How to throw a garden party

Is there anything better than lolling around the garden with your nearest and dearest as a hot day turns in to a balmy night? Make the most of the weather this weekend and throw a garden party. 

Opt for a sedate affair in front of the DIY outdoor cinema toasting marshmallows around the firebowl, or go big with a canopied dining table set for 50 and patterned teepees for guests who just won't go home.

Turn your garden in to a wonderland after sunset with festoon lights over the table and  fairy lights in the trees, or turn a humble jam jar in to a DIY hanging lantern using just a tea light candle and some fabric.  

See how wonderful a small city garden can look by candle light? And what about learning how to dress a buffet table for a summer party?

We've also got ideas for party games - from homemade shadow puppets to cut-out photo boards.

Florence Rolfe suggests ways to decorate your garden for stylish outside entertaining, and seeks expert advice on preparing for a party...

  • Ivy and Festoon Lights

    Ivy and Festoon Lights

  • Blankets for guest

    Blankets for guest

  • Patterned Teepees for Guests

    Patterned Teepees for Guests

  • Floral Table Decoration

    Floral Table Decoration

  • Create a cinema screen with a projector and a sheet

    Create a cinema screen with a projector and a sheet

  • In the frame

    In the frame

  • Create your own shadow puppets

    Create your own shadow puppets

  • Giant Balloons

    Giant Balloons

  • Create A Parasol Canopy

    Create A Parasol Canopy

  • Sweetpea Frame Decorations

    Sweetpea Frame Decorations

  • Take Your Living Room Outdoors

    Take Your Living Room Outdoors

  • Light Up Your Trees

    Light Up Your Trees

  • Light it up

    Light it up

  • Natural touch

    Natural touch

  • Hang a white canvas canopy for shade

    Hang a white canvas canopy for shade

  • DIY Table Canopy

    DIY Table Canopy

  • DIY Table Decorations

    DIY Table Decorations

  • Pretend porcelain

    Pretend porcelain

  • Gimme outdoor shelter

    Gimme outdoor shelter

  • Sit around the fire bowl

    Sit around the fire bowl

  • On a string

    On a string

  • Fairy Light Wrapped Trees

    Fairy Light Wrapped Trees

  • Coloured Teepee Lights

    Coloured Teepee Lights

  • Light your garden with candles

    Light your garden with candles

  • How to make hanging firefly glass lanterns

    How to make hanging firefly glass lanterns

  • Garden Lights

    Garden Lights

  • Paper Pompoms

    Paper Pompoms

  • Flower Pompoms

    Flower Pompoms

  • Outdoor cinema

    Outdoor cinema



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