How to Get Your Garden Ready for Summer Parties

The forecast looks good, your friends are free, and the fridge is well-stocked — all that’s left is to make sure your garden’s ready to host.

Whether it’s a laid-back BBQ or something a little more polished, here’s how to prep your outdoor space so it feels inviting, not improvised.

1. Tidy Before You Decorate

Resist the urge to string up bunting or fairy lights until you’ve done a bit of basic groundwork. A quick tidy can make even the most modest space feel party-ready.

• Weed the borders
  Summer growth is quick — a bit of manual weeding or hoeing will neaten things up fast.

• Tame overgrowth
  Low-hanging branches and scruffy hedges? A quick trim is usually all that’s needed. Don’t go overboard — this isn’t Chelsea Flower Show.

• Mow the lawn
  Cut slightly higher than usual (around 75–90mm) to keep the grass green and resilient. If you're feeling fancy, mow in stripes for instant visual appeal.

• Clean the surfaces
  Decking, patio stones and garden furniture benefit from a once-over with a broom or pressure washer. Especially if your last garden party was sometime in 2022.

2. Set the Scene

Once your space is clean and green, start thinking about how people will use it.

• Create zones
  Even in a small garden, it helps to define areas — somewhere to sit, somewhere to eat, somewhere to grab a drink. Cushions on the lawn work just as well as chairs around a table.

• Provide shade
  A parasol, gazebo, or even a well-positioned sheet strung between trees gives people a break from the midday sun (and makes the drinks table less sad).

• Plan for chill
  UK summer evenings tend to get cool fast. A firepit, chiminea or just a stack of blankets will keep things comfortable.

• Light it up
  Candles, string lights, lanterns — warm white tones work best. Keep it soft and low, and avoid anything too floodlit.

3. Keep It Simple (and Delicious)

Food and drink don’t have to be complicated to impress.

• Barbecue basics
  Burgers, veggie skewers, halloumi — keep it informal. If you’ve got a pizza oven, it’s a great talking point and an easy crowd-pleaser.

• Drinks that stay cold
  Fill a tub or wheelbarrow with ice and let guests help themselves. Add sliced citrus and herbs to jugs of water to make things feel fancy with zero effort.

4. Final Touches

A few extras make all the difference:

• A Bluetooth speaker with a chilled playlist

• A rug or two if people might kick off their shoes

• Bug spray (quietly stashed somewhere, just in case)

Wrap-up

A summer garden party doesn’t need to be stressful — and it definitely doesn’t need to be perfect. A bit of prep and some thoughtful details will make your space feel welcoming, whether you're hosting two people or twenty.

The real goal? Good conversation, cold drinks, and staying outside as long as the weather allows.