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Make the most of garden gatherings this summer.

Looking for great garden party ideas this summer? From table settings to twinkling lights and decorations, there are tons of ways you can make yours the best bash of them all.

Balmy evenings are here, but throwing a garden party takes a lot of preparation if you want to make it a night to remember. Before you begin shopping for decorations and concocting up a yummy menu, make a plan of action. Will your party be a low-key gathering or a sit-down meal? Once you've decided what type of garden party you want to host, it's time to get planning.

'When entertaining outdoors, it's always worth considering how many people you plan to host, and what kind of atmosphere you're trying to create,' says Nicky Line, Product & Sourcing Director at MADE.com. 'We think of gardens and balconies as an extension of indoor spaces, so think about how you can inject your own personality, and link it to your style inside at the same time.'

• First, choose a theme. From colour palette to floral arrangements, this will make gathering supplies easier. You can host a garden party in any outdoor space, so don't be put off if you have a balcony. With a few tweaks — and a slightly condensed guest list — you can make it work for you!

• Decide which areas you want to decorate. For example, do you want to extend the decorations into your front garden? Or do you only have time to decorate your patio?

• Make a list of everything you need to source, such as lighting, napkins or seat cushions. See whether you can borrow any items from friends to cut back costs. It can be tempting to go overboard, but garden parties really give you the chance to get creative and make things yourself. 'Save jam jars and fill them with wild posies,' suggests Bethan Harwood, Partner & Home Design Stylist at John Lewis. 'Or try making bunting from wrapping paper and old fabric swatches to strengthen your colour scheme.'

There is much pleasure to be found in garden get-togethers, especially since many loved ones have been separated for so long. If you're privileged to have your own garden, or any kind of outdoor space, maximise it to its full potential for the summer season.

Decorations are an excellent place to start, particularly those that can be propped up quickly (think bunting, paper lanterns and long strings of garland). Depending on how creative you're feeling, you can either make these yourself or buy them ready to hang (shop our favourites below).

For larger decorations, hit your garden party up a notch by getting your hands on either a donut wall, fun-filled photo booth, garden bar, or games such as giant JENGA. While these are largely dependant on the size of your space, they'll make every garden feel as welcoming as can be. Other garden party decoration ideas include on-trend balloon arches, drink stations (such as 'pimp your Prosecco' bowls) and flower walls. It can be tempting to go overboard, but just pick out your key favourites to lead with.

Once you've decorated the basics, you can really play around with layering other elements. Jugs filled with flowers always look lovely placed by a front door, while a box of sparklers for guests to enjoy in the evening is certain to go down a treat.

HB garden party tip... Hang empty beer or wine bottles with pretty flowers from a tree for a unique approach.

When hosting a garden party, seating goes beyond just propping up table and chairs. Once you've got the basics sorted, decide how you want to provide guests with a place to leisurely recline. If you have the space, a garden sofa is brilliant for friends to put their feet up with a chilled beverage, while a hanging egg chair offers a swaying spot to hunker down in the sun. You'll also want to consider a table long enough to seat guests, or larger round tables you can have beside each other.

If you have children attending, consider creating a kid-friendly zone. You'll want a few tables, comfortable chairs (sturdy plastic are great wipe-clean options), as well as things to keep them entertained, such as sandpits and mud kitchens.

HB garden party tip... Set out a table with cupcakes for children to decorate (then give one to each guest as they leave!)

Is there anything better than lolling around the garden under the starry night sky? Pretty lighting is key to entertaining once the sun disappears, with festoon lights, hurricane lanterns and LED candles all working splendidly.

Fairy lights draped across an empty wall can, as Jonny Brierley from Moda Furnishings suggests, turn any space into an enchanting oasis. 'String fairy lights never go amiss if you want to add a casual, fun feel to your outdoor balcony decor,' he says. 'Alternatively, a cluster of lanterns is perfect to create a glowing centrepiece on your terrace, porch, or balcony.'

Once you've decided on the lighting you want, it's time to hang them outside. Try not to go overboard — less is often more here — but still ensure your outdoor space glows when nighttime arrives. It could also be worth scattering a few LED or battery-powered candles to highlight any pretty flowers or features, such as a garden pond.

Make the most of hedges and trees by suspending lights from them, or place solar fairy lights along the top of your fence. Don't forget about your front garden, either: light the way for arriving guests by marking out paths and boundaries with stake lights. This will make it safer for merry visitors as they leave (or stumble to catch the last train).

HB garden party tip: Wrap twinkling lights around arches and arbours for a steal-stealing display.

Pergolas — stunning garden structures that add style and shade to your space — are the ultimate must-have for any party. As well as letting in a refreshing summer breeze, pergolas offer support for climbing plants and flowers, elevating the appearance of the structure.

Patios are of course lovely, but pergolas provide a good spot for an outdoor seating area. Some ways to cosy it up include propping up an outdoor sofa, stringing festoon lights either side, coordinating plant pots or hanging colourful bunting.

An alternative to a pergola is an arbour (which is built with a bench/seating area), or to save money you can build your own using wood. You could also invest in a wall-mounted gazebo, such as this one from JD Williams. It's the ultimate spot to hide when the sweltering sun is at its height (or a light rain shower arrives).

HB garden party tip: Place a hammock under your pergola and guests will never want to leave.

Formal or casual, create the dream tablescape for your garden party. Ceramics, serving platters, bowls and glasses are of course must-haves, but for a truly pretty tabletop setting think about how you can jazz it up. Personalised name card holders will make guests feel welcome, while artificial eucalyptus garlands are great to weave through the centre for an added touch.

