Garden party with lawn games
An English-style garden party with Pimm's, a croquet tournament, giant games and a summer buffet.
- Guests
- 15-50 guests
- Party length
- 4 hours
- Prep time
- Half a day
- Ages
- All ages
What it is
A summer garden party for all ages. Games are spread around the lawn so guests drift between them, there’s a jug of something cold, and a buffet that can sit out. Perfect for a summer birthday, an anniversary or just because.
Plan ahead
- Three weeks before: send invitations and plan for rain (a gazebo or marquee).
- One week before: borrow or buy croquet, giant games and boules. Hire extra chairs and tables if needed.
- The day before: make the buffet dishes and bake the cakes.
Set the scene
Bunting, mismatched china, jam jars of flowers, tablecloths on trestle tables, deckchairs and picnic blankets in the shade.
Activities
Croquet tournament
Doubles teams, 20-minute games, knockout to a final. Print a draw sheet and pin it to a board.
Giant games
Jenga, Connect 4, quoits, boules and skittles. Put a rules card at each.
Food and drink
- Quiche, coronation chicken, poached salmon, new potato salad, green salad
- Scones, Victoria sponge, strawberries and cream
- Pimm’s or fruit punch, elderflower cordial, lemonade, tea
Tips
- Put drinks in the shade and refill ice often.
- Have sunscreen and hats available.
On the day
- Arrival (30 min): a glass of fruit punch or Pimm's and a stroll round the games.
- Croquet tournament (60 min): doubles knockout.
- Buffet lunch (45 min).
- Giant games (45 min): giant Jenga, quoits, boules and Connect 4.
- Afternoon tea and cake (30 min).
Shopping list
croquet set garden
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giant jenga
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garden quoits set
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boules set
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garden party bunting
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large drinks dispenser
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