Making your garden entertaining ready
On a fine late spring day the garden is a perfect place for entertaining friends and family, whether it is a cosy romantic dinner for two, brunch with friends or a lively family BBQ with kids and dogs. Sprucing up your garden can seem overwhelming at this time of year — there is so much to do. But this five point plan can have it looking spick and span and ready to entertain in no time.
Basic housekeeping
Gardens tend to gather clutter over winter — tools, toys, empty plant pots. A declutter is a good place to start. If your gathering is impromptu and you don’t have time to mow the lawn simply trimming the edges can make a dramatic difference to the overall tidiness of your garden. Decking can also be spruced up. Luckily all Millboard needs is a good sweep and a wash with soapy water if required, and then the stage is set for your gathering. Watering your plants can also really help perk up your garden — plants need water for growth spurts at this time of year, even if it is not that hot, as spring winds can be drying. Everything will look greener and brighter after a good drink of water.
Instant colour
Some gardens are still warming up at this time of year and may lack colour. If you don’t have much by way of blooms in your garden, buy big showy blooms from your local florist to make an instant impact on your alfresco dining table. One large display can do the job or lots of smaller ones in jam jars. Twigs of blossom can make a lovely centrepiece for a table or potted primulas which can be popped into your garden beds afterwards.
Warmth and light
Create atmosphere with moody tabletop lighting and strings of fairy lights. Uplighters at the base of trees and lanterns placed in corners can create interesting shadows. Simple tealights can also be incredibly effective en masse, while colourful paper lanterns hung from a pergola can create a focal point. Firepits and outdoor stoves can provide light, heat and a rustic cooking source, whether it’s for toasted marshmallows or hotdogs for the kids.
A mis-match made in heaven
If you do have beautiful china then bringing it outdoors can really take a garden party up a notch but if you don’t, mixing and matching dishware is perfect to create a laid-back bohemian feel. Having a buffet style affair and establishing early on that everyone should just help themselves will make people feel more relaxed and at home and keep things simpler and more enjoyable for the host(s).
The first five minutes
And finally, according to seasoned party planners, the first five minutes of a person’s experience at a gathering goes a long way to forming their impression of the experience as a whole (and we all want guests to leave feeling like they have had a good time!). A sign sending your guests round to the garden can help to avoid them ringing on the doorbell whilst you are at the back of the garden. Similarly, a refreshments table near the entrance can really make them feel welcome as soon as they arrive. Enjoy!
