Host your very own vintage-style garden party

1. Put out the flagsJazz up even the shabbiest of chairs and make them
Capture the very heart of the vintage English gardenlook inviting to your guests by adding a little
party by decking your outdoor space with avintage-style padding. These cute reversible seat pads
decorative flurry of bunting. And nothing makes afrom La Maison boast a vintage French floral on one
vintage statement better than this charming blueside, and a candy stripe on the reverse - just perfect
gingham and Union Jack bunting from Dotcomgiftshop.for elegant behinds!
2. Dress your table for success7. Service with a smile
Add a little vintage glamour to your outdoor table byAs the perfect host, make sure your guests' plates
dressing it up in a beautiful tablecloth. A splash ofand glasses are never empty by serving up your
vintage-style floral will make your spread appear all thedelicious treats, from a vintage-style cake trolley. This
more deliciously chic. Get your guests' mouthsbeautiful rosewood carved trolley from Amazon,
watering with this adorable tablecloth from the queenwhich comes complete with a detachable serving tray,
of florals, Cath Kidston.and opens up as a table is ideal to make you the host
3. Time for teaor hostess with the mostess.
With tea very much a garden party staple, make sure8. Shade with sartorial conscience
your event isn't thirsty for style by selecting a vintageIn true English garden party style, weather is bound to
statement teapot to sit as a table centrepiece.be a topic of conversation, so offer your guests a little
Celebrating over a century of English craftsmanship,shade from the sun, with a decorative vintage-style
who better to be a guest at your garden party thansun parasol. Make a bold and glamorous vintage
Royal Albert with their exquisite Memory Lane bonestatement with this Victoriana-shaped cream umbrella
china teapot, designed in the classic baroque Montrosewith tassels, from Burford.
shape.9. In full swing
4. A sweet treatAdd a touch of vintage romance to your garden party
No garden party would be complete without a beautifulwith a feature swing bench, ideal for couples. Sneak
display of homemade cakes. But for hygiene purposes,away from the crowd for a little together-time this
it's best to keep them covered up. Show-off yourtraditional regency-striped, swinging hammock bench
gorgeous culinary skills with this classic shaped glassfrom Amazon which comes with a weather-proof
covered cake stand from Cocomale, ideal for keepingcanopy.
cakes fresh throughout the day.10. Twilight-lighting
5. Hampers for old-fashioned styleAs the sun begins to set on your garden party and
For a garden party on a smaller scale, you might like totwilight settles in, create a warm, romantic glow from
consider investing in a traditional picnic basket andthe trees, tables, and paths with some vintage-style
having a smaller spread on your lawn. This gorgeouscandle lanterns. These pretty glass lanterns from Not
Optima Traditional Picnic Basket from PrezzyBoxon the High Street bear the words 'Fete au Jardin,' and
comes in a lovely Cottage Garden design, withhave room for a tea light. What better way to leave a
sustainable willow basket, cotton napkins, ceramiclasting impression on guests than with a little candlelit
plates, cutlery, and a choice of wine glasses or cups.chic.
6. Shabby? More like chic.