Outdoor Party Idea: How to Host an Outdoor Garden Party
This post is all about an outdoor party idea: how to host an outdoor garden party.
It’s only March, but spring is right around the corner. It’s time to start planning and this will help us all get through the remaining cold weeks we have a head of us! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a bridal shower, or simply gathering with friends for a charming evening, a outdoor garden party is the perfect outdoor party idea to enjoy the warm weather while entertaining guests. Planning one doesn’t have to be overwhelming—follow this step-by-step guide to create an unforgettable outdoor event! Throughout this post I’ll also be sharing the progress of our gazebo and patio that were built and redone. These were both projects that would’ve been done regardless of my bridal shower.
In no way am I saying this is what you have to do for an outdoor part. These are purely for inspiration and what I did for my bridal shower.
This post is all about an outdoor party idea: how to host an outdoor garden party.
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Table of Contents
Step 1: Choose a Theme & Set the Mood
A garden party can be as simple or elaborate. Choose a theme to help guide your décor, menu, and ambiance. I really wanted to have my bridal shower in our backyard. We were redoing our patio, walkway, and put up a gazebo as well. It provided the perfect setting for the shower!
The garden was in full swing since we had the event in September. It was 2021 so there were still a lot of concerns over people becoming sick. We took extra precautions and held it outdoors. In spite of our outdoor renovations, we probably saved money considering what it’d cost to rent a space and set up.
Theme Ideas
To help guide you for your outdoor garden party. Here are some fun theme ideas:
- Classic Tea Party: Think vintage china, lace tablecloths, and an assortment of teas. If your grandmother or mom happen to have these items, see if you can borrow them.
- Boho Picnic: Floor cushions, fairy lights, and a charcuterie board create a relaxed atmosphere.
- Rustic Farmhouse: Wooden tables, mason jar centerpieces, and wildflower bouquets add country charm. You don’t even have to use mason jars. See if anyone you know has old vases you can borrow for your event.
- Evening Enchanted Garden: String lights, lanterns, and a candlelit dinner create a magical setting. These elements are perfect for any type of outdoor party, and you may already have these.
Once you’ve picked a theme, set the mood with decorations like floral arrangements, table settings, and soft lighting.
Pro tip: to keep yourself to a budget, brainstorm things you or someone you know might already have. This can be a game changer when it comes to decorating for your party as it’s an additional spend you won’t have to worry about.
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Location
I’m a big supporter of using what you have already – your own backyard and patio area. Your backyard, patio, or a local botanical garden can all serve as beautiful settings.
- Shade & Seating: Ensure enough shaded areas with umbrellas or tents.
- Weather Backup Plan: If rain is in the forecast, have a covered area or an indoor alternative ready.
- Comfort: Provide fans, blankets, or citronella candles to keep guests comfortable.
Besides having the gazebo, we rented a tent. We rented a tent because there wasn’t going to be enough space under the gazebo for everyone to fit.
Step 3: Send Invitations
No matter what kind of party you’re throwing, send out invitations. Set the tone for the party with elegant invitations. You can:
- Send printed invitations for a formal feel. There are so many different printing companies you can use that have lots of designs. Some of these companies have small businesses that create the invitations so it’s a good opportunity to support small businesses.
- Use digital invitations via Evite or Canva for convenience. Canva is a great option because you get to design the invitation yourself!
- Create a private Facebook event for easy communication with guests.
Include the date, time, location, dress code (if any), and any special instructions (such as bringing a dish or wearing garden-friendly shoes).
For etiquette purposes, it would also be a good idea to have matching ‘thank you’ cards.
