There's something about a garden dinner party that just feels effortless and magical all at once! The warm breeze, the string lights, the sound of clinking glasses with your favorite people. Whether you're hosting in a sprawling backyard or a cozy patio, this is one of those evenings that everyone leaves talking about. And the best part? With a little planning, it's way more doable than it looks.
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Prepping for Your Dinner Party
I'm breaking down everything you need to pull off the perfect garden dinner party... from the menu to the cocktails to the table decor, so all you have to do is enjoy it.
timing + planning
Send invites. Send invites 2-3 weeks in advance so guests can plan around the weather
Backup plan. Check the forecast and make sure you have a viable backup plan for your party!
Set your table. Aside from fresh florals (they may wilt), you can easily set your table the night before! Again, just be sure to check the weather.
food + drink
Menu planning. Choose at least 2-3 dishes that can be fully prepped the day before.
Batch cocktails. Opt for at least 1 cocktail that doesn't have any bubbly ingredients and can be fully prepped the day before! If you're looking at the list below, The French Blonde is a great option. Be sure to store any batched or prepped cocktails in an airtight container in the fridge.
the space
The set-up. String your lights and set up any decor the day before so you can see how it looks in the daylight and adjust
Bug repellent. If there's one thing a garden dinner party could attract, it's bugs. So be sure you have citronella candles or some sort of bug repellent.
Seating + space. Make sure you have enough seating and a spot for guests to gather before dinner
the party
Pre-party prep timing. Give yourself a hard stop on cooking 30 minutes before guests arrive so you can freshen up and actually enjoy the party
Easy cleanup. Have a basket or bin nearby for a quick cleanup between courses
Empty dishwasher. Be sure your dishwasher is empty if you aren't using disposable serveware!
Garden Dinner Party Menu
This burrata caprese appetizer is so simple and so delicious. The creamy burrata cheese on top of marinated fresh tomatoes, topped with fresh basil leaves and a balsamic reduction, will be your new favorite recipe!
You will love this easy whipped ricotta dip with honey. It is such a delicious appetizer made with simple ingredients and comes together in no time!
If you're looking for an easy appetizer recipe that's perfect for any time of year, you'll love making your own marinated mozzarella balls. With some fresh herbs, fresh mozzarella balls, and only minutes of your time, this recipe will definitely be on repeat. Let's make it!
If you're looking to stay cozy and have an at-home date night, what's better than popping on your most recent binge-watch or favorite movie? I love having a charcuterie board for two or a grazing board to snack on while cozied up on the couch. Here's how to make the best charcuterie board for two.
This white wine butter sauce is bright, fresh, rich, and pairs so well with so many dishes from pasta to seafood to chicken and even vegetables! Made with simple ingredients like fresh garlic cloves, olive oil, white wine, and unsalted butter, it’s a delicious sauce that feels fancy without any fuss.
I can't say I've ever been to La Scala, but what I can say is that I get why the Kardashians claim the famous La Scala Chopped Salad to be one of their favorite salads. This copycat viral recipe is amazing.
Looking for the ultimate cold pasta salad to serve at your next summer gathering? This Ditalini pasta salad is a crowd pleaser packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of crunch. Whether you're prepping for a family cookout, bringing a dish to a potluck, or planning easy lunches for the week, this creamy ditalini pasta recipe checks all the boxes.
This sun dried tomato pasta salad is one of my favorite pasta salad recipes for summer. It's so easy to whip together and perfect for any summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner.
These Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats are seriously the BEST. I think they are way better than Rice Krispie Treats, and they are the perfect no-bake summer dessert recipe and such a fun twist on a classic recipe!
This is one of my favorite cakes, ever. This Nothing Bundt Cake White Chocolate Raspberry is the perfect balance of sweetness mixed with a hint of tart from the raspberries. Let’s make it!
If you're looking for an easy way to make the best orange lemon cake, this is the recipe for you! I use lemon cake mix and orange gelatin to ensure you get the perfect cake with just a few ingredients.
