With lockdown slowly easing but restrictions still in place, we’re all expecting to be using our gardens and outdoor spaces to entertain during this spring and summer. At the Tablecloth Shop we love a party, and whether it is just for your household or you invite the whole extended family (restrictions allowing) this year, more than ever, there is a lot to catch up on.
Here are our top tips for throwing a garden party to remember:
Choose Your Theme
If you really want to give your guests a party to remember, picking a theme is a great idea. This will help you to decide on décor, food, and music, and you can even get into the spirt of things by dressing up. You can even match your theme to one of our wipe clean tablecloths!
You could go for a tropical Tiki bar theme, with tropical props and décor, lots of greenery, and rum-based cocktails. Or you could go for a more traditional English tea party – think florals, mismatched teacups and saucers, tiny cupcakes and sandwiches, and bunting.
Alternatively, if you’re serving a full meal, you can go for a much more formal vibe. You can even bring your indoor dining table and chairs outdoors, making it feel like a very special occasion. A crisp white tablecloth and napkins work well here.
Think about your guests and what they will want, as well as what suits you and your outdoor space!
Go for Colourful Décor
For a really special occasion, go for bright colours! Pom-poms make for great eye-catching decorations (you can hang them from trees for a beautiful, colourful look). Plus, go for bright and colourful tableware – for example, you can buy paper and reusable oilcloth tablecloths in a huge variety of colours and styles. Go for a mix-and-match style with different colours of napkins, plates, and cups.
You can also get some silly props for photographs – these can be bought cheaply online and make for excellent photo opportunities.
Create Cosy Areas
Think about creating cosy spaces for people to congregate. Obviously, this is dependent on how much space you have, but having several small areas will help your family groups to socially distance whilst still being able to speak to each other.
Large garden cushions are great here, as well as pouffes, chairs, and small stools. Don’t forget the blankets – it can get chilly even in the daytime in spring, and they’re an essential if you’re planning on partying late into the night outdoors.
Picnic blankets work well here, as well as wipeable materials like oilcloth – perfect for barbeques and finger foods.
Think About Lighting
Lighting is really important. Candles are great for outdoor gatherings, as well as hanging lanterns and solar lights. Fairy lights draped on garden furniture or in trees are very beautiful, and will create a relaxed, boho vibe.
Easy Cleaning
Finally, think about how you’re going to clear up afterwards. While it’s tempting to go for disposable everything – which can be a lot easier – you may want to keep your waste down to a minimum. A reusable, wipe clean tablecloth is a great asset here, as it doesn’t matter how many drinks are spilled! Oilcloth and vinyl tablecloths are perfect, as they’re super easy to clean – so you don’t have to worry about hygiene.