Help me shop for my first garden party in the new home?

[Labrakadabra]

Very excited to be moving into a house with a garden big enough for large gatherings next month. Been in a tiny city centre terrace for many years. Always the guest at others’ summer barbies. Can’t wait to entertain.

Have invited 20 people to a housewarming (thinking I’ll let everyone’s kids and dogs run wild before I have the garden landscaped).

Want to do a garden party. Need furniture and equipment.

Can wise forumites please recommend:

Garden dining set
BBQ
Anything else I might need

The garden is long and 16 foot wide. Pic attached if helpful.

Congratulations on your new house! I am watching as I am in a similar situation, so I am needing some advice rather than being able to give it out.

You could always ask around to see if any of your friends /family have gazebos you could use - good for shade if it’s hot, and you can decorate with bunting etc. also some people might have trestle tables/decorating tables which you could use as side tables. Some games at the bottom of the garden to keep kids entertained.

Not shopping related, but maybe warn your new neighbours about the gathering, (unless you're inviting them).

Congratulations on the new house! I'd also get a gazebo, maybe some fold up chairs for people to sit on if there are 20 of you and won't all fit round the dining set. I quite like outdoor rugs and cushions too for the kids to sit or play on. Picnic plates and cutlery, garden friendly glass ware (maybe plastic?). Definitely some games for kids.

Do we have a budget? Garden dining vary from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand..,

Budget is about £1200 for a dining set (with parasol or gazebo) and £500 or less for bbq and equipment. I want a dining set with sofas, one that lasts with cushions that don’t have to be put away every night. BBQ should be easy to use, not send too much meat smell or smoke over to the neighbors - though I will invite neighbours on both sides - and can perhaps also be used to make pizzas or warm bread.

TKVM for the good question.

I have outdoor rugs and 2 garden chairs and a few beanbags already. Gazebo is a good shout. TKVM.

Bunting for the fences?

And strings of solar lights also for the fences x

Corner sofa sets are popular at the moment but they’re not always practical. You need enough of a gap with the table for people to get through to sit down but then you’re awkwardly leaning over the table to get to your food. Also if you’re the person in the corner then you can’t easily get out without asking someone to move.
So I’d think about if you want a set mainly for sitting and chatting or if you will be using it more for dining purposes.