Sunnier days are around the corner (we promise!), and you may be looking forward to celebrating with a garden party. Not much is better than inviting your friends and family around for a soiree under the stars on a warm summer's evening. However, getting your garden ready for the occasion may seem like a big task, especially if you didn't give it much TLC over the winter.
Be sure to check these five jobs off your list and your garden will be guest-ready in no time.
1. Love your lawn
Giving the lawn a quick trim is the quickest way to smarten up your outdoor space. If you're in the market for a new mower, the cordless Gtech Cordless Lawnmower 2.0 scored well in the GHI's most recent tests, with testers finding that it was particularly effective at cutting different heights of grass.
If you really want to impress, choose a mower with a built-in roller for that bowling green, perfect-striped effect. This is created by bending and flattening the grass slightly in opposite directions, so light catches differently on the blades.
The secret to achieving enviable lines is to use something straight, such as a fence, as a visual guide. Ensure that the first stripe runs parallel to this, then line up each subsequent one with the edge of the one before.
Turn the mower around 180 degrees and mow in the opposite direction after you complete each stripe. As you mow, focus on a point around 3m ahead of you to help you steer in a straight line.
2. Look out for the edges
To complete the look, smarten up lawn edges and borders using a grass trimmer, such as the Stihl FSA 56 Set or the Husqvarna 115iL Grass Trimmer.
No time to invest in gadgetry before you welcome guests? Use garden shears, hedge clippers or even a sharp pair of scissors to trim the most visible borders (probably those nearest the patio) by hand. The rest can wait.
3. Take on the grime
Use a pressure washer to clean the patio and hose down garden furniture that has gathered cobwebs, dust and grime over the winter. The Mac Allister MPWP130FTP Medium Duty Pressure Washer is our top scorer.
Failing that, use water, a drop of washing-up liquid and a stiff-bristled brush - along with a dose of elbow grease - to smarten up the patio, or wipe down garden furniture with a damp, soft cloth.
4. Make it shine!
While you have the pressure washer out, it's worth giving the patio or bi-fold doors a clean, too. Take care not to overlook the door surround or sills, where dirt often accumulates.
Follow-up by adding extra sparkle to glass panes. For a professional finish, use an exterior window cleaner such as Squeegee Off. Dilute in water following the instructions and apply to glass panes using a soft cloth. Use a squeegee, such as the Unger 10in Stainless Steel Streak Free Glass Squeegee, to remove excess liquid.
Alternatively, wash panes with a solution of distilled white vinegar and water, then polish with a fine microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish.
5. Give the barbecue the once-over
Check your barbecue is ready for action. If you have a charcoal barbecue, scoop out any long-forgotten ashes and dispose of them. Remove the grate and leave it to soak in warm, soapy water, or tackle tougher cooking residue with a specialist cleaner, such as Weber Barbeque Grate Cleaner. Scrub with a wire barbecue brush, metal scourer or a ball of scrunched up kitchen foil.
Now just add some sun, good company, delicious food and a glass of something refreshing and you're all ready for a lovely time!
Our favourite summer garden party decorations
Adding ambient lighting to your outside space is a great way to get you feeling ready for an evening garden party. These pretty lantern lights from M&S can be put anywhere in your garden to illuminate the space.
Fortnum & Mason's Fortnum’s Hamper Tote with Waterproof Picnic Blanket
Kilner Kilner 5 Litre Clip Top Drinks Dispenser
A drinks dispenser is a must-have piece for larger garden parties. Simply fill with water to keep your guests refreshed — or use it to serve your favourite co*cktails!
John Lewis John Lewis High Summer Melamine Picnic Dinner Plate, Set of 4
While you can use your normal dinner plates outside, opting for melamine is a great option for outside dining and picnics due to its durability. This design from John Lewis is so pretty and perfect for summer.
Collaborating with Laduree, Meri Meri have released these beautiful floral paper plates. Perfect for delicate tea parties in the garden!
These fantastic sphere LED lights create a really beautiful effect in the garden for any party that may venture into the early hours.
Inspired by holidays in Ibiza, this natural bamboo lantern bamboo lantern is great for adding a touch of festival glamour to your garden.
Oliver Bonas Bloom Blue & Green Floral Garden Parasol
Feel regal when keeping in the shade this summer with this cotton parasol. Shade your food and drinks, or shelter from light summer showers in style.
The White Company Mango Wood Hurricane Candle Holder
Mouth-blown in India, so each piece is truly unique, this natural mango-wood base is the perfect size for a pillar candle or some tealights.
Extreme Lounging Extreme Lounging Mighty B Outdoor Bean Bag in Berry
If you're hosting guests and find you're a seat short at your garden bistro table, adding a beanbag is a great and stylish way to solve a space problem. This one comes in seven fun colour options.
Lights4Fun Flower Micro Fairy Lights
Add some flowers to your garden with these beautiful fairy lights. Weave them into your flowerbeds for an extra special look during the evening.
An outside lantern will add a touch of sophistication to any summer garden party. Simply add your favourite candle to create a warm and cosy atmosphere.
These toadstool shaped lights are just too cute! Adults and kids alike will adore them.
The White Company Oversized Round Whitewashed Rattan Tray
Whether you're serving food or drinks, a rattan tray is a stylish addition to any outside dining table during a party.
Ellen Merchant Set of 3 Ellen Merchant Melamine Side Plates
Designed by Ellen Merchant for Anthropologie, this set of three melamine plates are just waiting for your summer picky bits to be placed upon them.
Partner In Wine Insulated Stainless-Steel Wine Bottle
Keep your tipples cool all summer long in this super stylish wine bottle from Partner In Wine.
Flair Moretti Indoor Outdoor Rug, from £39
Elevate your outside space by adding an outdoor rug. It will help you and guests feel at home as you spend time outside.
Not On The High Street Table Top Fire Pit
Create a great romantic fireplace atmosphere with a table top fire pit. Keep warm as the evenings draw in, and even toast a marshmallow or two.
Business & Pleasure Co. Business & Pleasure Co. Beach Tent
If you've got a big garden and want to create your own little haven, you'll love these beach style tent. Whether you're setting up camp for a party in the back garden, or packing it away for a holiday, this UV-protected and water-resistant tent will protect you from both sunshine and rain, and is super stylish.
Sarah Raven Colourful Solar Globes
These pretty multicoloured bulbs are perfect for hanging in a tree. Each bulb will automatically come on at dusk, powered by a solar panel.
M&S Collection Set of 2 Lemon Outdoor Cushions
Bring the Amalfi Coast to your garden with these beautiful, watercolour design cushions. Featuring zingy lemons, stripes, dots and waves, you'll feel like you're in a restaurant at the seaside.
Anthropologie Set of 4 Lucia Goblet Wine Glasses
Perfect for having the girls around, this set of four pink wine goblets are just calling your name for Friday night drinks.
Marks & Spencer Bar Mains Neon Light
Transforming your garden space into a bar this summer? Well then you'll need a sign! Happy hour is calling.
Guests will never want to leave after a sunny afternoon spent in this gorgeous strawberry print hammock. Sit back and enjoy summer days with a book and something delicious to drink!
