How to host a garden party on a budget: everything you actually need
This is the only garden party essentials list you need
The sun is shining, the plants are blooming, and a J2O is calling my name. It’s garden party season. Whether you’re a planner or a last-minute kind of person, we all know how expensive garden parties can be. It’s easy to think you need to buy tons of bits and pieces to make the occasion feel special, but that’s not the case.
Today, I’m cutting right to the chase to tell you everything you actually need to host a garden party on a budget. And it’s not just the bare minimum. I’m talking everything from food & drink, to decor, entertainment, and more. Here’s what you’ll need, and some easy ways to cut costs too.
Garden party essentials list
To host the ultimate garden party on a budget, you’ll need food & drink, enough seating and plates, picnic blankets, garden decor, and some games for entertainment.
Garden party ideas on a budget
Low budget £30-£50:
- Make your own food
- Bring a board night to split the cost
- Decorate using what you already have
- Borrow chairs and plates from friends or family
Medium budget £50-£100:
- Supermarket food that caters for your party size
- A few drink options
- Garden lights
- Picnic blankets for more seating
Garden party on a budget: what do you actually need?
Food & drink
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 | Row 0 - Cell 3 |
Do | Make sure you have enough food for your guests | Choose 1-2 higher-quality food items | Buy multi-packs of drinks to cater for guests |
Don't | Buy too much food that will go to waste | Purchase an expensive alcohol selection | Row 2 - Cell 3 |
Easy way to cut costs on food & drink:
- Make your own instead of buying food
- Account for leftovers
- Work out how many portions you’ll need
- Have each guest bring a board to share the cost
- Check what food is on offer with reward cards
If you’re struggling with what to serve at a garden party, one of the easiest ideas is to do a BBQ. And if you’re keen to do it without overspending, I took a deep dive into which supermarket offers the best value BBQ food of 2026 - spoilers, it’s not M&S.
As for the best garden party drink ideas, your best bet is to have a drink station on a table where people can help themselves to beverages and ice. Split the cost and effort by having people bring their own favourites. Alternatively, do a poll with your guests and buy the top two most popular options.
Table setting
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 | Row 0 - Cell 3 |
Do | Mix and match crockery you own | Borrow extra plates from friends & family | Use the serveware you already own to create a table setting |
Don't | Purchase brand new crockery for a one-off occasion | Worry about having matching crockery and serveware | Row 2 - Cell 3 |
Easy way to cut costs on table setting:
- Make your own place cards
- Purchase paper plates instead of buying new serveware
- Use large chopping boards to serve food
- Utilise casserole dishes to serve food
I adore hosting, and for me, one of the best parts is the table setting. But decorating your table doesn’t have to mean showstopping centrepieces and brand new accessories. It’s all about using things that you already have to create a table that looks special but costs nothing.
Garden decorations
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 | Row 0 - Cell 3 | Row 0 - Cell 4 |
Do | Utilise things you already own | Light candles to set the mood | Hang fairy lights | DIY your own bunting |
Don't | Buy new decor for the occasion | Purchase balloon arches for a one-off occasion | Row 2 - Cell 3 | Row 2 - Cell 4 |
Easy way to cut costs on garden decor:
- Check out our latest Home & Garden vouchers and discount codes.
- Borrow decor from friends and family
- Go to car boot sales
- Have a look at charity shops
Most, if not all, of my own garden decor is actually secondhand. With half of it being charity shop bargains and the other half handed down from family, it's meant that my garden sure looks Pinterest worthy without having to spend a lot of money.
Seating
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 | Row 0 - Cell 3 | Row 0 - Cell 4 |
Do | Borrow furniture from friends or family | Use crates or benches as alternative seating | Use blankets and/or picnic blankets for floor seating | Bring indoor furniture outside |
Don't | Purchase expensive outdoor furniture | Worry about expensive cushions | Row 2 - Cell 3 | Row 2 - Cell 4 |
Easy way to cut costs on outdoor furniture:
- Ask guests to bring chairs
- Use picnic blankets on the floor instead
- Shop secondhand
I only have four outdoor chairs. That means whenever I host in my garden, I have to be savvy with what I already own. In practise, that looks like bringing dining chairs outside, getting the camp chairs out of the shed, and laying picnic blankets on the floor. You seriously don't need to buy any more chairs - you'd be surprised how much you already own.
Garden preparation
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 | Row 0 - Cell 3 |
Do | Tidy your space | Remove weeds | Re-arrange the area |
Don't | Purchase brand-new outdoor plants | Buy garden decor on a whim | Try to give your garden an entire makeover |
Easy way to cut costs on gardening:
- Bring indoor plants outside to add greenery
- Make your own bouquet with freshly cut flowers
- Work with what you’ve got
- Stay on top of weeding to help your space feel tidy
With an upcoming garden party, you might be tempted to splurge on new garden decor. Instead, try these easy, beginner-friendly gardening ideas that look expensive to help elevate your outdoor space.
How to make a garden party look good
Think greenery, homemade bunting, and outdoor lighting. Create zones for a drink station, a games area, and a place to relax with picnic blankets. The quickest way to elevate your outdoor space is by layering. Use tablecloths and decorate with candles, books, and plants.
Garden party activity ideas
If you’re after some garden party activity ideas, try these:
- Garden games like giant Jenga
- Outdoor movie night with a projector & blankets
- Spotify jam on a speaker
- Scavenger hunt where the winner gets a prize
- Bring a board to split the cost and effort of hosting
- Bake off, where you present and rank each other’s desserts
- Games tournament
