Summer garden parties, done right

There's something undeniably special about a garden party in summer - the relaxed atmosphere, the long golden evenings, and the feeling that everything is just a little more effortless outdoors. But the best garden parties aren't accidental. They're carefully considered spaces where the decor, the environment and the practical planning all work together.

At the heart of it, I love garden parties - not just because they look beautiful, but because they feel immersive when they're done properly. The key is making everything feel like it belongs in the garden, rather than sitting on top of it.

Designing with the garden, not against it

The most successful outdoor setups start with one simple idea: let the garden lead the design. Where the theme allows, I always look at what's already there - the trees, the hedges, the flower beds, even the paving all offer clues. Rather than introducing colours that clash or dominate, I pull inspiration directly from nature:

• Soft blush tones from roses and peonies
• Fresh greens from foliage and lawns
• Warm yellows and buttery creams from summer blooms
• Deep purples and blues from lavender, hydrangeas and delphiniums

Safari and jungle themes also work beautifully outdoors, which is part of why they come up so often in my children's party briefs. When the decor echoes the natural palette, everything feels intentional and cohesive. The balloons, the signage, the table styling and the props should all feel like an extension of the garden, not a separate installation dropped into it.

Making the space work for you

A garden is never a blank canvas, and that's where the magic lies. I always think in zones:

• Arrival moment - a focal point like an arch, a balloon installation or a sign-in area
• Social space - where guests naturally gather, usually near shade or seating
• Feature moment - a backdrop for photographs or speeches
• Flow areas - clear paths so guests can move comfortably without disrupting the styling

Working with natural features like trees or fences can actually reduce the amount of styling needed, while making everything feel more organic.

Power, practicality and the hidden logistics

One of the biggest differences between a good garden party and a great one is planning for the things guests never notice. Power is a big one - whether it's for lighting, speakers or installations, I always plan access to outdoor sockets (or a safe extension route from indoors), cable management so everything is hidden and safe, and battery-powered alternatives where mains power isn't available. The goal is simple: nothing should distract from the atmosphere.

Designing for British summer reality

As beautiful as summer is in the UK, it rarely behaves predictably, so I always design with both sun and rain in mind - shade from parasols, trees or a stretch tent, waterproof or weighted elements for stability, secure anchoring for installations and balloon structures, and flexible layouts that can adapt if guests need to move under cover. Even on a sunny day, wind is often the real challenge. Lightweight decor like balloons or fabric pieces has to be properly weighted and secured so the setup stays polished from the first guest to the last.

It's an instinct that suits a lot of Surrey gardens, particularly the mature plots around Cobham and the surrounding villages, where the planting does so much of the work already.

How I prepare an outdoor setup

Behind every seamless garden party is a lot of preparation. For balloon and decor installations I pre-treat materials for outdoor conditions where I can, use professional-grade weights and fixing points, avoid overexposure to direct midday sun (which shortens balloon lifespan), and build structures with airflow and movement in mind rather than rigid symmetry alone. And I always plan for contingency adjustments on site. It's this attention to detail that keeps everything looking fresh for the whole event, not just the moment it's set up.

Why I love this part

The best garden parties don't feel styled, they feel lived in. Guests should feel like they've stepped into a naturally beautiful space that just happens to be hosting something special. When the palette is drawn from the surroundings, the logistics are quietly handled in the background and the weather is accounted for in advance, everything comes together effortlessly. That's the real art of outdoor styling - and honestly, it's the part I love most.

If you're planning a garden party in Surrey this summer - a milestone, a christening, or a children's celebration spilling onto the lawn - I'd love to hear about it. Tell me what you have in mind and I'll come and walk the garden with you.

Laura x