How to Host a Backyard Garden Party

A deck, patio or even a lush, green lawn is an ideal spot for a backyard garden party. For a daytime party, add shade with a dining table that can accommodate a market umbrella. You can also set up one or more large, freestanding umbrellas.

If you’re partying on the lawn, a canopy, arbor or pergola is a great place to host guests. Drape lengths of lightweight, light-colored fabric over structures with lattice-style tops to help block the sun during the day.

Consider using an outdoor rug to help define your party space and add color and texture to a plain surface.

Before you start decorating, choose a color scheme for your party. Neutrals are a good choice for table linens and set off plates and glasses with colorful designs. Use a bright or bold main color, if you prefer, and accent it with two or three other colors.

Add battery-operated tea lights or candles for a soft glow. Lanterns are ideal for a large buffet table.

Next, select a centerpiece for your table. Use an eye-catching vase with a handful of wildflowers. A ceramic bowl with fresh-cut roses can add elegance. Try small, potted succulents arranged in a row down the center. In the fall, arrange small squash, pumpkins, colorful autumn leaves and Indian corn. Be sure that whatever you use doesn't block your guests from seeing each other when they're sitting down.

If you're using individual place settings, set your table by first arranging your plates. For a fun, casual look, mix and match the plates. Don't let the tabletop look too busy. Then, add chargers for interest and finish by setting out napkins, glasses and utensils.

You’ll also need serving trays, bowls and pitchers for water and other beverages. If you're serving buffet-style, place forks, spoons and knives in a flatware caddy or large pottery crock.

Add flair to a Mexican dinner with red-handled serving spoons. Then, go for a natural look with wooden servers in a big bowl of fresh, crispy lettuce.

If you're hosting an outdoor graduation party, try dressing the table in the graduate's school colors.
This is a great idea to commemorate the moment.

Skip the table altogether, if you like, and turn a backyard garden party into a picnic. Spread blankets on the lawn. Toss around pillows covered in outdoor fabrics. Serve beverages in Mason-style jars and use oversized, checkered napkins.

Give each place setting a finishing touch by adding a small accessory or party favor. This is also a nice way to thank your guests for coming.

Place small succulents in different colors and textures beside each place setting. Small, potted herbs can be a fragrant substitute for the succulents. Air plants are also fun to use.

Keep the garden theme going by giving each guests a few seed packets tied together with garden twine.

In autumn, write guests' names on mini-pumpkins instead of using place cards.

Comfortable, stylish patio furniture makes every outdoor gathering better. Wood patio furniture is a beautiful choice. Individual pieces and patio sets made of teak, acacia or cedar have some natural resistance to the elements. Pieces made of pine and fir are often painted or varnished to help keep the wood from warping.

Most metal outdoor furniture is strong and durable and unlikely to blow over. Powder-coated pieces resist rust.

Plastic tables, chairs and sets are long-lasting and easy to clean and naturally resist rotting and moisture.

Wicker patio furniture is also easy-to-clean, moisture-resistant, and lightweight yet strong. Pieces made from plant-based wicker typically have rust-free aluminum frames.
Resin wicker furniture is made from a durable synthetic fiber woven over metal frames.

If your outdoor entertaining space is limited, consider a bar height table and chairs. Bar height tables are usually smaller than regular outdoor tables and have a fun, pub-style vibe.

Don't forget to put a few outdoor chairs around a fire pit, pool or other focal point. This invites conversation before or after a meal. Keep a large basket nearby stocked with extras. Provide throw blankets for chilly evenings or sunscreen for a daytime gathering.

Hang twinkling outdoor string lights in trees around your party space. Then use lanterns to illuminate dark areas and empty corners. String lights are also beautiful when hung under arbors and pergolas or wrapped around tree trunks.

If you're partying when it's too warm for a bonfire, use your fire pit anyway. Drape strings of mini-lights over a stack of unlit logs.

For an after-dark gathering, use path lights to guide guests to the party area. Put lanterns or deck lights on each step leading up to your deck.

Be safe and use battery-operated lights or lanterns when pets or small children are around.

Cooking on a grill is part of the fun at a backyard garden party. Treat guests to anything from hamburgers to steaks. Thread skewers with cut-up tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables to roast on the grill.

While the chef’s grilling, offer easy-to-make appetizers. Guacamole with chips is a popular snack. Sliced fruits with cream cheese dip or crackers with spreads can be prepped quickly.

Bring in a portable bar cart to hold drinks and ice. Add unbreakable glasses and mixing tools for the cocktails you’re serving. Don't forget a bottle opener, sliced lemons, cherries and other add-ins and a couple of small towels to mop up spills.

A party needs music. Open your windows and crank up your home audio system. Bringing out wireless outdoor speakers that connect to your smart device is even better. Speakers made to look like rocks in your backyard can blend in with your landscaping. Mounted or unmounted models are also available. Be sure whatever you choose is weather-resistant or even waterproof to guard against splashes from your pool.