Searches for “the ultimate guide to hosting a garden party” have increased 100% in the last 12 months. There’s a lot of preparation needed to welcome and entertain guests outdoors, which, in the UK in particular, means being prepared for whatever weather is on the horizon.
It usually rains for around 170 out of 365 days a year in Britain, however, the odds of better weather are in Britain’s favor this year with a heat wave set to arrive in April. Because of this, VonHaus has revealed its top tips for organizing the ultimate garden.
Practical parts
Organizing a party can be stressful at the best of times and the unpredictable UK weather can add an extra level of uncertainty to your party. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have the right equipment and devices to entertain and satisfy your guests.
Do you take a gazebo
For any UK outdoor party, one of the most important pieces of equipment to have set up and ready to go is your gazebo. Ideal for protecting your guests from the glaring sun, it also doubles as a rain shelter if you experience a downpour in the middle of a party.
Set up your gazebo where the sun doesn’t hit your garden, so your guests can make the most of the good weather while still having the option of getting in the shade. Make sure your gazebo is properly secured during setup to minimize the risk of it blowing away if winds pick up throughout your party.
Finally, make sure your gazebo is large enough to cover the number of guests you have, so everyone can stay dry and keep the party going no matter the weather.
Fireplaces are essential
The next must-have item on your list is an outdoor fireplace. While it can be great fun to take advantage of the UK weather during the day, the cold can arrive quicker than you think once the sun has gone down. Place fire pits and outdoor heaters around your garden to keep the party going.
Make sure your fire pits are positioned in an open space and away from amenities, including your gazebo and other indoor spaces, to prevent the risk of accidents. Most importantly, if you choose to use a fire pit, be sure to keep an eye out for younger guests and make sure they stay clear of the fire pit at all times.
Make the most of your patio
If you invite many guests, there will not always be a free seat for everyone. A great way to add extra seating, without making your garden look cramped with chairs, is to lay out two to three picnic blankets around your green space. Your picnic blankets can be moved to the gazebo if the weather turns gray.
Take out the BBQ
The last practical piece you need at a garden party is a barbecue.
Make sure your cooking equipment is well ventilated if you want to cook under the protection of your gazebo. If the weather is too good for your barbecue, make sure you have a plan B and cook your food in your kitchen before serving it outside.
When you add the finishing touches, hang decorative garlands and outdoor pendant lights from your gazebo, fences and trees to enhance the festive atmosphere. Top off your outdoor party with tunes to match the mood and host a series of games for the younger (and older!) party guests.
Emily Caloe, Senior Buyer at VonHaus, said: “The UK weather is unpredictable at the best of times which means hosting outdoor parties can be a challenge. Make sure you have a plan B in case of bad weather.
“A gazebo is a fantastic addition to any UK outdoor party. They are so versatile in keeping the party alive when the weather has different plans. They also keep guests away from the house, so any mess after the party is contained in a single space.
“Of course, it goes without saying that you need to make sure your equipment is set up and working properly before the party starts. Make sure all fire pits are kept in a safe place and out of reach of toddlers who attending your event.It’s also important to ensure that your larger equipment, such as your gazebo, is strapped down to minimize the risk of the weather causing accidents.
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