I love nothing more than entertaining in the summer, with the smell of cut grass, and soaking up the sun whilst having fun!
But having a garden party does come with it’s own obstacles so I have some awesome tips to help you make the absolute most of your party in the great outdoors.
In the past, I have been greeted with the smallest of gardens, with no room to play party games and even less room for the children to express themselves.
I have also had to combat with the good old British weather as well as garden equipment and a better playroom than I could ever contend with!
Let’s learn from my mistakes and other party mistakes so that your next garden party goes without a hitch.
Prepare for all weathers
Ah the great British weather – known for being unpredictable, all seasons in one day and something we just love to moan about!
Our ideal scenario would be to have a beautiful summer’s day, not too hot but hot enough that we’re not putting a cardigan on.
Even checking the weather right up to the day of your party isn’t guaranteed to make the sun stay so have a back up plan no matter what.
I still turn up regardless of rain, snow, or heatwaves so it is essential that you don’t cancel your party but prepare for all weathers.
If it is predicted to rain:
- make sure your home has enough room to house your guests.
- have a closed marquee/gazebo so we can still party in the garden but are protected from the showers.
- Have an idea of where my equipment can be put undercover or indoors without being affected.
If it is predicted to be dry but hot:
- make sure there is a shaded area or cover not only for my equipment but for your guests too
- supply sun cream in case your guests have forgotten to put it on
- If you are inviting lots of children make sure there is room in your house if we have to make a mad dash inside from the downpours!
- supply water/drinks constantly to keep your guests hydrated
Make sure your garden is big enough
If you are lucky enough to have any sort of garden to have a party in, then it is a great way to save money and not have to book a venue.
However, there have been a few occasions that stand out for me where I have turned up with all my equipment and by the time I set it up, there has just been no room whatsoever for the children to have fun or move!
I have been squashed into a corner, set up on brickwork, and even had to not have my magic box out because there was no room for it!
Bear in mind when planning your garden party that once I have set up, there should be room for the amount of kids you have invited to have a boogie at arms length.
Once you invite the children, parents usually like to stay too so make sure you have some room for them to watch.
Space then becomes extremely limited even if you think you have a big garden!
My best tip?
Keep the parents inside your kitchen/living room whilst the children play outside!
If you don’t think your garden is big enough, consider hiring a venue, local community centre or village hall to put your mind at rest.
Remove distractions!
There is nothing disheartening to a children’s entertainer when they turn up to entertain for your guests to find they are competing with a trampoline/swings/Wendy house/inflatable/soft play ,etc!
With garden parties, you have to be aware that if you have the biggest slide or tree-house, that no amount of entertainment is going to distract them from the awesome play equipment your house has!
If you physically cannot remove such items, attempt to block them off in some way to stop the children from playing on them for an hour or so.
After all, you’re paying all that money for me to entertain your guests when you find all the children want to do is run around and play on your garden toys, and I don’t blame them!
After I have finished, they can have their free time after which stops them from running around your house and they still get time to play with any equipment or toys that have been left out.
Having a garden party with an entertainer can really make a child’s birthday a memorable one, when they look back and remember those sunny days shared with their closest friends and family, with someone like Jelly Jade bringing the laughs and thrills.
For more party planning ideas, have a look at my Etsy shop!
Book me for your next party:
Whatsapp 07800563932
Email – info@partywithjellyjade.co.uk
Jelly Jade xx