Garden party ideas this summer
As the weather warms up our gardens become the heart of our homes, so take your parties outdoors this summer and celebrate everything your backyard has to offer. We show you how to decorate your backyard for party season using ingredients straight from the garden. If you’re not adding fresh garden-grown herbs to your cocktails then you’re missing out on a truly sensory experience. So, take your cocktails to a whole new level with our must-have cocktail herbs that are easy to grow at home.
And if you’re looking for a unique way to decorate the Christmas Table this year, then be inspired by our living centrepiece. It will be the talk of the dinner table. We also help you to prepare your lawn for everything your family wants to throw at it, with our simple lawn guide for summer. Happy Gardening!
Melissa King
Must-have Cocktail Herbs for your Garden
This is one for the mixologist in the family. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your cocktails this party season, then why not create a cocktail garden filled with your favourite sweet and savoury herbs.
Rosemary and gin are a match made in heaven. Simply add a fresh sprig to your gin and tonic or make a simple Rosemary syrup to give your drinks some herbal flair.
Common mint is the hero in zesty cocktails like Mojitos, but there’s more to mint than meets the eye, so you might like to be adventurous and try growing Chocolate, Apple, Lemon or Ginger Mint to add a fresh twist to your drink’s menu.
Garden picked Pineapple Sage is the perfect addition to fruit inspired cocktails and Lemon Verbena gives vodka and Gin a citrusy kick.
Keen to know more? Check out our top 5 cocktail garnishes to grow in your garden.
Take your Christmas Table Decorating to the Next Level
A living centrepiece is the perfect way to bring a personal touch to your Christmas table this year, so create a one-of-a-kind miniature garden with our step-by-step guide. We used everything from indoor plants to succulents, candles, ribbons and festive decorations to spruce up our potted display.
Hosting the Perfect Garden Party
It’s the season for summer garden parties, so why not dress your backyard for the occasion with these simple ideas: Pick a shady spot beneath your favourite tree or a quiet, leafy corner for your party table. If you’re lacking space a small balcony or patio can also be the perfect setting for a summer feast.
Decorate your outdoor table with a garden grown floral centrepiece or fill recycled containers or jars with freshly picked blooms and dot them along the length of the table. If it’s an evening affair, float flowers and candles together in bowls for a romantic touch. Serve tasty treats fresh from the garden like lemon grass prawn skewers with mango mayonnaise, green bean and cherry tomato salad and summer berry pudding. Decorate everything from salads to desserts with edible flowers like nasturtiums and marigolds. Create garden inspired napkin rings using flexible branches, flowers and foliage. Terracotta pots make cute, rustic utensil holders.
Serve home grown cocktails filled with fresh fruit and herbs straight from the garden. Spread the party atmosphere throughout your yard, by adding a few throws or cushions to chairs or shady nooks. Keep the party going after dark with lanterns hanging from trees or solar-powered lawn lanterns.
Is your lawn ready to tackle anything this summer?
There’s no better stage for the perfect garden party than a lush green lawn. It’s also a top destination for summer cricket matches, rolling around with the kids and kicking back to relax, so follow these simple tips to get your lawn in shape for summer.
Read our Summer lawn care tips for more ideas.
