Planning & Decorating A Garden Party

There are few things in this world that Australians appreciate more than a good garden party. Between the beauty of nature, the freedom of the outdoors, and the undeniable charm of eating with the wind against your skin, there is a lot to love about this eternally beloved pastime. However, as with any event, a good garden party takes time and effort to set up, especially if you’re looking to make it special. So, knowing how to plan a garden party and, just as importantly, how to decorate it are absolute necessities for those who want to get the most out of their backyard space.

At Marquee Monkeys, we are passionate about events of all shapes and sizes, from small gatherings to full-blown festivals. Whether you’re throwing a nighttime candlelit party or a summer get-together, we’re here to help you create the perfect outdoor celebration. Let’s dive into the essentials of planning and decorating your dream garden party.

Planning Your Garden Party: The Essentials
Preparing Your Garden
Decorating Your Garden Party
Food and Beverages
Entertainment and Activities
Practical Considerations

There are few things in this world that Australians appreciate more than a good garden party. Between the beauty of nature, the freedom of the outdoors, and the undeniable charm of eating with the wind against your skin, there is a lot to like about this eternally-beloved pastime. However, as with any type of event, a good garden party takes time and effort to set up, especially if you’re looking to make it special. So, knowing how to plan a garden party and, just as importantly, how to decorate a garden party are absolute necessities for those who want to get the most out of their backyard area.

1. Planning Your Garden Party: The Essentials

Setting the Date and Time

Before you start thinking of ways to decorate your garden party, it’s important that we get the basics out of the way. Consider the season and typical weather patterns when choosing your date. Decide whether you want a daytime event or an enchanting evening affair. Once you’ve set the date, send invitations 3-4 weeks in advance to ensure good attendance. For more tips on seasonal considerations for your outdoor event, check out our dedicated guide.

Creating Your Guest List

Whether you’re planning a small gathering in a cosy backyard or a larger event, your guest list will make or break your garden party. Determine the size of your party based on your space and budget. Consider the mix of guests and potential group dynamics. This is also a good time to plan for any special needs, such as dietary restrictions or accessibility requirements. For more detailed advice, see our guest list guide.

Budgeting Wisely

You wouldn’t go on holiday without checking your bank account, so why would you go into party planning without knowing what you’re working with? Break down costs for food, drinks, décor, and any rentals. Even the smallest of gatherings will require some items, from food and drinks to utensils, candles, extra seating, or any number of other expenses depending on the scope of what you’re looking to achieve. Allow a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses and consider cost-effective DIY options where possible. For marquee rentals, check out our price list to help with your budgeting.

Choosing a Theme

When we say choosing a theme, it doesn’t have to be as specific as a Batman-themed birthday or a costume event. However, every party is inevitably going to have a theme, even if you don’t intend it. Think about what type of event you want to host and what the ideal outcome is, so you can cater everything to that. Some popular garden party themes include:

Vintage Tea Party
Tropical Paradise
Rustic Country Charm
Elegant Midsummer Night’s Dream

From your music choices to your décor, knowing how to plan a garden party means knowing what you want and doing it. The more you put into your planning, the more likely you are to get something good out of it. For more theme ideas, check out our guide on setting the scene for your party.

2. Preparing Your Garden

Landscaping and Safety

Create a comprehensive garden preparation checklist that includes both aesthetic improvements and safety considerations:

Mow the lawn and trim hedges a few days before the event
Remove any hazards like loose stepping stones or low-hanging branches
Check for and remove any poisonous plants
Ensure the stability of paths and rails

Creating Distinct Areas

Discuss options for garden party setups in various garden sizes and layouts:

Designate spaces for dining, mingling, and activities
Set up a bar or drink station
Consider creating a cosy lounge area with comfortable seating

For more ideas on creating the perfect outdoor space, check out our 5 tips to help plan your outdoor event space.

