Planning a Garden Party That’s Worth the Effort

Planning a Garden Party That’s Worth the Effort

You’ve mowed the lawn, prepped the playlist and dug out the fairy lights, but as guests arrive, the chicken’s still in the oven, the ice has melted, and you’re answering the door with one shoe on. We’ve all been there. Which is why, at Salters Events, we’ve spent years helping clients avoid exactly that situation.

A garden party sounds so idyllic: sunshine, clinking glasses, delicious food, easy conversation. But as anyone who’s ever hosted one knows, it doesn’t always unfold that way. The reality? A stressed-out host, melted puddings, last-minute weather panics, and a stack of washing up that makes you wonder why you even bothered.

We believe outdoor entertaining can be just as elegant, joyful and delicious as your imagination hopes — and much less effort than you think. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, anniversary, baby shower or just an excuse to gather friends in the sunshine, here’s how to plan a garden party that feels every bit as good as it looks.

Start with Comfort, Then Build Around It

Before you plan the canapés or the playlist, think about where your guests will sit, mingle and relax. We always suggest layering comfort into the setting:

Create shaded areas with parasols or sun sails, lay down picnic blankets and low seating with cushions, or hire a few tables and chairs if you’re offering a more structured meal. It’s not about creating a Pinterest-perfect setup, it’s about making sure guests feel at ease. That’s the heart of good hospitality.

Keep the Menu Fresh, Seasonal and Easy to Eat

A garden party calls for food that’s generous, beautiful, and practical. You want dishes that hold well in warmer weather and can be enjoyed without too much fuss.

For a recent anniversary celebration in Dulwich, we served grazing boards of charcuterie and British cheeses, grilled flatbreads with lemon and rosemary, and vibrant summer salads including heritage tomatoes with basil oil, and grilled asparagus with shaved pecorino. Dessert was a fresh elderflower posset topped with raspberries, light, elegant and sunshine-friendly.

Everything should feel abundant, but not over-complicated. We aim for dishes that look effortless, but are quietly packed with flavour and care.

Consider the Flow of the Day

When will people arrive? Is there a welcome drink ready? Are there enough napkins? These seemingly small logistical details are what make a party feel seamless. We help clients create a gentle rhythm to their event: a grazing board or welcome drink on arrival, food stations that open naturally as people settle in, and perhaps a light dessert or coffee moment as the afternoon winds down.

This structure helps you relax, knowing everything is running smoothly, without needing a clipboard.

Weather-Proof the Fun

Even the most glorious July day in London has a rogue cloud or two. We always suggest having a weather plan in place. That might include:

A marquee, gazebo, or large umbrellas to provide cover

Ice buckets and cool boxes to keep drinks cold in direct sun

Lightweight wraps or throws for guests when the sun dips

Choosing dishes that don’t wilt or melt easily, we avoid soft cheeses or heavy butter-based pastries for exactly that reason

With a little preparation, a light drizzle or heatwave won’t disrupt a thing.

Don’t Try to Do Everything Yourself

This might be the most important tip of all. You can run to the shops, prep the food, find platters, hire chairs, pour drinks, serve everyone, tidy up and smile all day, but should you?

Letting a trusted team handle some (or all) of it means you get to host in the truest sense: relaxed, present, and actually able to enjoy the celebration you’ve brought people together for.

If you’d like a hand making sure your event is as relaxed as it looks, we can help. From creating the menu and delivering the dishes to staffing, set-up and even styling, our team loves bringing garden parties to life, beautifully and with ease.

Closing Thought

A garden party doesn’t need to be grand to be gorgeous. With a little planning, and a little help, you can create an afternoon full of warmth, flavour and connection. The kind of gathering people talk about for all the right reasons.