Entertaining

11 tips for a backyard garden party

11 tips for a backyard garden party

Host the best summer party yet with these helpful tips. Author: Tracey Ayton

Entertaining

11 tips for a backyard garden party

Photographer Tracey Ayton shares her tips for hosting an outdoor party in her newly renovated backyard.


Vancouver photographer Tracey Ayton took advantage of her newly revamped backyard and a perfect early summer afternoon to host a few design bloggers and decor enthusiasts. Here’s how she pulled together a blog-post-worthy party!

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11 tips for a backyard garden party

1 Place potted herbs

A series of potted herbs in weathered pots reinforces the informal vibe of the table setting and speaks to dining outdoors in the warmer months.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

2 Add some colour

Cobalt blue gingham napkins spice up the casually laid place settings and offer a hit of bright colour to the neutral tablescape.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

3 Display blooming plants

Placing a few blooming plants in inexpensive buckets around the backyard provides instant colour and texture. and using a variety like lavender also gives off a heavenly scent.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

4 A beautiful backyard

Organically shaped stepping stones lead guests to the beautiful backyard gathering, where they’re first greeted by the host’s friendly sidekick, Griffon, an English pointer.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

5 Get fun and festive

Paper lanterns hung haphazardly on tree branches are a fun and festive element that signifies to guests where the party’s at.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

7 Set up a drink station

A self-serve drink station is a party must. Arrange a variety of beverage options on a shelving unit with all the necessary accoutrements.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

Drink recipe: Peach sangria

Serve guests a delicious summer cocktail, like this recipe for Peach Sangria.    

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

8 Add additional seating

An additional seating area, complete with plush toss cushions, a garden stool to hold drinks and a modern firepit, lends a cozy ambience to the party setting.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

9 Serve bite-sized appetizers

Bite-sized appetizers are easy to munch on while socializing with other party guests.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

10 Hang string lights

These string lights with larger bulbs are reminiscent of an outdoor space in a european village and instantly set the warm, inviting mood here.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

11 tips for a backyard garden party

11 Create a casual atmosphere

A large rustic table with a mix of metal and resin wicker chairs adds to the casual feel and is perfect for just a few friends or a multitude of guests.

Image by: Style at Home By: Catherine Therrien Source: Tracey Ayton; Styling by Karla Amadatsu

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Entertaining

11 tips for a backyard garden party