How to host a summer garden party for kids
The British summer is a rare and beautiful thing, and when it arrives, there is no better way to celebrate than a garden party. But it’s not just for adults anymore… although this is one soiree that mum and dad will want to attend too. Forget the stuffy indoor play centres; it’s time to head outside for grass stains, ice lollies and plenty of Vitamin D. Here’s how to host a garden kids party bash that will be the talk of the playground (and still keep your house relatively clean!).
Embrace the great outdoors
For a child, a garden party represents ultimate freedom…a chance to explore, get a bit messy and enjoy the novelty of eating sausages on a stick while sitting on a picnic blanket. The beauty of a garden party lies in its simplicity. You don't need expensive decorations or a high-tech entertainment system. In fact, some of the best garden parties are the ones that lean into the natural environment. A few bunting flags strung between trees and some mismatched colourful cushions on the grass are often all you need to set the scene. When you were a kid, we bet some of your best childhood memories were in the garden with grass between your toes and a melted ice lolly in hand… that’s the vibe you’re trying to recreate. Just remember to tell parents to have them dress in their oldest fits - things will get a little messy, and we don’t want grass stains on John Lewis’ finest.
Easy-clean water games for kids
Water is the ultimate entertainer for kids during the summer. And, while water balloons are a classic, the cleanup of tiny rubber fragments can be a headache for parents. Instead, try Sponge Wars. Large car-wash sponges soaked in buckets of icy water provide all the splashing fun with none of the waste. When you’re done, they can be recycled for future use on dirty floors. Or, for younger kids, you can set up a Frozen Treasure Hunt by freezing plastic toys in blocks of ice and letting the children use spray bottles of warm water to ‘excavate’ them.
Tasty picnic boxes
If there is one thing that can derail a garden party, it’s the local wasp population discovering your buffet. A simple solution is an individual picnic box. Pre-packing a small box for each child - complete with a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a juice box - not only feels like an exciting gift for them but also keeps the food covered and organised. If you do put a spread out, we recommend some food covers like these ones and using sealed carafes for juice like this one (don’t forget a spot of Pimms for mums and dads).
What about rain and stains?
We couldn't talk about a UK garden party without mentioning the British Weather. A professional party host always has a Plan B tucked away. Whether it's a pop-up gazebo or a cleared-out living room ready for an indoor picnic, being prepared for a sudden shower ensures that the fun doesn't stop just because the clouds have gathered. And remember, ultimately, a garden party is about letting go - hand out ponchos and relax. Let the kids get grass stains on their knees. Let the ice lollies drip. These are the markers of a successful afternoon and the ingredients of a summer they will remember forever. (Just keep the wet wipes handy, okay?)
Want a few extra hands around the garden this summer? Put a call out to all our local party suppliers at once with this handy tool.
