Hosting a summer garden party is the perfect way to make the most of the brighter, warmer months. And an opportunity for the best dresses and summer hats to come out! As leading corporate and private event planners, we have a host of extravagant summer events planned for our clients this season. Each is individually designed to perfectly suit the client, guests and location. There are however some popular themes that summer party revellers will be enjoying. In our collection of four luxury summer garden party ideas, you’ll be taken from an exotic, vibrant Moroccan-inspired party to Bridgerton, Glastonbury and beyond.
But first, here’s why we think you should choose a theme for your luxurious summer garden party…
Choosing a theme or design for your summer garden party will make it cohesive and provide memorable touches that elevate the entire event. Coordinated décor. Attire. Ambience. All serve to unify your party and create a unique and immersive experience. Styling the party also helps with planning. It provides a clear direction around food, music, entertainment, and activities. At TLC we interrogate every aspect of the event to see how we can infuse it with the overall theme. Even the smallest of details adds to the luxe experience.
Theming of your luxurious summer garden party can also create excitement and anticipation. Give a sense of the event journey with an initial save-the-date, then take it through every stage to the main event. It will be an experience to remember.
So, what are TLC’s four luxury summer garden party ideas for 2024?
MOROCCAN THEMED SUMMER GARDEN PARTY
The first of our four luxury summer garden party ideas transports your guests to mystical Morocco. An enchanting land, filled with vibrant colours, rich textures, and exotic flavours.
Make your focal point a brightly coloured, elaborate tent, which will also provide shelter from the elements. Introduce dessert sands to create a unique experience. Infuse your space with jewel-toned patterned and woven fabrics with sumptuous velvets and vibrant linen drapery to add a sense of luxury. Hang intricate gold metal lanterns to light and a warm welcoming glow to your garden party.
Vivid colours and patterns are a key feature. Add bright indigo blues, emerald greens, rich purple, and vivid fuchsia pink alongside terracotta walls and classic tiled mosaics. Mosaic side tables will also help to create the vibe.
Low tables with ornate tableware, scatter rugs and colourful pouffes will provide a comfortable themed seating area for guests. Arrange plush cushions to evoke the opulence of Moroccan interiors.
Moroccan food will fill the party space with enticing aromas. Sweet, fragrant spices. Colourful tagines and salads. Delicious Msemen. The menu should feature Moroccan delicacies, sweet Baklava, and mezze platters, accompanied by mint tea and spiced cocktails.
To enhance the ambience, play traditional Moroccan music and consider hiring a belly dancer, a fire eater, or setting up a henna tattoo station. Add a drumming class for an immersive experience. Berber drumming is a big part of Moroccan culture and can be just as big at your event. These elements will transport your guests to a Moroccan oasis, making your party a truly unforgettable experience.
BRIDGERTON THEMED SUMMER GARDEN PARTY
We couldn’t ignore the Netflix series of the moment in our fantastic summer party themes for 2024. Hold your own regency ball. Find tips in the LA Times here: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2024-06-13/bridgerton-season-3-ball-scenes-botanical-ball
For décor, a Botanical Ball hosted by the Modrich family in season three would make for fantastic styling. Incorporate seasonal floral arrangements as stunning centrepieces and accents throughout your seating area. If you have a conservatory or orangery create a seamless outdoor indoor experience filling the room with floral artistry.
Over table floral chandeliers, towering floral sculptures and framed floral artwork. More is most definitely more when it comes to flowers.
No walled area? Host an elegant tea party OUTSIDE. Use tableware, such as fine China or crystal glassware. Tip – you can use table lamps with LED battery-operated bulbs to create an indoor feel to your outdoor party scape. Yes, you can use this in the garden as it further elevates the dining experience. If this all feels a little too formal then why not recreate the Bridgerton picnic of the latest series, complete with a hot air balloon.
Serve an aristocratic high tea as one of your luxury summer garden party ideas – delicate scones and finger sandwiches arranged on beautiful, tiered stands. Bring out the lawn games as we saw the Bridgerton family enjoy at the end of season two. Incorporate horse or pony rides for the little ones.
Don’t forget the music, Bridgerton is famed for arranging contemporary songs in a style more fit for the Regency era which you can ask a live quartet to do. 
