Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a new job, an engagement or simply the beautiful weather, the summer is the perfect time for a party. Giving you the ideal opportunity to show off your outside space, whip up some delicious delights and enjoy the sunshine, a summer party is the perfect way to make the most of the season.

If you’re thinking about hosting a get together in your garden this summer, here are our five top tips for planning the perfect summer soiree.

1. Light it up

Though summer evenings stretch late into the night, you’ll still need to invest in some lights if you want the party to continue after the sun has gone down. Solar lights are ideal for summer parties. Cheap and easy to set up, they come in a huge range of styles, making them ideal for gardens of all shapes and sizes.

2. Provide some heat

Even the balmiest summer evenings can become chilly after sunset. To keep your guests comfortable, provide some blankets, invest in a patio heater or light a bonfire to keep the cold at bay.

3. Seating

Thinking about seating is a key aspect of party planning. Too little and your guests will get tired and fed up, too much and people may fail to mingle. Think about creating a choice of seating areas in your garden for guests to enjoy. A few outdoor beanbags can make a great space for chilling out while garden chairs and tables are perfect for guests who want to chat.

4. Give them shelter

If the sun is blazing in the sky, your guests will need somewhere a little shady to relax and cool off. This is especially true for children and older people who’ll need to stay in the shade for much of the day. If you choose a shelter that’s also waterproof, it will protect your guests in case of a sudden downpour.

5. Have a plan B

Once you’ve sent out the party invitations, it will be very difficult to change the date so if the weather forecast is looking iffy, you’ll need to come up with a plan B. Try to find an inside space that’s warm and dry that you can use at short notice if the heavens do open and be sure to include it in the invite.

At Putty Print, you can create personalised party invitations whatever occasion you choose to celebrate at your summer party.