Summertime is always a great time of year, because it provides you with the perfect opportunity to have the biggest and best garden party in the neighborhood.
Yes, food, fire, and friends are three of the most important components of any backyard get-together. With that being said, to tie it all together, having the right garden party decorations is essential.
If you want people to talk about your garden party for weeks or even years to come, then having the right decorations is key. Let’s get to it and take a look at 9 garden party decorations you absolutely must have.
1. String Lights
If you need to create some warm and inviting illumination for your garden party, using some string lights is a great idea. String lights create an inviting and warm atmosphere, and they’re not too bright either. They create a perfect glow ideal for an evening or nighttime backyard party.
You can hang them along fences, across your patio, or even from trees. A great idea is to try solar powered string lights, as they can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run, not to mention that they’re eco friendly as well. It’s an easy and affordable way to create a whimsical atmosphere.
2. Lanterns
If string lights don’t quite suit your fancy, then using some lanterns is your next best option. Okay, so you can always go for electric lanterns that use LED candles for safety, but let’s face it, that just doesn’t come anywhere close to a real candle.
If you want to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere, using lanterns with real candles is the way to go.
Of course, if you’re using real candles, you do need to be careful in terms of where you put them, something that you don’t need to worry about with electric ones.
However, the difference in ambience and appearance between real candles and fake ones is night and day. There’s just something about that flickering warmth that turns any backyard into an enjoyable area.
3. Floral Centerpieces
If you want to keep things natural and colorful, going for some floral centerpieces is a great idea. By adding some floral centerpieces to your party tables, it adds some natural beauty to the equation.
Of course, best is if you use fresh and live flowers from your local market, or even better from your own garden. By using flowers from your own garden, you can showcase the hard work you’ve been doing in your backyard.
You can use vintage vases, mason jars, or even repurposed tin cans to showcase those flowers in the best possible way. What’s really great about using floral centerpieces is that you can choose flowers and bouquet combinations that best match the decor and theme of your backyard party.
4. Outdoor Rugs
A really neat way to spruce up your backyard for any party is by adding some outdoor rugs. Although a very unique option to say the least, some outdoor rugs help create a more refined and cozy space. It almost makes it feel like it’s indoors, but with the natural beauty of your backyard.
By taking rugs and placing them under seating arrangements, in lounge spaces, and under dining areas, it provides your guests with a soft surface to put their feet on. They don’t just look good, but are also highly functional. Rugs also help protect delicate flooring below.
5. Bunting and Banners
If you want to decorate your garden party, using some basic bunting and banners is a great way to go. There are all sorts of banners out there for birthdays, anniversaries, and so much more, therefore allowing you to really personalize the party for the event at hand.
At the very least, hanging some plain banners and bunting across patios, fences, and trees will help add a splash of color to end celebration.
If you want to save some money, you can always use paper, fabric, or other materials to make your own DIY banners. It’s a great activity for your kids to do, something to keep them busy while you prepare for the party.
6. Table Settings
If you’re having an outdoor garden party, chances are that you’re going to be serving some meals, and that means needing some adequate table settings. You have so many options at your disposal here!
Whether you want to go with colorful plastic table settings for a kids party or some more elegant crystalware for that adult party you’ve been meaning to throw, there’s always something ideal for every occasion. ‘
You can then personalize table settings by using mini bouquets, decorative napkin rings, or name cards to create a unique experience for each guest.
7. Garden Furniture
Garden furniture is another great way to spruce up your backyard for a stylish party. Of course, having garden furniture that looks appealing to the eye is one thing, but having it be comfortable is probably even more important.
Set up a mix of chairs, benches, and cushions for everybody to sit in. Even better is if you have some hammocks or outdoor sofas for people to sit in, especially as the night wears on and the alcohol starts to take effect. It’s also a good idea to have some well decorated tables for guests to place their plates and drinks.
8. Umbrellas and Shade Sails
If you’re throwing a daytime backyard party, you want to have some shade sails and umbrellas. These add a certain decorative flair to any backyard party, plus they also help keep your guests comfortable and cool by providing them with a bit of shade. What’s really nice is that umbrellas and shade sails come in all sorts of shapes and colors for you to choose from.
9. DIY Photo Booth
Although maybe not a decorative element per se, a small DIY photo booth will make for a great focal point for any backyard party.
As the day wears on and people loosen up, they’ll become more inclined to take pictures with each other, and that’s where that DIY photo booth is going to shine.
Create a nice backdrop using paper flowers, greenery, and fabric, along with props like glasses, hats, and signs for some of the most creative photos you’ve ever seen.
Garden Party Decorations: Final Thoughts
Why is that we’ve really only scratched the surface here. Out of the hundreds of garden party decorations that your guests will love, we’ve chosen the nine of the very best ones. However, don’t forget to use your own creativity, because you never know what you’ll be able to come up with until you try.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.