When it comes to entertaining, garden parties are always a particular delight. The opportunity to make the most of pleasant weather, relax in the outdoors, dine alfresco, and quite literally smell the flowers is a tough one to pass up, and as summer takes hold, garden parties will become a fixture in many a calendar. 

Unfortunately, garden parties are not without their glitches; problems that can put a dampener on even the most meticulously-planned event. Below, we’ve highlighted the most common issues hosts of garden parties experience, as well as how these issues can be remedied with a little advance planning.

Garden Party Glitches - Solved!

GLITCH: Insects bothering guests and food
RESOLUTION: Create a no-fly zone

There are several things you can do to make your home unwelcoming to flies. There are a few ways to do this, and often, a mix will produce the best results. One option is to utilize the fact that flies don’t fly well in windy conditions; you could consult with the likes of an electrician to install a ceiling fan if you have a pagoda, or to install external sockets that you can plug a few fans into for the duration of your party. In addition, use fly paper and traps around the perimeter of your garden, and consider using a fly repellant spray in the hours before your party commences. Finally, it’s also helpful to be cautious about leaving food to the elements - use cloches or cake tins as covered storage to help prevent flies helping themselves to a delicious meal.
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​GLITCH: It starts to rain during the party
RESOLUTION: Be prepared to take the party inside

You could try hiring a marquee or similar structure just in case of rain, but marquees are large, unwieldy, and can be extremely costly to hire. Instead, it’s often best to just plan an alternative indoor party in the unfortunate event of adverse weather on the day of your get together. Ensure you keep guest numbers low enough so that everyone can retreat inside comfortably if required; choose a menu that can be cooked either in an indoor oven or an outdoor grill; and consider adding a few decorations to your home just in case more time has to be spent indoors than out.

GLITCH: Neighbor complaints 
RESOLUTION: Warn and involve your neighbours in advance

Even the most conscientious of parties can sometimes cause irritation for the people who live in close proximity; unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to prevent such problems when hosting a party in a residential area. From the potential inconvenience of a larger-than-normal amount of cars on the street to sounds of the party drifting to neighbors’ houses, there’s much for nearby residents to express concerns over. To help prevent such complaints, try to get in front of the problem: warn your neighbors in advance (notice of a week or more is preferable) along with a small gift of appreciation for their patience. You could also, space permitting, invite your neighbors to join in the fun. 

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In Conclusion:

By taking the steps listed above, you should hopefully be able to enjoy a simple, glitch-free garden party with your guests.

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