternative is to have some citronella candles around your seating area. Citronella candles are great at repelling bugs and they smell nice so having them around will add to the ambiance.
Plan activities and entertainment
Eating and drinking are the main components of a dinner party, but there is no harm in adding some entertainment.
Easy options are large lawn games such as Jenga, Connect 4 or ring toss. Players will be able to unleash their competitive spirit as well as have a laugh, making for an enjoyable evening.
Quizzes are also a fun way to get your guests involved. This is an especially helpful option if you are bringing people together who haven’t met before. Your guests will be able to get talking and get to know each other whilst answering your questions.
