HOW TO SERVE DRINKS STYLISHLY IN YOUR GARDEN

How to Serve Drinks Stylishly in Your Garden

To serve drinks stylishly in a small backyard, consider using a bar cart or portable serving station that can be easily moved around and doesn't take up too much space. I also recommend opting for space-saving drinkware, such as stemless wine glasses or stackable tumblers.

You can try decorating the drink area with a small tablecloth, fresh flowers, or a decorative tray to add a touch of style and elegance, too. And, when it comes to the actual drinks, I find that creating a signature drink or cocktail that matches the theme of your gathering always goes down a treat! Display it with garnishes and colourful straws, and you’re onto a winner.

Best Way to Get Heat in Your Garden

You’ll want your backyard/garden area to be comfortable for all your guests. This includes keeping it heated so everyone stays warm. A portable patio heater is great for a small area as it takes up minimal space and can be easily moved around as needed.

You should consider using a fire pit or chiminea, too, which not only provides warmth, but also adds a cosy ambiance to the space. If it’s not too chilly, I suggest utilising outdoor blankets or throws for guests to wrap themselves in if they start to feel a nip in the air.

If your budget allows, and you regularly have guests, you can consider installing an outdoor heating system, such as radiant heaters or infrared heaters, that can be mounted on walls or ceilings to save space.

Tips For Integrating Seating Into a Small Garden

As well as being comfortably warm, you’ll want your guests to sit comfortably. Opt for multifunctional furniture, such as benches with built-in storage, or ottomans that can double as seating and storage.

Try using space-saving seating options, too, like folding chairs or stools that can be easily stored away when not in use. I like to incorporate built-in seating by adding benches along the edges of the backyard or utilising retaining walls as seating areas. This is convenient and also looks smart.

Consider using smaller-scale furniture or modular pieces that can be rearranged to fit the available space. This is ideal for smaller patio areas where you haven’t got room for large tables and countless numbers of chairs.

Alternative to a Full Outdoor Kitchen For a Small Backyard Area

Some ideas I suggest include setting up a mobile grill or barbecue station that can be easily moved around and stored when not in use. You can even create a designated cooking area using a portable kitchen island or a foldable table with shelves for storage.

Or, utilise countertop appliances like electric griddles, portable induction cooktops, or outdoor pizza ovens for cooking without the need for a full kitchen setup. Additionally, I suggest you make use of a serving cart or small table with a built-in sink for food preparation and cleaning. Be creative!

Tips for Hosting Dinner Parties in a Small Patio/Garden

One of my top tips for hosting a dinner party in a small backyard area is to opt for buffet-style or family-style serving. This can save space on individual place settings. You can also arrange seating in a circular or U-shape layout to maximise conversation and make the space feel more intimate. This is a great way of getting everyone involved in conversations, too.

Use vertical space by hanging string lights, lanterns, or planters from overhead structures like pergolas or awnings. These can make the space feel cosy and more welcoming. I love to set my table with colourful linens, candles, and floral centrepieces as a way to create an inviting, friendly atmosphere.

Like I suggested above, for small spaces, consider using folding tables or extendable tables that can be adjusted to accommodate different party sizes.

Zoning a Small Backyard For Entertaining

I always recommend creating distinct areas for different activities, such as a dining area, a lounge area, and a games area. This way, guests can feel comfortable in their chosen area at different times of the party. Try some outdoor rugs or different flooring materials to visually separate the zones.

You can also use plants, trellises, or privacy screens to define boundaries and create a sense of enclosure. Or, if you have the budget and time, install outdoor structures like pergolas or gazebos to provide designated spaces for specific activities.

Adding Surface Space in a Small Backyard

When you need some extra surface space for drinks and food, you can use folding tables. These are compact and lightweight and can be easily set up and stored away when not in use.

Take advantage of hanging or wall-mounted surfaces, too. Installing wall-mounted shelves or drop-leaf tables are great ways to maximise how much space you have. These can also be folded down when not needed.

I suggest choosing furniture pieces like storage benches or ottomans with hidden compartments to serve dual purposes, and implement tiered plant stands. Place your plant stands or shelves strategically throughout the garden to create additional surface space.

Finally, invest in a portable bar cart or trolley with wheels and multiple shelves for easy mobility and ample storage. Yes, it costs a little extra, but if you have regular dinner parties, carts and trolleys will pay for themselves!

Lighting Tips

When lighting a small garden for a dinner party, string lights always look great! Hang them across the space for a warm and enchanting glow. Drape along fences, wrap around tree branches, or suspend them overhead to look down on everyone like glistening stars.

Lanterns or candles never fail! Place them on tables, ledges, or along walkways to provide soft, flickering light. Opt for flameless candles for safety, or use citronella candles to repel mosquitoes.

Spotlights and/or uplighting can be used to highlight key garden features like trees, plants, or architectural elements for added depth and visual interest.

You can consider installing solar-powered garden lights along pathways or in flower beds for energy-efficient illumination. They require minimal maintenance and improve safety during nighttime gatherings.

Tips For Outdoor Film Nights in Small Garden Areas

If you want to host an outdoor film night in your garden, you should ensure you get a portable projection screen of the required size and is durable for long-lasting use. Make sure you choose a suitable location for the projector for an unobstructed view, too. Or, you can simply set up the TV outside!

Back to comfort! Arrange comfortable seating options with cushions, bean bags, or folding chairs, and provide blankets for added comfort on cooler evenings.

For the most immersive experience, connect the projector to external speakers or a portable sound system. Surround sound would be even better! Just ensure the sound is loud enough without disturbing neighbours.

Provide popcorn, snacks, and drinks, or ask guests to bring their own to save some cash. If you put on a spread, make sure you offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes.

Soft lighting can play an important role, too, by creating a cosy atmosphere. I recommend using string lights or lanterns.

Sound and Scent to Create The Perfect Party Ambience

Sound and scents can play important roles in creating a party ambience. For music, set up speakers strategically around the party area to distribute sound evenly. Create playlists or use streaming services to curate a selection of upbeat and tunes that match the vibe or, if you have a theme, make sure the music is associated with it.

When it comes to scents, I recommend setting up scented candles or incense around the garden. Choose pleasant aromas that complement the outdoor environment, like lavender, jasmine, citrus, or fresh herbs. Place them strategically around the seating area or near the entrance to welcome guests with inviting fragrances.