With summer fast approaching, it’s time to start planning those garden parties so ask yourself, are you making the most of your outdoor space? From creating a garden room to clever lighting tips to create the wow factor when dusk falls, here’s how to really impress your party guests this summer and beyond.
CREATE A ‘GARDEN ROOM’
One thing that is lovely to do in summer is create a ‘garden room’. You can do this by using a covering, like a stretch tent.
It doesn’t have to be big and is a really effective way of maximising the space. It also looks super chic and it’s great for the British weather.
The free-flowing design and flexibility of a stretch tent means that suddenly you’ve
created a whole room at your house that people haven’t seen before. The sides can also be pulled down if it rains so your party can go on regardless.
ADD CLEVER LIGHTING
When the sun goes down, the party really gets started, so make sure you get the lighting right.
Festoon lights are a great way to instantly add a party feel to your garden – and best of all, you can keep them up all year round.
Another thing that can completely transform your outdoor space, which you might not have thought of, is adding lights to plants and trees. If you have a tree in your garden, wrap fairy lights around it. You’ll be amazed at how effective this simple trick is.
I love to add solar lanterns to flower beds, which will come on as darkness falls. Just don’t forget to charge your solar lights for 48 hours beforehand.
DITCH FORMAL SEATING
Instantly update your outdoor space by playing around with different styles of seating. It’s summer, so no one wants a stuffy dinner party or getting stuck next someone you don’t really want to make conversation with for an hour.
Ditch the traditional sit down and have lots of lovely informal seating arrangements instead.
Think comfy seats, low coffee tables, cushions, outdoor rugs, and fold away chairs so you can create extra space later on.
CREATE DIFFERENT ZONES
This will depend on how big your garden is, but if you have the space, consider creating different party zones.
As guests arrive, direct them to the ‘cocktail zone’ in the garden, with ready-made drinks they can easily help themselves to. This is where people will initially be catching up and chatting so should be free from loud music so they can hear each other talk.
You could also add an outdoor bar area, which acts as a focal point for guests to gather around.
Once people have eaten and become more relaxed, there needs to be a designated chill out zone. This could be as simple as a few seats with blankets as the temperature starts to drop. But if you’re going all out, you could add a firepit with low benches to create a cosy corner.
HAVE A ‘DINE ANYWHERE’ APPROACH
This isn’t as scary as it sounds and doesn’t mean people will be eating food all over your furniture!
An easy way to feed guests, especially in the garden, is to order a selection of food platters rather than having a sit down meal.
Grazing platters are very on trend right now and come in lots of options, from antipasti to tapas, meze, cheese – even dessert platters.
Bowl food – small dishes such as risotto, curry or chilli – is another great ‘dine anywhere’ option, and can be served by waiting staff if the party is for a special occasion and you are having caterers in.
Both options will fill your guests up and the ‘perch anywhere option’ gives them a much-needed chance to catch up with friends and family they might not have seen in a while.
BRING THE WOW FACTOR
If you have the budget, go all out and bring the wow factor to your party with some added extras to surprise your guests.
This could be having a themed party – hiring a mixologist to serve proper cocktails, or having a flair bartender put on a show – which is a fabulous opener for any party.
You could even add a live performer to play alongside your DJ, such as a percussionist, saxophonist or violinist to really get the party rocking. Or don’t forget a silly silent disco for the end of the evening when you’re worried about your neighbours. Flashing headphones gets the grown-ups bopping like children!
CHECK YOUR GUEST LIST
Pay close attention to your number of guests in relation to the space you are using.
This is super important and very often gets overlooked, but is vital for the vibe of any party.
There is nothing worse than a huge room and not enough people in it!
It’s much better to be crowded, even if it’s a bit hectic to begin with, because it will always thin out as the night goes on.
BOX AT END
LET US DO THE HARD WORK
Sugar & Rind is the UK’s first event website where you can book everything you need for a party all in one place simply by ‘adding to basket!’ Everything is available, from the food and drink to decorations and entertainment. There’s no dealing with separate suppliers. For the same price and zero hassle, Sugar & Rind have done all the hard work for you. Use the Sugar & Rind ‘Build your party’ tool to pick what elements you want for your dream party.
Choose from stunning bars, beautiful food platters, private chefs, cocktail packages complete with mixologists and flair bartenders, and top London DJs to spin the decks. Add it all to your basket, check out, and Sugar & Rind will manage your booking and deliver everything to your door or venue on the allotted day – even the waiters if you need them. All we need is four weeks’ notice to guarantee the booking. When the party is over, they come and pick up anything you’ve rented and return it, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
For more information on Sugar & Rind or to book a party visit
Special offer: There is a 5% discount for any customers who book a party using the ROCKSMAG code.
Contact: philly@sugarandrind.party
Follow Sugar & Rind on Instagram @sugarandrind.party and don’t forget to #BringTheParty
Words by: Phillipa Mackinnon
