Looking for the best backyard party ideas? Take a look at these 34 insanely stunning and clever garden party ideas that are sure to leave an impression.
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The colder months are over and summer has officially begun. That means wearing tank tops, sundresses, going on vacations, and hosting insanely fun backyard garden parties. If you don’t know what a garden party is, it’s just a party or gathering held outdoors on the lawn or garden.
Usually when planning a party, it becomes super stressful and you end up not enjoying yourself to the fullest. Well not today, I’m going to tell you exactly what you need to do in order to host the best outdoor party of the summer.
First things first, you’ll need to send out invitations. I love this one from Etsy. You can edit the names, the date, and the design however you want and it’s also super cheap (only 10 bucks). Then you’ll need to plan the seating (bringing out comfy chairs should be fine). Make sure you have plenty of food and drink options for the guests to choose from. I would suggest placing all the food options into individual cups or bowls so it remains sanitary.
The most important part of planning a party in my opinion is the decorations. Pick a theme and decorate however you want. I’ve also included some gorgeous decor ideas you can incorporate into your party. Last but not least, you need to plan out some fun games and activities to entertain your guests. Whether that be watching a movie or something more active, it’s totally up to you.
Now that you know how to host a backyard party, check out these 34 insanely good garden party ideas that are sure to impress your guests. From seating arrangements, beautiful decorations, food and drink ideas, and of course, fun activities to help you cool off. These ideas will guarantee compliments.
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GARDEN PARTY IDEAS
1. GLOWING GLASS LANTERNS
This is such an easy and affordable DIY garden party idea. Grab a clear glass jar and add either tea lights or fairy lights for the perfect illumination.
Hang them on a nearby tree in your backyard at varying lengths. If you’re planning on hosting a picnic, this would be the perfect spot to set up and have loads of fun.
2. CHOOSE A GLASS
Buy some fun and colorful glasses like these ones so guests can take one with them when they go home and for them to use to drink various beverages throughout the party.
Doing this will make sure no plastic cups will end up on the ground and there is no cleaning required on your part since they are going to be taking it home. Make sure to buy a small chalkboard stand and write down “choose a glass, it’s yours to fill & keep”.
3. HANG PHOTO FRAMES
Buy some frames varying in size and hang them up on a tree to create the perfect spot to take cute pictures. Attach some flowers on the bottom to make it more appealing and be ready to take the best picture of your life.
This idea would look 100 times better if you have a flower garden like the one above.
4. HANGING BOTTLES WITH FLOWERS
If you’re looking for some easy DIY garden party ideas, this one is for you. Create the most perfect party decoration by grabbing a bunch of empty glass bottles and adding a few flowers with water in them.
Lastly, hang them up and be ready for the compliments.
5. LUX PICNIC
Buy a low wooden table and decorate it with a bunch of pretty flowers. Add some lights, create beautiful floral vases, add pillows, and blankets to have an eventful picnic with the girls.
You can recreate this idea either on your deck (for those who don’t like sitting on grass) or in your backyard. Either way, it will look amazing.
6. HANG UP TASSELS
This is another gorgeous and easy backyard party decor idea. Buy a pack of tassels from Amazon or Etsy and hang them up on a tree. You can also add a white backdrop nearby to create the perfect background for a picture.
7. TABLESCAPE IDEA
If you have a table outdoors, you can use that for serving dinner or just eating in general. But, it is a party so we need to make sure it’s presentable. One of the best ways to make a table look more appealing is by creating centerpieces.
Grab a clear vase and fill it with bright flowers that are for sure going to hold the guest’s attention.
8. DISCO BALL THEME
Have not yet decided on a theme for your garden party? No problem! How about trying out the disco ball theme? Simply hang up some disco balls above a table or on a tree. Now play some funky music and dance!
9. FLORAL PENDANTS
How insanely gorgeous are those floral pendants? It will for sure guarantee quite a few compliments. To recreate these pendants, you’ll need wicker food domes, floral foam, and blooms. Check out the idea here.
10. LIST DOWN ACTIVITIES ON CHALKBOARD
Is it truly a backyard party without any games or activities? Come up with a few super fun game ideas and activities for you and your guests to do.
Then, write all of them down on a chalkboard stand so your guests know what’s on the menu for the day.
11. CREATE A BUG PROTECTION STATION
Since it is summer, we can expect there to be lots of bugs and insects just flying about and being annoying. Especially mosquitoes, I cannot stand those little rascals.
Make sure your guests are protected and create a little station that includes bug repellent spray, mosquito spray, and of course lots of sunscreen. Everything will be there should they need it.
12. SEEDS STAND
Looking for creative garden party ideas? Create a seed stand with lots of different vegetables and flowers. The guests can take one home and grow their very own garden.
Plus, they’ll be reminded of the fun time they had at your party every time they look at it.
13. COFFEE STATION
I LOVE coffee! My day does not start without drinking a cup of coffee first. When hosting a party, typically it’s at least a few hours long. And since it’s summer, you’ll probably be doing a lot of fun activities and playing games.
Make sure your guests have energy for the entirety of the party and create a little coffee bar where they can prepare their own caffeinated beverage for a boost of energy.
14. WELCOME SIGN
Welcome your guests and let them know which way the party is by creating a cute little sign for your entrance. Get a small chalkboard stand and simply write down a few words directing your guests the way to the party.
