The garden plants and greenery act as an amazing backdrop to your gathering. If your soiree is going to be heading into dusk, once the natural light fades, use lots of string lights for a subtle glow, they create such a magical atmosphere and you could also add in a smattering of lanterns too which will really ramp up those Mediterranean holiday vibes. When it comes to the table, portable lamps are a game-changer. Their soft glow effortlessly ramps up the ambience and impart intriguing shadows.

Making the table look inviting for a garden party couldn't be simpler as it's all about creating that natural laid back, undone vibe. Adding extra faux botanicals echoes the surroundings and fully immerses you into the garden feel. Whether you choose to put together a bouquet of faux flowers or choose to have bud vases filled with just a few stems, artificial botanicals are a subtle addition to your table decor but vital for those ambient outdoor feels.

Once you have your styling essentials nailed, it's time for tableware, pile up plates and bowls and gather your glasses rather than set individual place settings, this gives a more easy going friendly feel for your guests.  

For a laid back garden party, having a varied mix of seating and dining options adds to the friendly feel. Create an outdoor lounge area for your guests to mingle and relax by using your inside styling skills and utilising them outside. A comfy sofa, side tables and maybe a pouffe or two will give that inside outside feel. Use the furniture you already have inside to re-create a smooth transition from the house (just remember to protect it from the weather if necessary).

An essential if your gathering lingers a little longer after the sun sets is a chiminea or fire pit to create a warming focal point. There's nothing like the pull of the flame to give your get-together a cosy ambience just throw on a couple of logs and let your guests bask in the warmth.