The use of colour in Bridgerton is very important. Choose which family you wish to emulate or have your guests choose and dress accordingly. For example, the Featheringtons use bright clashing citrus shades, whereas the Bridgerton family are renowned for their regency blue.
Green and pink featured prominently in the latest season and of course, there is Queen Charlotte. Often gilded but with pops of bright colour to denote her royal status. Decorate your tables according to your chosen ‘house’.
FESTIVAL THEMED SUMMER GARDEN PARTY
We’ve all been glued to Glastonbury as the likes of Dua Lipa, Cindy Lauper, Coldplay and SZA had us mesmerised and you could feel the good vibes emanating. This type of party is so much fun and because we’re organising garden parties in the great outdoors, you’re already halfway there.
My main tip here would be to bring in live music – channel your budget to the best you can afford. Tribute acts work well, or a band that will do covers from different bands to get the party started. Choose your set list according to Glastonbury’s Hall of Fame, or why not stream the actual festival on a big screen, it’s all available on BBC iPlayer for quite a while.
Personalised VIP wristbands on entry add the festival vibe. Set up different stages for different styles of entertainment. Roving bands immersed in the crowd. A kid’s area with face painting and temporary tattoos.
The food must be street food, ideally served from vans or interactive stations dotted around the outdoor space. Burgers, hot dogs, popcorn. Add a VW gin bar and converted horsebox beer stall. Ensure all the guests dress in their best festival gear and it really will feel like you’re at the hottest festival in town. 
COUNTRY HOEDOWN THEMED SUMMER GARDEN PARTY
Beyonce has made country music cool again. And everyone from Post Malone to Shaboozy is jumping on the bandwagon.
If your property or outdoor space has a disused barn or outbuilding, then THIS is the party theme for you. Even if not, all you need do is arrange a canopy for cover and stack hay bales around the space for improvised seating areas. Hoist up the bunting or string lights. Line your tables with gingham or simple white linens and rustic floral arrangements to your colour theme.
Offer guests a personalised cowboy hat – Rhinestones will add a little Beyonce bling.
Of course, the most important part of a hoedown is the music, so bring in a band that knows their country. As a bonus, why not employ a line dance instructor to teach your crowd how to party like it’s not their first rodeo? A mechanical bull and a game of horseshoes is a must have.
Food should be Texan/American – marinated grilled steaks, ribs, brisket, mac ‘n’ cheese. A smoker or BBQ would work brilliantly. Ensure there are lots of sides and salads to bring colour and variety to the table. Cool beers are a must. And Texas cowboys are whisky drinkers. So, provide a collection of whiskey cocktails named after famous cowboys and served in tin cups to add some fun to the drinks.
TIPS FOR ADDING LUXURY TO YOUR GARDEN PARTY
Once you have chosen which of our luxury summer garden party ideas to use, there are lots of ways you can elevate your party to the next level. No matter what the theme, here are just a few…
Offer Signature Cocktails
Signature cocktails add a special touch to your event. They can be just regular cocktails of course but name them after themes for your event. Hire a mixologist to rove around the event blending drinks to order. Don’t forget to offer non-alcoholic options, virgin versions are nearly always easy to make and will ensure guests feel catered to.
Add Personal Touches
Personal touches can elevate your party from ordinary to extraordinary. Sending out elegant, themed invitations gives your guests a hint of the luxury to come. Consider offering thoughtful party favours such as personalised cowboy cantinas, or the essential American ‘doggie bag’ filled with sweet treats to take home. Try to theme them not just to the event but to the guests as well. A personalised bandana for your hoedown or a fancy fan embellished with their initials for Bridgerton.
Prepare for Comfort
Finally in our luxury summer garden party ideas, ensure your guests’ comfort throughout the event. Provide ample shade and shelter with umbrellas or a canopy to protect from the sun (or rain). Cooling stations with fans or misters can help guests stay refreshed, and stylish citronella candles or insect repellents help to keep pests at bay.
Focus on creating a beautiful setting, offering delectable food, and ensuring everyone feels pampered and you won’t go far wrong whatever the theme of your next party!
THE LAST HURRAH
Head over to Pinterest for a host of gorgeous Moroccan party décor ideas https://www.pinterest.com/zoharproductions/moroccan-party-decor/