A garden bar gives you a reason to have people round. A theme gives them a reason to come. The best garden bar evenings are simple, sociable and planned around the space rather than squeezed into it.
Evening ideas
- Quiz night: teams, a printed quiz and a prize. Easy to host and very sociable.
- Sports night: the big match on screen. See sports bar shed.
- Pub classics night: crisps, pork scratchings or vegetarian alternatives, pub games and a chalkboard menu.
- Tasting evening: a few alcohol-free or low-strength options compared side by side, with water and food.
- Barbecue lunch: the bar as the serving point, the grill nearby. See outdoor kitchen.
- Games tournament: darts, dominoes or garden games. See games.
- Film night: a screen, blankets and popcorn.
- Seasonal gathering: a summer solstice evening, harvest supper or winter warm-up. See winter garden bar.
Planning the evening
- Numbers: invite as many as the space comfortably holds. See layout checker.
- Food: plan more than you think. Food makes for a better evening.
- Drinks: stock alcohol-free options as carefully as everything else, and water on every table.
- Seating: borrow folding chairs if needed. See seating.
- Lighting: light the route before guests arrive. See lighting.
- Weather plan: where will everyone go if it rains?
Keep it neighbourly
Let the neighbours know in advance, keep music down and agree a finish time. Better still, invite them. See neighbours and noise.
Keep it hosting, not selling
If guests are paying, for tickets or drinks, the licensing question changes. See home bar licence and temporary event notices.
Getting everyone home
Plan lifts and taxis before the evening starts. See the hosting checklist.
Tidy up
Put out lidded bins and a recycling crate. Sweep up any broken glass straight away. Rinse cans and bottles to avoid wasps the next day. See pests.
Pick one theme, one date and a guest list that fits the space. The rest of the plan falls into place from there.
Quick answers
How many people can I invite to a garden bar party?
As many as the space comfortably holds with seating and clear routes. Check the counter and seating before inviting.
Do I need a licence for a garden bar party?
Not for hosting friends who are not paying. Selling drinks or tickets changes the question.