Glassware set up on a table outdoors with wildflower decor

7 Garden Party Ideas to Host in Your Backyard

Customer Care
    • When you’re hosting a garden party, you should plan in advance and have a theme in mind.
    • Create ambiance during your garden party with a few key backyard accessories that highlight your theme.
    • Foster a sense of fun with game options, costumes, and a great playlist.
    • Plan a wine tasting or themed food event that guests will find memorable.

    Looking for great ideas to help you host an amazing backyard party? Celebrate your next birthday bash, post-game celebration, or family gathering in style with our hand-picked backyard accessories sure to both entertain your guests and look great in the yard. From grilling out to active games on the patio, these ideas are sure to keep your guests engaged and looking forward to the next big event at your place. 

    These garden party ideas are simple to carry-out with just a little advance planning and a few key accessories that complement your deck, firepit or picnic area. From gathering large and small, we help you cover all the little details! Read on for tips on hosting an unforgettable backyard garden party.

    Backyard Games Bash

    Everyone loves a bit of competition to celebrate. Think end-of-school, summer celebrations and post-sports gatherings. You can set up your backyard for fun, fun and more fun! This is one of those garden party ideas that never goes out of style. 

    From giant Jenga to corn hole, it’s easy to set up a huge backyard game zone for your guests, even on short notice. We’re talking croquet, bags, badminton, darts, bocce ball, and more. Stow it all in a storage container alongside your patio cushions and umbrella. Don’t forget the extra seating for your post-game social hour. You’ll go from dawn to dusk with a whimsical lamp that doubles as a charging station to keep the music and fun going all night long!

    Backyard Board Party

    We love a great board party indoors, so why not bring it outside? Garden party ideas don’t have to involve a lot of extra work for you. Have each of your guests come with a unique board potluck-style that they can display and share during an evening of fun! Guests bring the boards, you serve the drinks. This outdoor drinkware is the perfect accompaniment to the backyard garden board party. Keep your wine chilled in an ice bucket and you’ll soon be pairing the perfect wine and cheese charcuterie board for all to enjoy.

    DIY Grill Party

    Here’s another one of those garden party ideas for the minimalist cook. You provide the skewers and sit back while your guests do the rest. We recommend placing this quaint Eva Solo porcelain grill on a table or two and letting your guests cook their meal as they wish. Easy to set-up and clean, you’ll enjoy an evening under the stars as you become known as the host with the most unique and laid-back party style!

    The best part? You can use it to cook marshmallows after the main course has been enjoyed. It’s a win-win when it comes to amazing garden party ideas.

    The Classic Pool Party

    Boy under the water in a backyard pool

    If you count yourself among those lucky enough to have a pool in the yard, take advantage of every possible party moment. Everyone loves a pool on a hot day, so grab those pool noodles and some insulated tumblers and jump in with a splash. For a touch of fun, throw in some novelty pool toys for the kids (or the grown-ups!) and don’t forget to join in on the fun. 

    The Backyard Wine Tasting Party

    If you prefer to sip and serve, a wine tasting party is the perfect way to enjoy an evening with close friends. Some backyard garden party ideas go off without a hitch, and this is one of them. Simply visit your local winery or wine shop and ask for a variety of recommendations that you could share and enjoy at home and voila – you have planned your wine tasting party. Pull out a wine cart, some modern serveware, and your personally-selected varieties and let your guests enjoy. Want to elevate the tasting presentation to the next level? Go all-out with a decanter or this wine flight board, complete with chalk detailing to label each portion.

    Derby-Day Party

    Some garden party ideas have it all! Host a derby party and celebrate spring while watching the races and sipping delicious mint juleps. The Kentucky Derby is a favorite national horse racing event and the perfect excuse to dress up and wear a fascinator on your head too! Invite your guests to come in their best attire and bet on your favorite!

    The Backyard Tea Party

    Reading with tea and desserts outdoors

    Not into wine? We have an amazing alternative. The backyard tea party has re-emerged as one of those garden party ideas that stands the test of time. It seems old-fashioned, but what better way to collaborate with your colleagues or enjoy lunch with close friends and catch up on the latest and greatest. This classy backyard garden party trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Grab your favorite tea pot and heirloom set and pair it with an effortless sandwich plate or go British-style with a selection of home-cooked scones. The backyard tea party is perfect for book clubs or low-key birthday celebrations with a touch of class.

    Looking for More Garden Party Ideas?

    Our team is always keeping an eye out for new and fresh ideas. Browse our collection and shop artisanal decor and accessories for your next backyard garden party. Cribs is your resource for the best garden party ideas and patio style. Shop online at Cribsi and enjoy free US shipping on every order.

    Back to blog