10 Ideas For The Perfect Summer Party

Bring in the warm summer nights in style with these ideas for revamping your outdoor space for the perfect garden party.

From boozy carriages to LED lawn cubes, these accessories and lounges will make for a memorable summer night. Whether you want to throw a luxe garden party or a low-key film night on the lawn, there’s a little something for every personality here.

Try a new spin (literally) on the classic cooler

Wait, a cooler that can double as a wagon for your toddler and wine spritzer? Must-have. Just kidding, while we definitely don’t recommend adding small children to this little VW cooler, you have to admit it’s an adorable way to store and transport your favorite drinks. The perfect merge between function and form, all wrapped into one boozy wagon.

Break out the string lights and paper lanterns

String lights and paper lanterns aren’t exactly a “new” trend – we’ve known about their ambient greatness for a while now – but nevertheless they’re must-have for summer parties. Try wrapping a few strings around your favorite tree, rather than the balcony or poles, and move your outdoor seating under your favorite branch for a whimsical nature fest.

You can order the entire garden bundle here.

Find the perfect tree hammock

Why opt for boring lawn chairs when you can swing your way into a summer night? This circular hammock is one way to lounge, and hammocks normally only fit one person, your garden guests will love their private lounge in the trees.

You can get this hammock from Design 3000 here.

Light up the night with LED light cubes

These multicolored outdoor LED light cubes will add a little element of rave-meets-whimsy to your party. No one wants strobing, flashing lights at a classy garden party, but that doesn’t mean you have to ditch the night glow either.

Multicoloured Outdoor LED Cube Table / Stool

LED cubes can be found by Limelace here.

Grab a chair that multi-functions

A beach-porch-rocking chair in a cool turquoise hue? Yes, please. This folding chair won’t get its legs stuck in the grass and you can rock the night away while listening to some jams on these classic tabletop radios, too.

Want this folding rocking chair? You can pick it up here.

Get yourself a little balcony tray bar

For those living in urban dwellings without a lot of table space, try a balcony tray bar to hold your small plates and cocktails. This version doubles as a planter and reminds us of the old drive-in movie theater trays. It’s a modern, functional approach to city living, while still keeping your surrounding space free for roaming.

Buy the porch bar here.

The ultimate boat-inspired hammock

If you don’t have a tree in your backyard for a hammock, or if your little garden tree can’t bear the weight, try a standalone wooden one instead. The design of this hand-crafted New Zealand hammock is reminiscent of a classic sailboat and your design-savvy guests will appreciate the smooth curves and durable Kwila hardwood.

Get the boat-inspired hammock here.

Pile on the multi-colored textiles

Colorful fabrics and textiles always make the world a little bit brighter. Consider piling fun fabrics and throws around your outdoor furniture for an exotic lounge look.

Textile throws can be found here.

Find a garden daybed or make your own

…that is, if you can afford one. The tented, circular bed is great for intimate gatherings, but a blow-up mattress with soft sheets and fun textiles (like above) will do the trick just as well. Garden parties should be relaxed and easy-going, (think 1920s lawn parties for inspiration) so any excuse to epically lounge is good enough.

…and obviously you need a portable barbecue

What party is complete without a barbecue? If you don’t have the room or funds to buy a full outdoor grill, consider a mini-portable one for smaller gatherings. This retro-styled barbecue is perfect for picnics, riverside summer shindigs, and romantic parties for two.

Get this portable barbecue from annabeljames here.

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