- Feel Good
- 20th Jun 2025
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- 0 minute
How to host a chic outdoor garden party this summer
As soon as the sun sticks around long enough for a second glass of wine, the garden party season in the North East officially begins.
Whether it’s a birthday gathering, baby shower, or just an excuse to get everyone together, a well-hosted outdoor bash can feel like a mini holiday – no passport needed.
We’ve gathered inspiration from some of the North East’s best local stylists, caterers, florists and hire pros to help you throw a garden gathering that’s effortlessly elegant, seasonally on-point, and just the right side of extra.
Styling: Effortless vibes only
Creating the perfect garden party vibe is all about layering – think soft linens, textured cushions, and a consistent colour palette. No Ordinary Event, based in the region, is known for styling intimate gatherings with a personal twist. Their setups often feature relaxed seating, natural materials, and statement balloons or props that instantly elevate a simple garden space into something worthy of a celebration.
Need to hire in extras? The Low Fell Hire Company and The Whole Sch-bang in Gateshead offer everything from boho rugs to vintage crockery. It’s a great way to make your setup look thoughtful without needing to raid the high street.
Add in ambient lighting with lanterns or festoon lights, and you’ve got yourself a setting that works well into the evening.
Florals: Go fresh, seasonal, and local
When it comes to flowers, British-grown blooms are the best way to make your party look (and smell) incredible. Whether you’re going for a coloured theme or something simple, floral arrangements are guaranteed to make the space pop. Flowers Unlimited based in rural Northumberland, specialise in relaxed, romantic arrangements using seasonal stems like cosmos, peonies, cornflowers, and herbs.
Tabletop bud vases, hanging flower clouds, or one stunning centrepiece can completely transform your table without needing to go overboard. And for something longer-lasting, dried flowers from local makers like The Dry Décor in Washington are a chic, sustainable option that double as décor and favours.
Food: Graze all day
Forget three-course meals – the secret to a chic garden party menu is simplicity and abundance. Grazing tables packed with local cheeses, fruits, cured meats, and fresh bread are always a hit. Newcastle-based Jasmine’s Canapes offers gorgeous sharing setups that let guests nibble at their leisure while you actually enjoy your own party.
If you’re after hot food with a twist, book a local food truck – Scream for Pizza’s mobile wood-fired van is a winner – or go for French-style picnic boxes from The French Oven in Grainger Market, packed with seasonal salads, pastries, and tarts.
Sweet tooth? Opt for mini cakes, local strawberries with cream, or a help-yourself Eton Mess bar.
Drinks: Batch cocktails and local spirits
An outdoor bar doesn’t need to be complicated. Pre-mix a few signature cocktails in jugs (we love a strawberry gin fizz or a cucumber elderflower spritz) using local spirits like Poetic License or Hepple Gin. Add fresh fruit and herbs for an easy wow-factor.
Set up a drinks station with reusable glassware, garnishes, and chilled sparkling water on ice for a self-serve setup that looks as good as it tastes. Vintage mobile bars like Nickynoo can also be hired for private garden parties across Northumberland if you want someone else to shake and stir.
Décor: Sustainable and stylish
It’s easy to be both sustainable and stylish. Swap single-use plastics for compostable serve ware or hire reusable tableware from local eco-conscious businesses like Crosby Hire Newcastle. Try beeswax candles, natural fibre tablecloths, and handmade bunting to make for eco-friendly touches that still feel party-worthy.
Solar fairy lights and LED lanterns are an easy way to keep the atmosphere glowing once the sun sets.
Music to set the mood
A curated playlist is the final ingredient. Think soulful background tracks, chilled indie favourites, or some funky classics to get people dancing barefoot on the lawn. If you want to go all-out, consider booking a local acoustic act – the North East is packed with rising talent, who are known for intimate, soulful sets perfect for garden vibes.
The best part about throwing a garden party? There are no rules. Whether you go full luxe with a styled tablescape and a caterer, or keep it low-key with friends, blankets and fizz, the magic is in the details – and the people.
So, get the invites out, prep your playlist, and cross your fingers for sunshine. Summer in the North East just got a lot more stylish.
Because nothing says ‘main character’ quite like rosé in the sunshine.
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