'Tablescaping is a big trend, especially accessorising with fresh seasonal flowers,' Bethan tells us. 'Peonies and sunflowers are great for adding height and colour to your table. Other accessories such as napkins and statement china can be mixed in with your everyday pieces.'

Planning your table decor is really the fun part of entertaining. From runners to table cloths (consider wipe-clean if you're outside), it allows you to inject your signature style to wow guests. Minimalist floral clusters, delicate vases and candles can all serve as impactful centrepieces, while bunches of dried flowers will make an everlasting impression.

Philly Mackinnon, founder of party planning website Sugar & Rind, recommends adopting a 'dine anywhere' approach. She suggests: 'An easy way to feed guests, especially in the garden, is to order a selection of food platters rather than having a sit down meal. Grazing platters are very on trend right now and come in lots of options, from antipasti to tapas, meze, cheese – even dessert platters.'

HB garden party tip: Play with pattern. You don't have to match everything together, so don't be afraid of mismatch napkins and tablecloths.

6. CREATE A GLOW WITH A FIRE PIT

Some of the best evenings are those spent crouched around the fire pit with a melting marshmallow. Providing enjoyment for all, getting your hands on a fire is the most popular and best add-on you can invest in for a garden party. A great excuse for people to gather without their phones, fire pits (or chimineas and grills) add a little extra warmth once the sun has disappeared. Get those s'mores ready...

Zone your party by creating interesting contrasts, such as a place for games and a chill-out area. 'As guests arrive, direct them to the "cocktail zone" in the garden, with ready-made drinks they can easily help themselves to,' suggests Philly. 'This is where people will initially be catching up and chatting so should be free from loud music so they can hear each other talk.

'You could also add an outdoor bar area, which acts as a focal point for guests to gather around. Once people have eaten and become more relaxed, there needs to be a designated chill out zone. This could be as simple as a few seats with blankets as the temperature starts to drop.'

HB garden party tip: Make the most of your summerhouse or shed by turning it into a zone. A fresh lick of paint, pile of pillows and a cosy sofa can go a long way.

8. PROP UP A GARDEN POD

Portable garden pods — also referred to as garden domes, garden igloo or bubble tents — are chic ways to cosy up, dine and relax outdoors (while also social distancing). They're more of a splurge buy, but can be reused every year.

Some bubble tents are crafted from sturdy transparent PVC that allow full 360 degree views, while other, more traditional, wooden garden pods feel more like an extension of the home with cosy furnishings. A relatively new concept for gardens, these. bubble tents provide unique seating arrangements with space for tables, chairs, a garden sofa or toys for children.

Not sure how to decorate your pod? Bethan from John Lewis advises: 'Don't be afraid of borrowing some "inside" pieces and using them outdoors for your party. Cushions, throws and side tables work perfectly!'

HB garden party tip: If you've opted for a transparent bubble tent, why not suggest stargazing when the sun goes down? Grab a blanket and look up...

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Add a touch of intrigue to your garden with this beautiful showerproof cushion. It has a classic check print, and is perfect for any outdoor space or conservatory. 

Looking for a plain grey style? This simple yet stylish grey scatter cushion from Garden Furniture Centre is ideal for every outdoor space.  

Jazz up your outdoor space with this unique garden cushion from John Lewis. Made of durable cotton with a coating to repel light rainfall, it is squared shaped with white piping around the edges.

Give your outdoor bench added comfort with this long cream cushion. Choose from a range of colours to find the right one for your space. Why not get the matching seat pads, too? 

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces, this stylish woven cushion hits the spot. It might be made from recycled plastic bottles, but it has a cosy softness to it. Perfect for every garden. 

Add some seaside fun to your garden or balcony with this gorgeous stripe style. Each cover is made from water repellent polyester fabric and can be wipe cleaned.  

Whether children are playing in the sunshine or you want somewhere relaxing to unwind, this blush pink floor cushion ticks all the right boxes. 

READ MORE: Floor cushions: 15 styles to help you lounge comfortably

Comfortable and practical, this stylish outdoor cushion is perfect for adding a touch of colour to the garden. Best of all, it's waterproof so will withstand a little summer shower. 

This waterproof cushion is perfect for your outdoor space. Thanks to its anti-fungal coating and waterproof lining, it's brilliant for alfresco dining. Barbecue at home, anyone?  

Give your garden that 'wow' factor with this beautiful printed blue cushion. With a natural feel fabric and polyester filling for extra comfort, it's perfect for adding a stylish touch to your space.

Keep warm on chilly summer evenings with this heated outdoor cushion. With three heat settings and pockets on the side, it will keep both your hands and body warm when the sun goes down. 

Add a playful touch to your outdoor space with this water-resistant cushion. Featuring a captivating scene of two vibrant parrots amongst tropical foliage, it has been designed to withstand showers and spills. 

READ MORE: 17 balcony furniture pieces for even the smallest of spaces

Complete your garden sofa with these leaf print cushions from M&S. Not only do they have a water-resistant finish, but the feature different kinds of foliage.  

READ MORE: 11 gardening gloves that are durable and comfortable 

Refresh your outdoor space with these affordable striped cushion pads. Ideal for seating areas, they have a coastal stripe and are made from 100 per cent natural cotton.  

Add some texture to your outdoor space with this boho-inspired scatter cushion. In pink and oatmeal, it's got a tufted woven stripe front with tassel edging to finish. 

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