24 Garden Party Ideas

I don’t know about you, but I love a good garden party.

The flowers, the fresh air, the sunshine, the company — it’s all so lovely! With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, I think it’s time to start planning your own garden party.

Whether it’s just a simple gathering with your family or a larger event with friends, I’ve got 24 garden party ideas that you can use to inspire your own event.

From decor to food to drinks to more, there’s a little bit of everything on this list so you can host the best garden party of the year!

1. DIY a dance floor

With a dance floor, you can get down and boogie without worrying about your shoes getting dirty.

This is an especially good idea if you’re planning a garden party after a wedding ceremony.

To make the floor, you’ll need plywood, paint, and a sealant. You can also rent a dance floor if you don’t want to make one yourself.

2. Make a garden party centerpiece

When it comes to decorating your tables, a garden party is the perfect time to get creative with your centerpieces.

You can use flowers, candles, or even fresh fruit to create a stunning focal point.

This easy DIY centerpiece uses a variety of florals, greenery, and fruit to create a lush and vibrant display.

You can use any combination of flowers and fruit that match your color scheme to create a centerpiece that’s uniquely you.

3. Serve a signature garden party cocktail

What’s a good party without a signature cocktail? Light and refreshing drinks are the way to go for a garden party.

You can even make a big batch of your signature cocktail and serve it in a drink dispenser for easy refills.

There are so many delicious cocktail recipes to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with a classic mojito or a spiked strawberry lemonade.

4. Make a garden party dessert

No matter what type of party you’re hosting, dessert is a must. But when it comes to garden parties, the dessert is often the focal point.

From a beautiful cake to a spread of fresh fruit and pastries, the options are endless.

If you’re not much of a baker, don’t worry.

There are plenty of store-bought desserts that can be dressed up to look like you spent hours in the kitchen.

5. Light the way with garden party lanterns

It’s all about the lighting, and these garden party lanterns are the perfect way to add a warm glow to your outdoor space.

You can line your walkway with them or hang them from trees and shrubs. You can even add a few to your tablescape.

These lanterns are made with LED candles, so you don’t have to worry about them blowing out or catching anything on fire.

6. Make a garden party backdrop

Create a fun backdrop for photos with a few simple materials.

This one is made from a few strips of fabric tied to a rope, but you could also use a shower curtain or a piece of fabric.

Add a few balloons and some greenery and you have a pretty photo backdrop that’s perfect for a garden party.

7. Serve garden party appetizers

Appetizers are the perfect way to feed a crowd at a garden party.

When you serve bite-sized foods, guests can mix and mingle while they eat. And who doesn’t love a good cheese board?

Add some of your favorite finger foods to a large platter to create a picturesque spread.

You can also add a variety of crackers, nuts, and fruit to your cheese board. It’s a simple, delicious way to serve a lot of people.

Pro Tip: Add a few small labels to your cheese board so guests know what they’re eating.

8. Create a garden party photo booth

For those who love a good photo opp, a garden party is the perfect place to set up a fun photo booth.

You can DIY a backdrop with a simple balloon garland, hang a sheet of fabric or use a hedge wall.

Don’t forget to add some fun photo booth props like hats, sunglasses, and boas.

You can even create your own garden-themed props with some construction paper and wooden dowels.

9. Add garden party seating

If you have a large garden, you can really go to town with your garden party seating.

We love this idea of creating a whole outdoor living room, complete with a cozy sofa, outdoor rug, and a coffee table.

The festoon lights add to the cozy feel and, of course, the fire pit is a must.

You can recreate this look with your own outdoor furniture, or just add a few extra seating options to your existing garden furniture to create a more relaxed, welcoming space.

10. Set up a garden party bar

A garden party bar is a great way to make sure everyone gets a drink they love.

You can set up a full bar with all the fixings, or keep it simple with a signature cocktail and a few mixers.

If you want to get extra fancy, you can even set up a self-serve cocktail station.

Just pre-mix your cocktails and set out all the garnishes and mixers so guests can customize their drinks.

No matter how you decide to set up your garden party bar, make sure to have plenty of ice on hand to keep everything nice and cold.

And don’t forget to include some non-alcoholic options for guests who don’t drink.

Conclusion

Add a bit of fun to your garden party with this DIY game.

Cut out the center of a cardboard box and use a colorful tablecloth to create the backdrop.

Then, using a utility knife, cut holes in the fabric and box for the bean bags to go through.

To make the bean bags, fill socks with beans or rice and tie the ends.

You can decide how far away the targets will be, depending on the age of the players.