Step 4: Plan a Seasonal Menu
A garden party calls for fresh, seasonal foods that are light yet delicious. Look for local businesses that offer seasonal foods. I would suggest getting your event catered. It’ll be easier on you in the long run since you’ll be planning everything else. Consider these crowd-pleasing menu options:
Drinks:
- Fresh lemonade or fruit-infused water
- Sparkling wine or homemade sangria
- Herbal iced tea (lavender, mint, or hibiscus)
Appetizers:
- Charcuterie board with cheeses, nuts, and honey
- Cucumber tea sandwiches
- Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella
Main Course:
- Grilled chicken or salmon with fresh herbs
- Pasta salad with garden vegetables
- Quiche or frittata with seasonal greens
Desserts:
- Lemon bars or berry tarts
- Shortbread cookies with edible flowers
- Homemade ice cream or sorbet
If you’re hosting a DIY buffet, provide small plates and let guests mix and match their favorite bites.
Step 5: Set Up a Beautiful Tablescape
Onto the garden party decoration ideas! This is where everything really starts to come to life. If you’re already holding it in an area with lots of nature and a garden, there’s a lot of the heavy lifting already done in this area! However, regardless of where you’re having your garden party, you can still have that special feeling. A stunning table setting makes the party feel special!
Consider the following ideas:
- Table linens: Light, airy fabrics like linen or floral prints.
- Dinnerware: Mix-and-match china or rustic wooden plates.
- Centerpieces: Fresh flowers, candles, or potted herbs. You can even opt for some of your greenery to be faux like in the example below.
- Place cards: Handwritten name cards add a personal touch.
For a more relaxed gathering, opt for picnic-style seating with blankets and pillows.
We hung this faux greenery from the rafters of the gazebo (and we still have them hanging!) to give a lush vibe. We also hung lighting for a special glow in the evening.
Step 6: Plan Fun Activities & Entertainment
Depending on the type of garden party you’d like to host, where you’re hosting it, and your budget, consider having some fun activities and entertainment. These are some really great ideas.
- Garden Tour: If you have a beautiful garden, offer a short tour of your plants and flowers.
- DIY Flower Arranging Station: Provide fresh blooms and vases for guests to create their own bouquets.
- Lawn Games: Croquet, bocce ball, or giant Jenga add an interactive element.
- Live Music or Playlist: Hire a local musician or create a themed playlist with soft jazz, folk, or acoustic tunes.
Step 7: Create Ambient Lighting for Evening Parties
I love the feeling of string lights in our backyard. It gives such a cozy vibe and makes me think I’m in Italy. They’ve been fondly called our “Italian lights” for years. If your event extends into the evening, set up soft, warm lighting:
- String fairy lights through trees or along fences.
- Use lanterns or solar-powered garden lights.
- Scatter tea lights in glass jars for a cozy glow.
Step 8: Prepare for Guests’ Comfort
No one likes to be eaten alive by mosquitoes if they happen to be out during the time of your event. There are a couple of other details you may want to attend to should the occasion arise, like having sunscreen on-hand. Sometimes forgetting sunscreen happens. Here are a few things you may want to think about:
- Have bug spray or citronella candles to keep mosquitoes away.
- Provide throw blankets for guests if it gets chilly.
- Offer sunscreen and hand fans for daytime parties.
If you’re looking for some clean bug spray or sunscreen without the junk in it, check out the following ones that we use:
Badger Bug Spray, Family Friendly All Natural Mosquito Repellent w/Organic Essential Oils
Badger Mineral Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 40, 98% Organic Toddler Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
Step 9: Capture the Moments
Set up a photo booth with a floral backdrop or a Polaroid camera station where guests can snap pictures to take home. You can also create a custom hashtag for guests to share their photos online! My Maid of Honor created the below perfect floral backdrop where we were able to take lots of photos with guests, including group photos. We also used the garden area as a backdrop as well!
Step 10: Send Guests Home with a Thoughtful Favor
End your party with a small, garden-themed party favor, such as:
- Mini potted succulents or herb plants.
- Homemade jam or honey from your garden.
- Floral-scented candles or bath salts.
Final Thoughts
Hosting an outdoor garden party doesn’t have to be stressful—with a little planning, you can create a memorable and enjoyable gathering. Whether it’s a casual brunch or an elegant evening affair, these steps will help you throw the perfect event that your guests will love!
For more inspiration, check out these other blog posts:
