How to Host a Garden Party — 9 Tips for a Memorable Alfresco Brunching Experience

It's that time of year when all the pretty tablecloths get dusted off, the colorful serveware comes out, and alfresco dining becomes a seasonal benefit that we relish until the temperatures begin to drop once more.

And since the trend of the hour is home-bound hosting, it's only right that you let your less-fortunate garden-less loved ones enjoy the respite of your flourishing backyard and indulge in those garden party ideas. And what better way to do so than in the form of an outdoor dining garden party de rigueur.

Well, if you're looking for some guidance to help you throw the most stylish spring garden party of the season, here are eight expert tips that will guarantee you being crowned the reigning host.

1. Choose Your Garden Party Theme

First things first, when it comes to garden party ideas, you'll want to pick a theme to bring your garden party to life. There is a sea of trends to select from, and you can get as creatively over the top or as simple and minimalistic as you'd like.

Don't be afraid to go with a theme and stick to it," says event planner Michelle Durpetti. "Italians are known for their lush garden parties, so I often lean into that beautiful theme for springtime events."

Just remember to pick a theme that's flexible, and it helps if you land on one that truly speaks to the style of your garden as well.

My current favorite garden party concepts include a White Lotus-inspired brunch (take inspiration from the trending TV show's set), a Nancy Meyers movie-themed fete like hostess extraordinaire Isabelle Heikens, and there's nothing like a classic Easter get-together complete with on-theme Easter table decor.

2. Send Out Your Themed Invites

If you're looking for rules for entertaining to guide you through those garden party ideas, then the next thing to add to your to-do list is themed invitations.

Personally, I'm a big believer in creating invitations for even just a small, relaxed dinner with friends. So when it comes to hosting a garden party in full bloom, I love to go all out.

I recommend designing your invitations to fit the theme of your choice, and although e-invites are the easier route, I find that there's a special joy that comes with receiving a beautiful card in the mail.

3. Channel Your Theme Through Tablescaping

An intricate tablescape set with stylish themed accessories will quickly become the pièce de résistance of your garden party ideas. So when it comes to planning your outdoor table settings, I recommend decorating with timely intention for the best results.

"If you go with the Tuscan countryside theme, dress rustic wooden tables with potted lavender, sprigs of rosemary, bowls of lemons, olive branches, and relaxed linens," says Michelle. "It brings a rustic elegance that’s chic, not fussy, and totally Tuscan."

She also suggests thinking out your garden party flower ideas ahead of time. "Think peonies, ranunculus, garden roses, and fragrant herbs," she notes. "Let the florals do the talking, arranged loosely in terracotta pots or vintage-style vases for an effortlessly romantic feel."

4. Let Your Theme Tie Into Your Menu

According to Michelle, it's important to let food be part of the experience — and I couldn't agree more. By going the extra mile and matching your theme and your menu, there's not a chance your guests won't be impressed.

"In tune with the Tuscan theme, I recommend introducing antipasto stations, handmade pasta, fresh focaccia, pizza fresh from a mobile oven, and even a gelato cart," she suggests. "Serve it all in a cocktail-style or standing format so guests can stroll and mingle."

However, if you're having a more intimate gathering, you may prefer a sit-down spring party that fosters conversation over plates of delicious bites against the backdrop of your verdant modern garden.

5. Layer in Ambiance with Music

No garden party idea is complete without whispers of music humming through the air and tying the event together. And the key to acing this element depends on the genre you pick.

"It's always a good idea to play some light acoustic guitar or a couple of Italian classics if you follow the theme," says Michelle. "Plus, you can even enlist a live string trio to keep the energy elevated without being overwhelming."

Whether you rely on Bluetooth speakers to set the mood or you have some live music entertaining your guests, just remember to regulate the volume so conversation can flow throughout.

6. Organize an Entertaining Activity

Now hear me out, having garden party activities isn't just for children's parties. The concept as a whole isn't one to be outgrown, but the ideas they were once tied to definitely deserve an adult spin.

"Include flower bouquet bars where guests create their own little arrangements to take home," says Michelle. "Or a garden hat station where guests can personalize beautiful, wide-brimmed hats."

You can also throw it back to 2010 and have your guests DIY their flower crowns or even turn your backyard into a sip and paint class for a touch of artistic fun. And my personal favorite, a proven crowd-pleaser, includes hosting a trivia-style game featuring questions about the guests themselves.

7. Skip the Disposables and Invest in Versatile Serveware

"When hosting a spring garden party, I prefer skipping anything disposable," says event planner Carissa Kruse. "Instead, I opt for vintage crockery, wooden sharing boards, and real glassware."

She tells me that regular serveware instantly elevates the vibe, whereas disposable dining accessories drain the opulence of an otherwise elegant garden party dressed to the nines.

If you're looking for versatile serveware that's perfect for hosting, I recommend investing in chic dinnerware sets and tapping into the trend of the moment with splatterware to bring those lush garden party ideas to life.

8. Clean and Spruce Up Your Garden Seating

Now, this may not be the most glamorous step involved in your garden party, but it's probably the most important step of them all. Carve out some time ahead of your fete to clean outdoor patio furniture and tidy metal garden furniture for a gorgeous ambiance.

Also, remember to declutter your backyard of any broken furniture, rusting garden accessories, weeds, and crunchy leaves. These unsightly items might not seem like much at the moment, but they can knock major points off your style quotient.

Trust me, as much effort as it may take in the moment, it'll make all the difference in the end.

9. Map Out Your Seating Plan

Last but not least, plan a seating chart, a major part of a garden party. This is an especially important tip if you have a mixed group of friends in attendance who might be meeting and mingling for the first time.

A good tip is to seat people with similar interests beside each other for free-flowing conversation instead of pooling people within their groups, which could create a clique-y environment sans any new connections.

And for an inviting finishing touch to your seating plan, I recommend popping a name card by each seat so your guests know where they'll be dining for the afternoon.

FAQs

What Is the Best Time of Day for a Garden Party?

Carissa points out that golden hour is ideal, so she recommends starting the festivities around 4:30 PM. "This is the perfect time when the sun is starting to set and creates a beautiful warm glow in your garden," she explains. "However, if it’s brunch, 10:30 AM would do the job beautifully, as at this time the garden is full of energy, the flowers are in full bloom, and the sun is shining bright."

Et voila! You have all the information you need to host a spring garden party that's complete with elegant design, thoughtful details and a wonderful theme tying in at any given glance, spoonful and sip.