10 ideas for a perfect Garden Party
Planning a party comes with a unique set of challenges. You’re juggling outdoor space, unpredictable weather (especially in England), neighbours, sound levels, and guests who want it to feel relaxed but still put together. Whether it’s a birthday, a milestone, or a summer get-together, the difference between a good garden party and a great one usually comes down to the small details.
Having planned and delivered garden parties across Surrey and London for nearly 20 years — from small home gatherings to larger private events — we’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what people often overlook.
This guide breaks down the practical decisions that make a real difference: layout, music, comfort, food, and backup plans.
The goal? You and your guests relax, enjoy yourselves, and actually have fun.
1. Think in “Zones”, Not Tables
Instead of lining people up around tables, break the garden into a few clear areas: somewhere comfortable to sit and talk, a standing spot for drinks, and a livelier corner where the music lives. People move naturally between them, conversations flow, and the party never feels stuck in one place.
If you’re not sure how to use the space, it helps to step back and think about how guests will arrive, circulate and settle in. We often help plan garden layouts around the space you actually have — awkward corners and all — so it feels intentional without being overthought.
2. Create a Bar Guests Actually Want to Hang Around
A good bar becomes a social hub, not just a place to grab a drink. Cocktails (or well-thought-out mocktails) add personality, but the setup matters just as much. A wooden bar dressed with fresh fruit, a cocktail menu, or a bartender mixing drinks to order gives people a reason to hang around and chat.
If you don’t want to deal with sourcing, setup and glassware, our wide range of mobile bars arrive ready to go, with experienced mixologists who keep things moving without rushing the moment.
3. Keep the Food Relaxed and Colourful
Garden parties work best when the food is easy. Grazing boards, salads, skewers and bite-sized plates mean guests can eat when they want, without sitting down to a full meal. Always plan a little extra, and don’t forget plenty of water and non-alcoholic options if the sun’s out.
If you need a hand, we can point you towards catering partners we trust — people who understand fresh, unfussy food that suits outdoor parties rather than formal dinners.
4. Let the Lighting Do the Quiet Wor
As daylight fades, lighting takes over the atmosphere. Soft festoon lights through trees, lanterns dotted around seating, or a gentle wash of colour on walls and hedges keeps everything warm and inviting without turning your garden into a stage set.
We provide lighting that’s designed to blend in rather than dominate — enough to set the mood, help people see each other, and make the space feel intentional once the sun goes down.
5. GET the music right
Music sets the mood. Start easy with relaxed background tracks, build into something more upbeat as the party warms up, and save the big tunes for later — if the setting allows. If noise could be an issue, a silent disco is a smart way to keep the party going after dark without upsetting anyone nearby.
It’s also worth giving your neighbours a heads-up. A quick message goes a long way, and if you’re feeling generous, invite them along. It’s much harder to complain about a party you’re enjoying!
Sort your playlist in advance so you’re not fiddling with your phone all evening. Set the speakers up early, press play, and get back to enjoying your party. If you’d rather not think about music at all, hiring a professional DJ is an easy win.
Our DJ services include full sound setup and music that people genuinely want to hear — think ABBA, Beyoncé, Daft Punk, old-school Ibiza anthems, 90s and 00s throwbacks, and the kind of feel-good tracks everyone ends up singing along to after a few drinks. We are here to make the night memorable for you and your guests.
Our DJs are used to playing garden parties, private events and weddings across Surrey and London, and know how to read the crowd — when to keep it relaxed, when to lift the energy, and when it’s time for “just one more song.” We also run silent disco setups if that’s the vibe you’re after, perfect for keeping the party going without upsetting the neighbours.
6. Think More “Festival”, Less Formal Seating
Skip rigid seating plans. Mix rugs, cushions, poufs, benches or even hay bales if it fits the vibe. People like to move, drift and gather naturally, and that’s when conversations flow.
We can provide relaxed furniture options too — wooden or LED tables, stools, chairs and high tables — so the space feels put together without feeling staged.
7. Add One Unexpected Moment
You don’t need lots of extras — just one surprise. Sparklers as the sun goes down, a sax player weaving through the garden, a singer popping up mid-evening, or a quick quiz once everyone’s had a drink, or two. That’s the moment people remember the next day.
We work with a range of musicians and performers and can recommend something that fits your crowd without overdoing it.
8. Give People Something to Do
A simple interactive element goes a long way. A spritz station, a Polaroid camera with a casual photo corner, or a small DIY table gives people a reason to mingle without it feeling forced.
We also run relaxed cocktail classes for garden parties — we come to you and show your guests how to make great drinks properly, from classics everyone knows to a few new favourites. They’re especially popular for hen dos, birthdays and small group get-togethers, and feel social and easy rather than structured. If you’re thinking about a cocktail class, give us a call on 01932 943 034 and we’ll talk it through.
Let your guests leave with new skills, not just a headache.
9. Comfort above all
Comfort is what keeps people around. Think shade during the day, places to sit, and warmth once the temperature drops. Parasols, blankets, heaters or a firepit can quietly save the evening without anyone really noticing why it works so well. If you’re hosting outdoors in cooler months, a heated gazebo or marquee makes all the difference so make sure to consider that.
At Mix Masters Events we supply marquees in a range of sizes, with heating options to suit your garden. Planning a summer party instead? We also provide lighter structures and umbrellas for hotter days.
10. Don’t let the English Weather steal your thunder
We all know it. In England, even in peak summer, the weather can turn quickly. A sudden shower or breeze shouldn’t derail the whole day if you are planning a garden party. A simple backup plan — blankets, umbrellas, or a covered area — keeps things relaxed when the forecast doesn’t behave.
We provide elegant marquees and outdoor shelters so your party stays on track, whatever the weather decides to do. Rain or shine, the plan still works.
Planning a Party?
We’ve been bringing garden parties to life across Surrey for nearly 20 years, working with thousands of clients across Surrey and beyond. Whether it’s lighting that sets the mood, a sound system that keeps people moving, a fully stocked bar, a DJ who knows how to read the crowd—or all of it together—we can make it happen.
Our goal is to make your party feel like your kind of celebration, not someone else’s checklist. Get in touch, and let’s create a day your guests will actually remember.