We know you love a garden party. So do we. With summer finally upon us, it’s time to shake out those BBQ recipes and spend some time in the sun with friends. Find some ideas below on how to throw that perfect garden soiree.

West Coast

Invite a group of family and friends over for a delicious spread of planked salmon, farmers market produce, and artisan breads. Here is a great recipe from the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Be sure to set up some games, like bocce ball, Twister or croquet. And have a bucket of ice filled with a selection of local craft beers.

English Countryside

Stir together a homemade patch of Pimm’s Cup, arrange colourful wild flowers around the garden, and serve with freshly-made tea sandwiches and salads. Find some inspiration for your menu at Waitrose, a grocer in the UK. And don’t forget the music: The Beatles, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Radiohead and Adele.

Summer Fiesta

String up a piñata, throw on some lively Latin tunes, and decorate with brilliantly coloured streamers. Serve pitchers of margaritas and big bowls of homemade guacamole, salsa and 8-layer dip. You could even set up a taco bar. There are some fantastic ideas over at Martha Stewart.

Other ideas:

• Spread out on the grass picnic-style with pillows and blankets.
• Hang fairy lights through the trees and bushes for ambiance when the sun sets.
• Wheelbarrows double as drink coolers.
• Set up an arts and crafts station to keep the kids occupied.

Image source.