How to Host the Perfect Lawn & Garden Party [2022]

The sun is shining – spring is here! – and you’re thinking it would be wonderful getting the gang together. What could be more charming than family and friends sipping cocktails, catching up on old times, and enjoying the great outdoors? But to elevate your lawn and garden party from good to legendary, it takes more than a bowl of egg salad and some sparkling conversation. Before you hand out invitations, take a minute to plan. These tips will make the experience so much nicer – not only for your guests, but for you too!

Shady Solutions

If your yard is lacking a full tree canopy, you’re going to want to get shady. Even with cool temperatures and cloudy skies, prolonged sun exposure can quickly exhaust guests – not to mention the possibility of sunburn. For patio and deck spaces, a sun umbrella is perfect – like the stunning Vera Bradley® market umbrella in Rain Forest Toile Gold – and offers reliable shade on demand. Canopies and small tents are also an option, allowing guests to spread across your yard while still finding sun relief. Some DIY outdoor setups naturally lend themselves to shade, too: compact seating arrangements fit more easily under natural and canvas canopies.

Have Enough Seats

Proactive planners agree: it’s better to have too much seating than too little for your lawn and garden party. Even if you have a firm headcount, a relative could be dating (and bring) someone new, or maybe curious neighbors could pop by for a bite. Don’t hesitate: bring out the benches and lawn seating ahead of time. A cute solution for decks is this 7-piece wicker dining set that seats six and doesn’t dominate your space. For larger gatherings, you can’t go wrong with the kathy ireland® Homes and Gardens dining set that seats eight and offers plenty of room for dishware and glasses. Don’t forget the accents, too! Outdoor cushions are a great, cost-effective way to get a party from “backyard BBQ” to something sophisticated and memorable. Not sure which style of accent pillow to choose? Here’s a charming quiz to help you decide.

Weathering the Weather

If James Bond has taught us anything, it’s this: be prepared and always have an escape plan. In case of light drizzle, umbrellas and tarps can save the day (provided there’s enough seating beneath). And if rain begins falling in earnest, make sure indoor surfaces are clear and tables are available before you move in meals and relatives. Even if the weather cooperates, keep plenty of sunscreen on hand for guests that have forgotten theirs.

Deck Décor

You don’t have to overthink this one! Torches and solar lanterns are perfect if you think your party will spill into the evening hours. For centerpieces, take inspiration (and materials) from your yard itself. Gather any vases you can – mismatched sets are just fine and can be eclectic and lovely. Fill said vases with freshly cut hydrangeas, lilies, or wildflowers picked across your property. Are you an herb fiend? Sprinkle in snipped dill and basil for aromatic, beautiful pop of green.

Be on the lookout for layout inspiration, too. Add some flavor and a pop of urban chic by taking a playbook page from pro designers like Rachel Moriarty for some tips on arranging and color use of fun, functional backyard furniture.

Biting Back at Bugs

Mosquitos, black flies, greenheads… the list goes on, unfortunately! Citronella candles are a classic way to keep localized spots bug free, and bug repellant torches work in a larger area, too. One low-cost way to keep bugs at bay is to set up a series of electric fans – mosquitoes are lightweight fliers, and even a gentle breeze (man- or nature-made) is enough to send them packing.

Beverage Breakdown

Simply stated: water, and lots of it. Keep glasses and water pitchers close at hand. Fun outdoor cocktails, or tasty mocktails, are a great way celebrate the season… but remember that the average adult guest consumes around 1 and ½ drinks per hour. Factoring family and friends, even a modestly sipping soiree can pile on drink demands. For this reason, decide on a simple-to-make, yet delicious cocktail ahead of time, and pre-mix batches well in advance. Don’t be afraid to muddle some herbs. Bitters are for winners. Embrace the season. If you’re looking for a simple (yet oh-so delicious) cocktail that scales up well, here’s one we recommend heartily!

How to Make a Twin Strawberry Zinger

1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce whiskey 
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters 
• 3 1/2 ounces limeade  
• halved fresh strawberries
• ice

Directions:

• Into a cocktail shaker, add ice, whiskey, aromatic bitters, and limeade. 
• Secure the lid and shake for 20 seconds.
• Strain into an ice-filled serving glass.
• Add in 2 halved strawberries (include the stems!). 
• Serve. 

Food Is Served

Eating: everyone does it. Dining al fresco is as natural as fresh air. If you can, keep portions bite-sized to limit the effect of any spills. Split your courses, even if there are only two (those being the main course followed by dessert). Because, let’s face it: whether you’re slinging burgers or croquets, your guests are going to want a sweet treat to follow. Give yourself at least an hour between courses to clean up (trash in garbage bags, dishes in the sink, and don’t be afraid to assign a few helpers so dishes don’t pile up).

Most importantly: ensure guests have a spot to dine! Patio tables and folding chairs are perfect, but if you fancy a more cohesive look, you can’t go wrong with a multi-piece weather-resistant set – or a patio-spanning seating solution – that encourages guests to chat while they dine.

Music Is Magic

Whether you’re dancing or enjoying a lull in conversation, everyone loves a good beat. Do add music to your home and garden party, but keep it light and unobtrusive. It’s much better to spread out the sounds with 4 Bluetooth speakers than plop down a boombox and hope the tunes carry across your yard. Consider two playlists: high-spirited (but not obnoxious) daytime melodies, and more soothing evening tones for when the sun goes down.

Keep Games on Hand

Here’s an easy-to-remember formula: more simple = more fun! Lawn games quickly get overwhelming when they’re scheduled or over-planned, so keep game materials on hand, but never enforced. Equipment should be out, open, and available. Your go-tos are badminton, croquet, bocci, corn hole, horseshoes, or anything that’s easy to pick up or put down when the food makes its appearance.

Remember to Have Fun, Too!

Part of the reason your guests are here is to support and celebrate YOU. Your friendship and happiness are the biggest driving forces behind every event you host. If you’re stressed, ask for help. If you’re tired, sit down and enjoy a drink on your own. And as the season heats up, don’t forget to check out the Twin Star Home blog for more spring and summertime tips to make your life more verdant and brimming with life than ever before