15. PLACE FOOD IN GLASS JARS
This is definitely one of my favorite garden party ideas that I will incorporate every time I host an outdoor party. As fun as a backyard party is, there will be bugs flying about and on the food as well.
Protect the delicious food and transfer everything in glass jars with lids. This way no bugs will get in, and it also works as a decor item since it’s bright and colorful.
16. WATER BALLOON FIGHT
Need some fun ways to cool off in the hot summer heat? A water balloon fight is the answer. Fill up a bunch of balloons with water and separate your guests into two teams.
Let’s see which team gets hit the most with the water balloons. This is a fun and insanely cheap way to stay cool.
17. DRINK STATION
Every party needs a drink station but especially one that’s being held during the summer. Include wine or alcoholic beverages for your guests along with some juice, fruit punch, water, and lemonade for those who don’t consume alcohol or if there are going to be kids present.
You can also include mix-ins to add to the water or drinks like lime, strawberries, or any other fruits for a refreshing drink.
18. VEGGIE CUPS
I don’t like vegetables at all but this certainly does look appetizing. Cut up some celery, bell peppers, carrots, and some other veggies in long strips. Grab your clear plastic cups (because it looks better), squirt some ranch in first, and then place all of the veggies after.
This is a great way to eat more vegetables and plus, everything tastes better with ranch.
19. BALL IN A BUCKET
This is another super fun game you can try out. Grab a large cardboard and cut 2 decent size holes in there so the buckets can fit. Write down the name of the game on the top and decorate it however you want.
The objective of the game is to throw the ball and land it in the bucket. If you do so three times in a row you win a prize. Now, that sounds like fun!
20. FLAMINGO HOOPS
Flamingo hoops are another one of my favorite garden party ideas. Buy some plastic flamingos from Amazon that have stakes so you can stick them in the ground.
Now grab your hoola hoops and try to land it on the neck. If you want, you can also give a prize to the person who landed it the most. This is honestly such a great way to keep your guests entertained.
21. OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT
Lay down some blankets, bring out some comfy pillows and chairs, along with a projector and a white screen. End the day that was filled with fun activities and games by winding down with your girlfriends with an outdoor movie night.
22. SNACK STATION
Create a little snack station where your guests can get some treats while watching a movie. Include things like popcorn (obviously), Snickers, M&M’s, Kit Kat, Reese’s cups, Twizzlers, and also some drinks as well.
23. WATERMELON ON A STICK
Watermelon is one of the best fruits for summer. It’s 90% water so it will keep you hydrated all day long. Plus it tastes incredible so why not include it in the menu?!
Cute up some watermelon in triangles and place a popsicle stick inside. This way it’s easy to grab and you won’t get its juices all over you.
24. STICKY FINGER STATION
This is such a creative idea that all parties need to include. You’ll be outdoors in the scorching hot heat all day. Most likely sweating, eating, and running around. Chances are, you will be having sticky fingers.
Although you can go inside to wash your hands, you can create a little station outdoors for convenience and you won’t be missing out on any of the fun. Include paper towels, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
25. DIY S’MORES POT
Who doesn’t love s’mores right? Recreate these easy DIY s’mores pots for each individual guest to roast their own marshmallows. Check out the full tutorial here!
26. A SHADY SPOT
In some places, summer can go up to about a 100 degrees. Create this little shady spot to allow yourself and your guests a moment to cool off before rejoining the party. To recreate this, all you have to do is put up a sheet on a clothesline.
You can set this up under a tree for even more coverage. Include some refreshments under the makeshift tent and be ready to party some more!
27. BLANKET STATION
Sometimes the weather can be unpredictable. It’ll go from hot to cold to hot again. Be prepared for any situation and create a blanket station where guests can just grab one if it starts to get chilly.
28. DIY MASON JAR LIGHTS
Recreate this super easy DIY craft for the perfect table centerpiece. You’ll need mason jars, mini solar lights or fairy lights, and marbles or glass gems. Take a look at the tutorial here.
29. STRING LIGHTS AND LANTERNS
Are you looking for the best garden party lighting idea? If so, you’ll love this! Buy some string/fairy lights and paper lanterns from Amazon.
Wrap the lights around a tree and hang up the lanterns. If you want even more lighting, you can also add some fairy lights inside the lanterns before hanging them up.
30. SPAGHETTI ON A STICK
Make these tasty snacks for your guests. I promise they will love it. This recipe only calls for 6 ingredients and is super easy to make. Plus, it tastes so good, that everyone will be asking for seconds. Here is the full recipe.
31. DRINK COVERS
This is a must for any outdoor party. As I mentioned earlier, there will be lots of bugs flying about and you definitely don’t want them to end up in your drink. Place a cupcake liner on top of your glass so those pesky little flies can’t get in.
32. PARTY FAVORS
Create these cute little party favors for your guests to take home. Grab a large mason jar or any jar and place a couple of drinks, candies, and snacks inside. They can take them home or just much on them while enjoying the party.
33. OUTDOOR LIVING AREA
Does this not look like a living room? Make sure your guests have plenty of space to sit and relax by bringing out enough chairs. You can also bring out an old sofa and coffee table to place drinks and food on.
34. CHIPS STAND
Everyone loves chips so it’s only natural to include a chips display for your garden party. You can buy one from Amazon for a really low price. I really love this one.
It already comes with clips so just place the chips on there. You can also include a bucket of chips under the stand for more options.
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THIS POST SHOWED YOU THE BEST GARDEN PARTY IDEAS
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