Your midsummer garden party essentials

The summer solstice this Thursday marks the height of summer and we’re celebrating the long evenings, warm temperatures and, of course, making any excuse to have friends over for a garden party.

You don’t need much either, a few basics will set the scene and ensure you linger outdoors well into the night. All you need to do is add some nibbles, an ice bucket of cold drinks and your nearest and dearest.

Festoon Lights

String lights add an instant festive feel and take no time to put up. Just be sure to buy hardy outdoor lights and take them in when that inevitable summer storm rolls in.

Cox&Cox Festoon Lights, around €52. SVARTRÅ lighting chain, €35, Ikea.

Table

You need a table, not necessarily for sitting around ( it doesn’t allow for mingling or dancing), but a large table is essential for stacking drinks and nibbles. If you don’t have a dedicated outdoor table, you can get a reasonably cheap folding table that can be quickly dressed up with some lovely tablecloth. Opt for a darker colour linen to hide any spillage.

Irish Linen Tablecloth, from €119, Chapel Lane. Washed linen tablecloth, €39.99, H&M. Folding catering table, €59.99, Woodies.

Flowers

Informal garden flowers are a super way to decorate. Some freshly picked flowers and greenery in glass bottles will do the trick or get help from a florist if you’d prefer. Both The Garden and The Crate do beautiful informal arrangements.

Fire pit

There is nothing nicer than sitting around a fire with good friends till all hours of the night. Make sure to have enough logs to last till dawn.

Cast iron garden brazier, Price: €99, Howbert&Mays.

Throws

When the sun does eventually set and the chill creeps in, have some throws to wrap up with. We love Sackcloth and Ashes – they give a blanket to a homeless shelter for every blanket purchased.

TRIBAL Gold, around €92 Sackcloth and Ashes. Maldwyn Stripe Blanket in blue, around €270, Mourne Textiles.

Music

You can’t have a party without music. A good quality portable speaker with a long battery life is well worth the investment.

A2 Active speaker, €399, Bang & Olufsen, Duke Street, Dublin. Beolit 17 speaker, €499. Bang & Olufsen, Duke Street, Dublin.

Featured image: Housedoctor