What’s on the table:
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What a garden party is and why food is the centrepiece
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Fresh, shareable recipes using Baguettes, Rolls and Turkish Bread
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How to host a great garden party without the stress
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Simple theme ideas to guide your menu
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Make-ahead tips so you can actually enjoy the day
There’s something special about a garden party. The sun’s out, the table’s set, and everyone’s drifting between plates, conversations and another slice of something delicious. It’s relaxed, a little bit magical, and best of all, built around good food.
At Bakers Delight, we believe the best gatherings start with sharing. Whether you’re hosting a long lunch, a casual afternoon catch-up or a summer celebration with friends and family, these ideas will help you create something that feels effortless, generous and full of flavour. From delicious recipes to simple garden party themes to help make planning a breeze, we’re here to help you make every gathering feel easy, generous and delicious.
What exactly is a garden party?
A garden party is an informal outdoor party where food, conversation and sunshine take centre stage. It’s less about structured courses and more about grazing, sharing and enjoying the moment. Think platters on the table, fresh salads, crusty bread, and dishes that guests can help themselves to as they mingle.
Because garden parties are all about ease, the best menus focus on food that’s simple to prepare, easy to serve and even easier to enjoy.
What food do you serve at a garden party?
The most successful garden party food is designed for sharing. It should feel abundant without being complicated, and light enough for warm-weather entertaining.
Look for dishes that:
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can be served at room temperature
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don’t need lots of cutlery or plates
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travel well from kitchen to table
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offer a mix of fresh, savoury and seasonal flavours
This is where bakery favourites come into their own. Baguettes, Rolls and Turkish bread create a versatile base for salads, crostini, share plates and grazing boards. Add a few standout recipes, and you’ve got a table that looks impressive without feeling overdone.
Garden party ideas for menus that never fail
When it comes to the food, the best menus balance fresh flavours, easy prep and plenty of share-worthy moments. These tried-and-true recipes are designed for relaxed entertaining, bringing colour, texture and crowd appeal to your table without adding stress to your hosting.
Panzanella Salad
Fresh, vibrant and perfect for summer entertaining, Panzanella is a classic bread salad that makes the most of crusty Ciabatta Loaf tossed with ripe tomatoes, herbs and a zesty dressing. It’s light, colourful and ideal for feeding a crowd, while still feeling a little bit special.
Parmesan Crusted Crostini
Crisp, golden and full of flavour, these crostini are made for sharing. Baked until crunchy and topped with burrata and tangy sundried tomatoes, they’re the kind of bite that disappears quickly once it hits the table. Perfect for passing around or piling high on a platter.
Salami Rose
Looking to add a real showstopper to your grazing table? This Salami Rose is as clever as it is delicious. Thin slices of salami are shaped into elegant roses and nestled into crisp toasted bread cups, then layered with creamy cheese, juicy tomato and fresh basil for a burst of flavour in every bite. It’s perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to build a garden party table
Creating a garden party table is less about perfection and more about abundance. Start with a strong foundation, then layer in variety.
Begin with:
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Bread: baguettes for slicing, rolls for sandwiches or sliders, and Turkish bread for sharing
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Fresh elements: salads, vegetables, herbs and fruit
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Savoury bites: crostini, cheeses, charcuterie or dips
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Colour and texture: garnishes, citrus, and seasonal produce
A mix of shapes, heights and textures makes the table feel generous and inviting, without needing dozens of dishes.
How much food do you need for a garden party?
When it comes to garden parties, it’s all about generous grazing rather than perfectly plated portions. Instead of planning full meals, aim for a spread of small dishes that guests can help themselves to as they mingle. A simple guide is to include:
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a few substantial share plates
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a selection of bread-based favourites
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one or two fresh, colourful salads
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and a handful of savoury or snack-style bites
And when in doubt, let bread do the heavy lifting. Crusty Baguettes, rolls and Turkish Bread are perfect for stretching your menu, filling plates, and pairing with just about everything on the table. They keep things hearty without feeling heavy, so everyone leaves happy, not overstuffed.
Make-ahead tips for stress-free hosting
The secret to enjoying your own garden party? Do what you can before the first guest arrives.
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Prepare salad components in advance and dress just before serving
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Bake crostini bases ahead of time and store in an airtight container
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Slice bread and cover until needed
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Assemble platters close to serving so everything looks fresh
With a little planning, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table.
How to host a good garden party
A great garden party is all about flow, not formality. Choose food that guests can help themselves to, keep everything within easy reach, and focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Set up one main food table, mix savoury and fresh flavours, and make sure there’s plenty of shade and seating scattered around. When the food is simple, generous and easy to enjoy, the rest of the day tends to fall into place.
What are some themes for a garden party?
Choosing a theme can help shape your menu without making the event feel over-planned.
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Summer grazing: platters, crostini, salads and crusty bread
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Mediterranean-style: tomatoes, herbs, cheeses, olive oil and baguettes
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Classic garden afternoon: rolls, sandwiches and light sides
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Modern picnic: portable share plates and colourful seasonal produce
No matter the theme, bread remains the centrepiece. Baguettes, rolls and Turkish Loaves adapt beautifully across styles and keep your menu cohesive.
Drinks and finishing touches
Keep drinks simple and refreshing for those linger-a-little-longer garden moments. Iced tea, sparkling water, light spritzers, or our Raspberry Lemonade all work beautifully. For styling, think wooden boards, linen napkins, bowls of citrus, fresh herbs and flowers from the garden. When the food looks inviting, the whole table feels like a celebration.
Garden party checklist
Before the day arrives, make sure you’ve got:
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A selection of baguettes, rolls and Turkish bread
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Your salads and platters planned
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Serving boards, napkins and tongs ready
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Drinks chilled and shade sorted
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to relaxed entertaining.
Serving up the good times
From sunny lunches to long afternoons that roll into evening, garden parties are all about connection. With good bread, a few fresh recipes and food designed for sharing, hosting becomes less about stress and more about enjoying the moment.
So next time the forecast is fine and the table’s calling, head to your local Bakers Delight, gather your favourites, and set the scene for a garden party that’s easy, generous and full of flavour.
Want more inspiration for fresh and easy entertaining? Discover finger food ideas for summer picnics and parties, or serve up pizza party fun with recipes and inspiration from our blog.
