Create an elegant look for outdoor entertaining

The best garden party ideas celebrate the summer, make the best of your outdoor space and create a truly memorable event for family and friends. After all, where better to create a special atmosphere for an extra special event than out in the open on a pretty patio or lawn in amongst the flowers?

Start your planning by deciding on a colour scheme. We've chosen white for our event - it looks smart and is easy to theme. Crisp white linen and toile cloths get your table setting off to a perfect start. Add elegant white china and bundles of white-handled cutlery to echo the theme and, of course, white flowers are so elegant, transforming your alfresco entertaining space into something truly special.

A drinks table with a good supply of cocktail glasses, shakers and coolers is a must, so you don't run out of anything and can keep your guests' needs catered for. When it comes to party seating, transform garden benches in an instant by adding elegant cushions.

Hand-made invitations will add a personal touch and why not continue the theme with homemade place cards on the day? Think about lighting - as the light starts to fade, you may want to illuminate certain spaces, such as pathways, while creating atmosphere around seating areas. Outdoor fairy lights look pretty as dusk falls and will add some magical sparkle.

Create an outdoor serving table (pictured)
Create a focal point for pre- or after-dinner drinks with a dedicated serving table for glasses and nibbles. Keep the area cool and covered with a simple voile panel canopy.

Similar glasses and cocktail shakers
Brissi

1/10 Canopy fabric

Bassano Apple at Designers Guild

Liked this? You'll love our garden lighting ideas

2/10 Shady seating

Create a seating space in your garden where guests can relax before and after dinner. Opt for smart furniture and brighten it up with comfortable cushions. Parasols not only add instant glamour, but also provide shade and define the seating space.

Parasol
The Indian Garden Company
Similar bench and cushions
John Lewis

3/10 Pretty handmade invitations

A smart party deserves a formal invitation. Choose pretty stationery to match your tableware and tie envelopes with ribbon for a stylish finishing touch. Why not have a go at making your invitations - or order custom-made versions.

Custom-made invitations
Golden Apple Designs
Similar ribbon
Hobbycraft
Similar card
WHSmith

4/10 Perfect place cards

Any occasion will benefit from a good old-fashioned seating plan. Make a party feel extra special with hand-written place cards that will let your tables shine. Make your own from folded card decorated with ribbon and tuck them into champagne flutes.

Similar ribbon
Hobbycraft
Similar card
WHSmith

5/10 Simple china and tableware

Keep things simple on the table, making it feel special with silver-edged china. You can’t go wrong with a crisp white set. Team with pretty place mats in a soft shade to add subtle colour to the table and introduce coloured glassware - green is the perfect choice for a garden setting.

Similar china
John Lewis
Similar glassware
Grand Illusions
Similar place mats
Zara Home

6/10 Classic cutlery

Take an informal approach to laying the table and keep the mood relaxed and convivial - place sparkling cutlery in the centre so guests can help themselves. Keep colours within a narrow range for an easy, mix-and-match look that still has a co-ordinated feel.

Similar cutlery
Brissi

7/10 Chair-back decorations

Decorate chairs with fresh flower posies. Choose your flowers and foliage carefully to fit your theme, arrange them to look beautiful hanging upside down and tie the stems together using a length of pretty ribbon. Hang on the backs of your chairs so that guests can take them home as a lovely memento of the evening.
 
Ribbon
Hobbycraft

8/10 Paper decorations

Create a day to remember by hanging large honeycomb paper decorations from overhanging trees or outbuildings. Mirror the look below by dressing tables with vases and jugs brimming with fresh flowers. In this scheme, the use of white creates a tailored and perfectly co-ordinated feel.

Honeycomb decorations
Dotcomgiftshop

9/10 Atmospheric lighting

Good outdoor lighting will extend your gathering into the warm evening. Look out for fairy lights that are suitable for outdoor use, such as this gorgeous flower design, and make the most of every hour in the garden. Flickering tea lights will add shimmer, sparkle and atmosphere to tables, but never leave burning candles unattended.

Similar garden fairy lights
Homebase 
Similar tea lights
TineKHome

10/10 Garden pathways

Lead guests to your party by creating a pathway with classic lanterns to light the way. Scatter a few petals in between the lanterns for a pretty finishing touch.

Similar lanterns
Marks & Spencer and Debenhams