Everything you need to host the perfect garden party
As the South’s leading supplier of luxury aluminium pergolas, we know a thing or two about outdoor entertaining. We share our tips for throwing an unforgettable garden party.
The Broadview garden party checklist:
The perfect shaded space
Garden get-togethers are largely dictated by the weather, which can be temperamental – even in the summer! It’s not just bad weather that poses challenges, though; as glorious as the sunshine might be, it’s still important to provide access to shaded space so your guests can stay cool.
A versatile aluminium pergola offers the ultimate solution. With the option of either a sliding or adjustable louvred roof, a pergola provides completely tailored shading and protection from the elements. With roller screens, you can turn your pergola into an enclosed space. Made of robust fabric that can be raised or lowered to give you even greater control over your shade and privacy, roller screens also act as an effective wind break.
With an attractive pergola from Broadview, you can rest assured that the weather won’t put a stop to your garden gathering.
Comfortable seating and space to mingle
A good party setup will offer guests the choice of sitting comfortably or standing up and mingling. We suggest grouping your existing garden furniture together to create a welcoming seating area, then dotting some tall poseur tables around the rest of garden, which guests can use as a lean-to surface or as a place to put down their drink. You could even put some picnic blankets down on the grass, to create additional informal seating or use as a children’s area.
Top tip: Garden games such as hoopla or giant Jenga are a great way to keep kids entertained.
Delicious food and drink
The best garden party catering features fresh, zesty summer flavours and fun twists on classic dishes. It’s a good idea to include plenty of items that are easy to eat with one hand and don’t require cutlery - think shot glasses of gazpacho, grilled meat/veggie skewers, and mini sliders. Remember to cater for specific dietary requirements and allergies too.
A good mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is the best way to make sure all your guests are happy. Great summer drinks include sangria, Aperol Spritz, Bellinis (Prosecco with peach purée) or mojitos (which can easily be made non-alcoholic). Elderflower pressé, homemade lemonade and mocktails (most supermarkets now carry a fantastic range of alcohol-free wines, beers and spirits) are also wonderful options.
A great playlist
All parties should have a great soundtrack. Whatever genre of music you choose, it’s a nice idea to start the evening with more up-tempo numbers before easing into slower, more relaxed songs towards the end of the night as your guests begin to wind down. For that extra personal touch, you could even ask your guests to request a couple of songs when they RSVP, which you can then sprinkle throughout the playlist.
Ways to stay cosy when the sun goes down
To keep the good times rolling long after the sun has set, you want to make sure your guests can stay warm. All Broadview pergolas come with the option to add built-in heaters, which provide a great space-saving alternative to bulky freestanding patio heaters. Pair with LED lights for an outdoor space that can be enjoyed late into the evenings and even during the winter months.
Top tip: Putting out a selection of throws and blankets for your guests to snuggle under is also a nice touch!
Good company
The key to a great party, ultimately, is the guests. As long as you’re surrounded by people you love, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!
At Broadview, we specialise in supplying and installing luxury garden pergolas. With a range of attractive colours and customisation options available, you’re sure to find the perfect style to complement your home. To find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today on 01202 679012.
