Get Glast-home-bury ready: 25+ items to upgrade any garden party

Garden parties are one of the most important social scenes of the summer, so make sure you have all the supplies you need to make the most out of the sunshine. From comfortable seating to amazing food and unique entertainment, here’s how to throw a garden party to remember.

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Garden party ideas

Make your garden party cosy

Folding chairs and cushions are great for balcony gardens, while a statement sofa would look great in a bigger garden. Tuck chairs into nooks and crannies where people can enjoy your planting. Don't forget cushions and blankets (store them in an outdoor box), and a parasol for sun protection.

Maze Outdoor Fabric Eve Corner Group

This garden seat lounger will be the perfect accompaniment to the garden party season. It comes with a low, square aluminium coffee table, and the two armrests are removable, revealing two side tables as well. It should stay looking new for years to come, thanks to the UV and stain resistant fabric of the cushions.

See our other favourite seating options if this one doesn't quite fit for you.

Globo Royal Hammock Set in Natura

Part egg-chair, part lounger, this robust and eye-catching seat is a fantastic choice for garden parties. Built to last, it's made from solid wood which is good for leaving out throughout the year, the maximum weight it takes is 200 kilograms.

Add a folding table for chilled drinks.

Furn Tocorico 100% Recycled Outdoor Rug

Buying an outdoor rug is a quick way to add a pop of colour to a patio or decking area. We'd always recommend one made from recycled plastic, which should not only be a sustainable option, but also durable and weather-resistant.

We love the mustard yellow print on this rug, made with recycled bottles, but you can also get it in other colours and patterns.

Habitat Metal Hammock

Everyone loves lounging in a hammock in the sun. The trick is to pick the most sturdy, and nicely designed, so that people gravitate towards its luxury. This one from Argos looks great and is not too hard on the wallet.

Tartan Blanket Co. Recycled Wool Blanket

It's always worth having a couple of blankets to hand when your party extends into the evening, and we love the idea of reaching for these ones from the Tartan Blanket Co. They're made from recycled wool, and come in a selection of gorgeous colours and patterns.

Business & Pleasure Premium Beach Parasol

Buy from Made In Design (£314.00)

Make sure your garden party guests are sheltered from the sun with a beautiful parasol. We love the colours on this one, which can be tilted and comes with a carry bag for easy storage. Either put it straight in the ground or use the compatible base - one of the most beautiful parasol bases we've seen!

Decorate the space

With a few clever additions, you can inject a sense of fun into your space and create an instant party atmosphere for your guests. Choose a specific theme or go for classic decorations you can use again and again. Here are a few ideas.

Talking Tables decorations

Buy bunting (from £3.00)

Buy paper honeycomb decorations (from £5.00)

Buy trays and serveware (from £5.00)

Buy bud vases (from £6.00)

We've picked out some pastel-coloured items from Talking Tables that would work well together, but there's a gorgeous selection of reusable garden décor and tableware across lots of different themes. Think vintage-inspired, tie-dye and, of course, elegant neutral-toned decorations.

See our full round-up of the best bunting for your party.

Under Water LED Disco Light

Keep it lit

Keep the party going and stay warm as the sun sets with a cosy fire pit, twinkling festoon lights, candles and portable lamps. Lighting up trees and backlighting plants can also be a great way of increasing the atmosphere in your garden.

Black Festoon Classic Lights

Cast Iron Fire Bowl

Dandelion Solar Lights

Browse our top solar lights for the garden.

Carrie Outdoor Table Lamp

Entertain your guests

Spend the day playing garden games and spend the night in your very own garden cinema (and you could even show some garden-related films). Speakers are also a great way to keep the party going; choose a robust, ideally weatherproof model with great connectivity.

Anker Nebula Mars 2 Pro Portable Projector

Here's our round up of the best garden projectors.

Outdoor Projector Screen

Bex Wooden Garden Croquet

Don't miss our piece on more garden games.

JBL Link Portable Smart Speaker

Garden bar

Find more garden bar ideas across a range of price points.

Lay out a great garden party spread

Outdoor tableware like beautiful glasses, plates and mats can really lift an afternoon's entertaining, and if you choose botanical and floral-themed items, you'll reflect what's going in the garden around you. Try serving up some fresh food from your garden too.

DeliVita pizza oven

See our other favourite pizza ovens, from the iconic Ooni to the stylish Morso Forno.

Alternatively, browse the best BBQs to get this summer, from traditional charcoal grills to modern designs powered by wood pellets, electricity and gas.

Pols Potten Peony Glass Tumblers

Olive Wood Serving Board

And if you're guests are having too much fun to go home...

Set up a tent with warm sleeping bags, pillows and blankets to extend the party into the evening.

Classic Bell Tent

To keep children entertained, why not opt for a fun playhouse?

Buy from Boutique Camping (£35.00)

Find more glamping accessories to create the perfect backyard set-up.

Charlton & Jenrick glamping stove

Buy from Direct Stoves (£939.00)

Buy stove with oven from Direct Stoves (£1,675.00)

After something a little more compact? See our selection of the best bio-ethanol tabletop patio heaters you can buy.

Outwell double sleeping bag

Hay bales

A few cocktail recipes for the day...

Show off your gartending skills with some of our cocktail recipes, or try out these unique drinks, perfect for keeping your guests refreshed and partying all night long.

Lavender French 75

1. Make the lavender simple syrup by simmering 1/2 cup of water, 5-7 fresh lavender flowers, and 1/2 cups of sugar. Let steep for 1 hour and then strain out the lavender
2. Combine 2-4 tsp lavender syrup (to taste), 4 Tbsp gin, 4 Tbsp champagne and a squeeze of lemon.
3. Serve with bud of lavender

Cucumber Mint Lemonade

1. Combine 1 cucumber, 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup honey in a blender
2. Add 1/2 litre of cold water and a handful of fresh mint leaves
3. Strain mixture into serving pitcher and add another 1/2 litre of cold water
4. Serve and garnish with slices of cucumber and fresh mint leaves

Italian Greyhound Cocktail with Rosemary Sugar

1. Combine 1 fresh rosemary sprig and 1/4 cup of sugar and spread onto a plate. Rub the edge of the glass with fresh citrus and garnish glass rim
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add 2 ounces of gin, 4 ounces of grapefruit juice, and 1 ounce of Aperol or Campari liqueur
3. Stir gently and serve with a fresh sprig of rosemary

Ready to dress your outdoor dinner table? See our ideas for the elegant outdoor tableware to upgrade your al fresco set-up.