3. Decorating Your Garden Party

Now that you’ve prepared, you know your theme, and you have all the basics where they need to be, it’s time to start styling. Naturally, the way you style is going to be based entirely on the theme or aesthetic that you decided on, but there are some base ideas that can be added to give your party décor a fantastic little boost:

Setting the Scene

Use string lights, lanterns, or candles for ambient lighting. Hanging candles will make your entire look that little bit more whimsical while also providing some extra light once the sun goes down. Check out our fairy light rolls for a magical touch.
Create a stunning tablescape with linens, centrepieces, and elegant place settings
Incorporate natural elements like potted plants or floral arrangements. Feed into the garden theme by decorating with natural garden finds. Couple this with wooden tables and chairs, and you will have a spectacular country-style setup with very little effort required.

DIY Decor Ideas

Make jar sling votives for charming lighting
Create a floral backdrop for a picture-perfect photo opportunity
Use repurposed items like vintage ladders for unique display shelves

Practical Touches

Set up shade options like umbrellas or a stylish marquee
Provide blankets or throws for cooler evenings
Place citronella candles or torches to keep insects at bay
Consider setting up tents and other little nooks if you’re planning to have a lot of people around. The party vibe is fantastic, but it’s also nice to have a little getaway whenever you need it.

Remember to relax and not go too overboard. The main thing that makes or breaks a party is the guests, and if you have a good group of friends and enough food and drinks to go around, everything else is going to just be a bonus. For more decoration ideas, check out our guide on how to decorate a marquee.

4. Food and Beverages

Menu Planning

You always need more food than you think. Parties are one area in which overestimating your needs is a very good thing. You want people to have a good time, and you don’t want to be panicking midway through an event because the food didn’t last as long as you thought it would. When planning your menu:

Offer a mix of light bites and more substantial options
Include vegetarian and gluten-free choices
Consider foods that are easy to eat while mingling

Signature Drinks

Create a themed cocktail or mocktail
Set up a self-serve drink station with pre-made options
Don’t forget non-alcoholic choices and plenty of water

Dessert Station

Offer a variety of sweet treats
Consider an ice cream bar or fruit-based desserts for summer parties
Display desserts on tiered stands or a vintage cart for visual appeal

For more food and drink ideas, check out our guide on hosting the ultimate outdoor party this summer.

5. Entertainment and Activities

Music

Create a playlist that matches your theme and atmosphere
Consider hiring live musicians for a touch of sophistication

Lawn Games

Set up classic games like croquet, bocce, or giant Jenga
Provide card games or board games for those who prefer seated activities

Additional Entertainment Ideas

Hire a caricature artist or fortune teller for unique guest experiences
Set up a DIY flower crown station or herb potting area

For more entertainment ideas, especially for corporate events, check out our guide on how to inject the fun factor into your next corporate event.

6. Practical Considerations

Weather Preparedness

The weather forecast may look like clear skies, but that isn’t always the case. The weather can change at a moment’s notice, and whilst some climates may be easier to predict than others, at the end of the day, it’s best to be prepared. At Marquee Monkeys, our marquee hire options are perfect for just about any weather, protecting you from punishing sun or vicious rain, so you know you’re ready for anything that can come your way.

Have a bad weather plan, such as a marquee or indoor space
Provide sunscreen and umbrellas for guests’ comfort
If you’re planning an outdoor event between April and October, why not hire a heater to stay on the safe side and keep your guests comfortable

Comfort Amenities

Ensure adequate seating and table space for all guests
Consider renting luxury portable toilets for larger events

Cleanup and Sustainability

Set up clearly marked waste and recycling stations
Use biodegradable or reusable serving ware when possible

Conclusion

With careful planning and attention to detail, your garden party will be an event to remember. From the initial preparation to the final farewell, this guide covers all aspects of hosting a spectacular outdoor gathering. Remember, the key to a successful party is not just in the details, but in the warmth and hospitality you extend to your guests.

So, with all of this, your party planning checklist should be ready to go! If you’re ready to take things to the next level, contact the marquee specialists at Marquee Monkeys for your marquee hire needs. Alternatively, for more party planning tips and tricks, visit our blog section for more helpful posts like this one. Whether it’s for planning an engagement party, New Year’s Eve party at home, or a teen birthday party, we have everything you need to know. Happy hosting!