If you love an easy dessert recipe and banana pudding, this banana pudding with Jello comes together in no time. It's delicious, it's simple, and it's truly the best banana pudding recipe. It's also the perfect dessert for all your summer parties!
Garden Dinner Party Cocktail ideas
When it comes to your garden dinner party menu, think fresh, seasonal, and anything that tastes even better eaten outside. The best garden party food leans into whatever's at its peak, bright herbs, crisp vegetables, and light dishes that don't weigh anyone down on a warm evening. I like to keep things simple but impressive: dishes you can mostly prep ahead so you're not stuck in the kitchen when your guests arrive.
If you are looking for a fun summer fruity cocktail, you have to try this simple lychee martini recipe! It's the perfect balance of flavors to make one delicious cocktail, and not to mention it is SO easy to make!
Looking for the perfect refreshing summer drink? This Hugo Spritz recipe is about to become your new favorite cocktail, especially if you're looking for a spritz recipe without Aperol or Campari. It's a delicious balance of floral flavor, subtle sweetness, and that crisp flavor from the bubbly prosecco that comes together for such a delightful cocktail, perfect for hot summer days.
This French blonde cocktail is crisp, light, flavorful, and easy to make! It's a classic cocktail that most recently became popular after being known as Taylor Swift's favorite cocktail.
If you're looking for your new favorite cocktail for the spring or summer, you're going to want to try this elderflower margarita. It's a fun, slightly floral, twist on the classic margarita recipe.
If you love Aperol spritzes, you have to try this refreshing Aperol martini! This vibrant cocktail is easy to make, crisp, and the perfect addition to any dinner party or happy hour.
This Lillet Rose Spritz is the perfect Valentine's Day spritz recipe. It's perfectly pink, so easy to make, and so delicious. You'll love it!
If you love the classic Aperol spritz, try this fruity twist! This strawberry Aperol spritz is the perfect summer cocktail. Plus, this summer drink comes together with a few simple ingredients in no time.
If you're looking for an alternative to a classic Aperol spritz, look no further than a refreshing Lillet spritz cocktail. It's such a simple spritz to make and is an ideal summer drink.
If you love margaritas and tequila cocktails, you are going to absolutely love this tequila daisy recipe. Think of it as the sophisticated, martini-style cousin of a classic margarita — same bright, citrusy flavor, just shaken and strained into a gorgeous cocktail glass. It's so easy to make, and once you try it, it'll be on repeat.
If you've been looking for a margarita that feels a little more special than your average lime-and-tequila situation, this coconut lavender margarita is exactly that. It's creamy, floral, and just the right amount of tropical, with a beautiful pale purple hue that makes it as gorgeous to look at as it is to drink.
Looking for a margarita that feels light, crisp, and so refreshing? This cucumber cilantro margarita is everything you want in a summer cocktail. With the cooling flavor of cucumber, the bright pop of fresh cilantro, and the zing of fresh lime juice, this drink is a must-try for warm days, backyard parties, or even a casual weeknight at home.
This vodka negroni is the perfect twist on the traditional negroni for those who may prefer a vodka cocktail over gin!
Table & Decor Ideas
- Linen tablecloth in white, ivory, or sage green. The simpler the better when the setting does the heavy lifting
- Fresh floral centerpiece: wildflowers, garden roses, or herbs like lavender and eucalyptus in a simple vase or mason jars
- Taper or pillar candles for ambiance as the sun goes down! They're non-negotiable!
- String lights overhead or draped along a fence or pergola
- Linen or cloth napkins tied with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a small flower
- Mismatched vintage-style glassware for an effortlessly collected look
- Potted herbs or small succulents as place settings that double as party favors
- A handwritten or printed menu card at each place setting for a polished touch
- Wicker charger plates or rattan placemats to bring in a natural texture
You can shop all my Garden Dinner Party picks on Amazon!
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