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Summer garden party essentials, from food to outfits

This edit of must-haves will give you inspiration for your next soirée

Thursday 24 August 2023 17:01 BST
(Independent)

After enduring a long, grey winter, the summer months always feel that bit sweeter. And with the arrival of sunnier weather comes the joy of spending time in the great outdoors. Whether that means picnics in the park, short rambles in the woods or trips to the seaside, summer makes being outside a true joy.

If you’re anything like us though, when the sun comes out, you love inviting friends over for an al fresco summer soirée. And the perfect summer garden party consists of fantastic food, delicious drinks and great outfits. Often hosting can feel a little overwhelming because it can be difficult to know where to start. But that’s why we’re here to help.

From ideas on what you should wear to the food and drink you should serve up, keep reading for the garden party essentials you need for your next shindig. Prepare to be the host with the most during your next event.

Abel & Cole

(Abel & Cole)

When it comes to hosting, it’s important to make sure that you have fresh, delicious produce to serve your guests. And thanks to Abel & Cole you can do just that. Thanks to the sustainable online grocer, you can get seasonal fruit and vegetables delivered directly to your door. You can either opt for its curated organic boxes or customise your own. What’s more, for each box you enjoy, the brand donates a portion of organic fruit or veg to fight food poverty. By signing up today and using the discount code “VEGBOX50”, your first box will be half-price, and your fourth box will be 40 per cent off.

Visit Abel & Cole now

Lilysilk

(Lilysilk)

Get dressed up to the nines for your summer soirée thanks to Lilysilk, the brand that specialises in high-end silk clothing and home products. With sustainability at the core of its ethos, it wants to inspire people to live a better and more sustainable life. If you’re looking for an outdoor dining-appropriate outfit, this silk dress looks chic. Thanks to the timeless design, it’ll be a piece you’ll want to wear on repeat. To enjoy 12 per cent off your next order, use the discount code “IDEN12” at the checkout, the code can be used in conjunction with the buy one, get one 25 per cent off deal the brand is currently running

Visit Lilysilk now

FARFETCH

(Farfetch)

FARFETCH prides itself on having the most iconic brands all in one place, which makes it a great destination for refreshing your wardrobe whatever the season. Whether you’re looking for Loewe sunglasses, Acne Studios maxi skirt or a Ganni midi dress, it really has everything you could hope for and more. Prepare to look like the best dressed host at your garden parties this summer thanks to FARFETCH.

Visit FARFETCH now

Beavertown

(Beavertown)

Another outdoor hosting essential is having beverages your guests will enjoy. And you can get ready for barbecue season this summer with the new Beavertown summer bundle. It contains disposable cups and a selection of the brand’s best beer. With your cooler bag at the ready and beer in hand, you’ll be prepared to start your summer weekend in style.

Visit Beavertown now

Allplants

(Allplants)

No one wants over-processed foods at a garden party. But thankfully, it’s never been easier for you to serve your guests delicious, nutritionally packed food thanks to allplants. The brand is on a mission to make the industry free from ultra-processed food with whole-food plant power. Its chef-made, frozen meals are naturally packed full of protein, vitamins and iron. The delicious dishes will not only make hosting easy but also give you and your guests the fuel for the night ahead. You can currently benefit from 35 per cent off your first box and 15 per cent off your second and third boxes.

Visit allplants now

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