40th birthday garden Party - Help me please I am so clueless

[veg2grow]

I am planning a 40th bday Garden party mid May for 30 adults and 8 children under 7yrs old.

I'm thinking afternoon high tea style with vintage crockery that can be hired, trestle tables dressed up with flowers, sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and lots and lots of cakes. Will also have 2 or 3 hot dishes. My garden is SW facing and originally I thought dot the tables around on the lawn and put buntings around the garden.

Question is do you think I should hire a marquee (don't really want to as they cost £££'s and I would prefer not to have to spend the money)?

How would you organise it if it was your garden party? How to entertain the adults?

Thanks for helping me

I am doing pretty much the same as you on 29th April. I have found lots of lovely crockery in charity shops (one set was 22ct gold) and cost me £1.50. I am having cake stands etc with all the usual sandwiches/cakes etc but instead of tea in my teapots there will be cocktais (going back to the time of the prohibition)

Have also hired giant inflatable slide for kids.

oooooh lovely. K999 what is your back up plan if it rains?

I have no back up plan it won't rain!

I will prob have a few gazebos just in case and of course folk can always come inside. And to be honest I doubt the kids will care.....and neither will I after a few cocktails!!