Garden Party Decor: How to Host the Perfect Afternoon Al Fresco

A garden party is a great way to celebrate the summer weather in style! Whether it’s a baby shower, kid’s birthday party, or an extravagant tea party, a garden in the sunshine is the perfect setting. From gorgeous greenery to pretty place settings, here are some ideas to help you host your garden party like a pro.

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For a soft, romantic look, lean into your environment with a decor scheme that focuses on the nature that’s around you. Decorate your garden party with freshly picked flowers and foliage, making the most of whatever shrubs and trees you already have to tie everything together. Wrap bunches of flowers in twine or twist foliage together in a pretty garland to adorn your table, bar, or picnic area.

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Choose a color scheme that complements your garden and the type of event you are hosting. A bright and colorful scheme works well for all kinds of outdoor events, from kid’s parties to picnics with friends. On the other hand, a light neutral color scheme can set the scene for a more elegant event. Whichever you choose, be sure to let your color scheme echo through your choices of flowers, table settings, and decor.

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Afternoon garden parties can often continue through to dusk and beyond, so make sure you have some cute lighting at the ready if this is a possibility. Set up multiple light sources throughout the garden for a soft, welcoming atmosphere. Hang outdoor-friendly festoon lights, bundle fairy lights into mason jars, or use candles to complement your more permanent garden lighting. If using real candles, make sure to pop them into jars or candle holders to avoid any potential hazards.

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Pretty table settings are absolutely essential to any garden party that involves food and drink, and they’ll help draw the eye towards the focal point of your event. To dress your dining table you’ll need a centerpiece, a tablecloth or table runner, placemats, plates, glasses, cutlery, serviettes, and decorative items like candles, vases, and name tags. Stick to your color scheme, and try to mix in a nice variety of textures and materials to make it visually interesting.

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If you want to turn your garden into a cozy outdoor living space that’s fit for entertaining, you’ll need to bring out some textiles. Make your garden feel special and inviting with textiles that might not typically live outdoors, like rugs, throws, and pillows. Create layers of luxurious softness that will help keep your guests comfortable and warm throughout the day.

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On particularly hot summer days, your garden party might have your guests feeling overheated. Make sure there’s plenty of shade to keep everyone cool with umbrellas, awnings, or a temporary pergola. If it’s a really hot day, you could incorporate some pretty hand fans into your table settings for guests to enjoy!