4+1 tips for the best garden party of the summer season

You don’t need a fine dining menu to impress at a garden party – a few well-planned, simple dishes will do the trick. Fresh salads, grilled vegetables, chicken skewers, marinated meats or a classic burger can easily please a crowd. The key is to prep everything you can in advance, so you don’t spend the start of the event in the kitchen. With a simple menu and smart preparation, you as the host can also relax and enjoy the evening.

Think beyond traditional alcoholic beverages. Homemade lemonade, iced tea, mocktails and fruit syrups can be refreshing and visually appealing – especially when served with lemon slices or fresh mint. A simple drink station or a cooler filled with ice packs works well as a self-service solution, so guests can help themselves and you’re not tied to bartending duties all night.

Background music is the invisible ingredient that sets the tone of the party. A well-curated playlist played through a powerful yet stylish speaker – like the LG XBOOM XL9T or XL7S – can elevate the atmosphere. These speakers not only deliver high-quality sound and sufficient volume for outdoor spaces, but also feature dynamic lighting effects to enhance the vibe. For late-night fun, karaoke functions let guests plug in a mic or electric guitar, and even lower the original vocals so the live performance can shine. Since they’re portable, they can be easily placed wherever dancing or mingling happens.

A great garden party is just as much about cozy conversations as it is about food and music. Offer a variety of seating options: cushions on the lawn, blankets, outdoor armchairs or DIY pallet furniture – the more relaxed, the better. Don’t forget lighting: lanterns or solar-powered string lights help create a warm, intimate atmosphere after sunset. Arrange tables according to the size of your group: one long table works well for up to 10–12 people, while smaller tables for 3–6 guests each are better for larger or mixed groups, allowing more natural conversations to flow.

You don’t have to plan every moment – it’s enough to lay the groundwork. Free yourself from unnecessary stress so you can truly enjoy being with your guests. If you follow the tips above, your summer garden party is sure to become the kind of gathering friends will still be talking about weeks later. Now all that’s left is to decide who’s in charge of the playlist!