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The Ultimate List of Summer Garden Party Ideas

Throw an unforgettable backyard bash with our summer garden party ideas!

The ideal summer garden party isn’t complete without firing up the grill. And the perfect BBQ doesn’t exist without these must-have accessories.

But that’s not it! There’s more planning involved in hosting a backyard get-together. The process can be overwhelming, but our summer garden party ideas got you covered!

1. Fire up the grill

Getting the BBQ out and grilling meat is one of the staples of summer parties. We hear grilling, and we think of hot dogs, hamburgers and meats.

BBQ salad ideas, beer and soda – the next thing you know, everyone’s talking about the grillmaster, a.k.a. you.

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BillyOh Matrix 4 Burner Gas BBQ
BillyOh Matrix 4 Burner Gas BBQ

2. Set a theme

Picking the perfect BBQ theme sets your party in motion. This will help you decide what kind of decor and setting you have to put, including the food choices.

A table decorated with red Gingham tablecloth, with a hamburger cake on top, a faux grill filled with cupcakes, and more sweets
Image Credit: Flickr

3. Prepare the guest list

Suppose your chosen theme is a simple BBQ dinner party. You’re likely to invite your family over. But if it’s an open campfire, start contacting your friends!

Once your guest list is ready, send out the invitations at least a week before the said event.

4. Table setup

Table linens help to convey the theme of your BBQ party. A Gingham fabric, for one, is perfect for simple garden picnic ideas.

Layer the gingham linen with a whimsical floral tablecloth for a dramatic twist. DIY old cans as vases will look great as table centrepieces for a country chic theme.

Red Gingham tablecloth close up
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

5. Light up the fire pit

Fire pits make the ideal place to gather, especially on a chilly summer evening. Keep the party going into the late evening while enjoying some freshly baked s’mores and cups of hot cocoa.

BillyOh Phoenix 3 in 1 Square Metal Fire Pit, BBQ Grill and Ice Pit
BillyOh Phoenix 3 in 1 Square Metal Fire Pit, BBQ Grill and Ice Pit

6. Level up your outdoor lighting

Garden lighting ideas such as string lights are something you don’t want to miss! Hang the light fixtures around the area, the fence or even trees to set a romantic mood and cosiness.

BillyOh Solar Powered Lantern String Lights
BillyOh Solar Powered Lantern String Lights

7. Deck out the bar cart

Drinks and barbecues go hand in hand, so stock your outdoor bar cart with various beverages. For the adult taste, add a selection of beer and wine – an excellent addition to your BillyOh Nightjar garden bar!

BillyOh Nightjar Garden Bar
BillyOh Nightjar Garden Bar

8. Beat the heat with popsicles

Nothing beats homemade popsicles in the summer. Whether it’s apple juice or orange flavoured ice pops, both kids and adults will love it!

Raspberry Popsicle close up
Image Credit: Flickr

9. Pull out the floats

In most cases, a BBQ summer party wouldn’t be complete without a pool party. If you own a pool, pull out the floats for some extra fun under the sun! Bonus: floats also can double as decorations.

Floating doughnut float in swimming pool
Image Credit: Rawpixel

10. Best side dish competition

Hosting a large barbecue party for the whole family? Ask your family members to bring their prized dish, whether it’s a main, a dessert or an appetiser. The more, the merrier!

11. Host an outdoor movie night

With popcorns, s’mores and cold refreshers, you and your guests can cosy up on the lawn in front of a big screen. Make sure to prepare a great selection of everyone’s favourite movies.

Thinking of building an outdoor cinema?

Garden movie night setup with a white projector screen, projector, and red tent
Image Credit: Flickr

12. Challenge everyone with lawn games

If you don’t own a pool, no problem! There are lots of alternatives to keep the kids occupied, and outdoor game ideas sound like a great plan! These games will surely keep the summer party fun going.

Ring toss on the lawn
Image Credit: Pexels

13. Blast a killer playlist

Unleash your inner DJ by playing catchy tunes to keep the guests going all night long. Set up your playlist with upbeat background music that is ideally loud enough to set the mood.

But not so loud that your guests have to shout to talk to each other, or make the neighbours angry.

14. Keep the bugs away

Bugs are something that can’t be prevented at every outdoor party. Protect your guests by providing them with bug spray, especially at night. Also, have citronella candles on hand to keep pesky bugs at bay.

Ben's brand 100% DEET tick and insect repellent
Image Credit: Flickr

15. Priorities safety

As much as you want fun to be your top priority, make sure you prioritise the safety of your family and guests. To prevent flare-ups, for instance, have a spray bottle or fire extinguisher on hand.

Fire extinguisher attached on a white wall
Image Credit: Rawpixel

Round-up

Whether you’re throwing a BBQ bash, gathering around an open fire pit, or alfresco dining, our garden party ideas got all the inspiration you need! After all, with the warmer weather, your yard makes the ideal backdrop to host a special occasion.

To enjoy a year-round grilling in your backyard, consider one of these BBQ area ideas!