All you need to know to host the perfect garden party...

As summer blossoms into full swing, June presents the perfect opportunity for a garden party. Whether it's a casual gathering with friends or a special celebration, creating an inviting and beautiful garden setting is key to ensuring your event is a success. Here are some decoration and plant ideas to help you host the perfect garden party.

Setting the Scene: Decorations

1. Lighting: As your party might extend into the evening, lighting is crucial. String lights are a versatile and popular option, adding a warm, magical glow to your garden. Drape them across trees, along fences, or overhead for a canopy effect. Lanterns and fairy lights placed around seating areas and pathways also enhance the ambiance. For a whimsical touch, consider solar-powered garden stakes or candlelit lanterns.

Image: Randy Fath

2. Table Settings: Why not design your tablescape to reflect your garden's natural beauty. Use tablecloths in light, summery colours such as pastels or floral prints. Mason jars filled with fresh flowers make charming centrepieces. Consider adding elements like rustic wooden placemats, colourful napkins and vintage crockery to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. We have lots of ideas to see here at Wellington Home and Gardens, including table linen, candle holders, placemats and more!

3. Seating Arrangements: Ensure there’s ample and comfortable seating for your guests. Mix and match outdoor furniture with cushions and throws in vibrant colours and patterns to create a relaxed, eclectic feel. For a more intimate setting, scatter picnic blankets and cushions around the garden. More advise on how to choose the right garden furniture for you is available here.

4. Themed Décor: If your party has a theme, let it guide your decorations. A bohemian theme might include dreamcatchers, macramé hangings, and lots of colourful textiles, while a more elegant affair could feature white linens, delicate China, and sophisticated floral arrangements.

Plant Ideas: Bringing Your Garden to Life

1. Seasonal Flowers: June is a fantastic time to showcase your garden’s best blooms. Marigolds, sunflowers, petunias and geraniums are excellent choices, offering vibrant colours and easy maintenance. Arrange these flowers in pots or flower beds around the garden to create bursts of colour.

2. Herb Gardens: Not only do herb gardens add greenery and a pleasant aroma to your garden, they also provide fresh ingredients for your party. Consider planting basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme. These herbs can be used in drinks and dishes, adding a home grown touch to your menu.

Image: Kyle Nieber

3. Hanging Baskets and Vertical Gardens: Maximize your garden space by utilizing vertical areas. Hanging baskets filled with trailing plants like fuchsias and lobelias add height and visual interest. Vertical gardens or wall planters can be filled with a mix of flowers, herbs and even small vegetables.

4. Edible Flowers: Incorporate edible flowers such as nasturtiums, violas and calendula into your garden. These flowers can be used as garnishes for salads, desserts, and drinks, impressing your guests with both their beauty and functionality.

Practical Tips

1. Weather Preparation: We all know our weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changes. Have a marquee or gazebo ready to provide shelter from unexpected rain or harsh sun. Patio heaters or fire pits can help keep guests warm if the temperature drops in the evening. Our sister co. English Salvage have a fabulous range of gazebos, arbours, firepits and kadai instore with us and listed on their website here. A small selection of what’s available is shown below…

2. Bug Control: Keep pests at bay with natural insect repellents. Citronella candles are effective and add to the ambiance. Planting insect repelling plants like lavender and marigolds around the garden can also help.

3. Music and Entertainment: Set the mood with a carefully curated playlist. Soft, background music is perfect for a relaxed garden party. If space allows, lawn games like croquet, boules, or giant Jenga can keep guests entertained.

Image: Kelsey Chance

Hosting a garden party is all about creating a welcoming and beautiful environment where guests can relax and enjoy themselves. With thoughtful decorations and well chosen plants, your garden will be the perfect backdrop for a summer celebration. So, get creative, plan ahead, and most importantly, have fun bringing your garden party vision to life! We have everything you need here at Wellington Home and Gardens, including the booze! Why not visit us for some unique ideas and inspiration for your garden party today…