8 Outdoor Party Ideas for Adults – Garden Party Ideas

If you’re struggling to decide on the perfect plan for your birthday party, fret not! We’re here to help with our list of the best outdoor party ideas for adults! We understand that as a “grown-up,” making choices can often be daunting. Therefore, determining how to celebrate your very “grown-up” birthday party shouldn’t add unnecessary stress to your plate.

After all, who wants to be overwhelmed on their special day? Certainly not you!

Rest assured, we’re here to alleviate your worries. Below, you’ll find a compilation of top-notch outdoor birthday ideas specifically designed for adults. So, for now, set aside your decision-making mindset and embrace the fact that it’s your birthday!

Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Adults

Outdoor Party Idea #1: Movie Night

Is there anyone who doesn’t love a night at the movies? Whether you’re indulging in a beloved classic or experiencing the thrill of a new release on the big screen, spending time with your friends and family outside has never been more (salty or) sweet! This fun outdoor party idea for adults (or children, if you’re so inclined) can bring just a little movie magic to your outdoor party or event. So sit back, relax, and let the movie magic unfold!

We can’t recommend outdoor birthday party decoration ideas for adults enough, especially these movie-themed party decorations from Amazon. Make sure you stock up on enough popcorn, ice cream, or even birthday cake for your guests, invest in a great outdoor cinema package from a trusted provider, and get started on making those spectacular Hollywood-themed cocktails! Might we suggest a Raspberry Fizz, a Martini, or of course, a classic Old Fashioned?

Outdoor Party Idea #2: Dine Under the Stars

There’s nothing guaranteed to give you unlimited warm and fuzzy feelings quite like a dinner party under the stars, spending the night with those who you love the most. And what better way to celebrate your annual trip around the sun, than with a night eating delicious food beneath the moonlight? This is one of the very best backyard party ideas for adults, as you have every opportunity to keep it cool, calm, and completely low-key.

Now, our very first port of call has to be the food. After all, what’s a dinner party without dinner?! For that summer outdoor dining “dinner alfresco” vibe, we recommend this easy one-pan puttanesca recipe, followed by an irresistible fluffy strawberry pavlova.

Keep the drinks topped up with prosecco and you’re well on your way to a memorable evening. This garden party idea for adults usually works best on long summer nights, but if you are opting for a chillier gettogether, might we suggest investing in a patio heater or two, or mason jars with tealights in them!

Outdoor Party Idea #3: Off To The Races

Even if you’re not a betting fan, even if you’re not really into the races, even if you’d just like an excuse to dress up all fancy and have yourself a very luxurious time: this outdoor party idea is perfect for you! And of course, if you do happen to be into the races, that’s perfectly fine too!

This is one of those fun outdoor birthday party ideas for adults where, quite literally, all bets are off. You have free ‘rein’ (get it?) to do practically anything you want. So, why draw the line at a themed party?  No party is complete with a theme.

If you do actually end up attending a race of some sort, that’s fabulous! However, if you wanted to take the idea and put your own spin on it by throwing your own very classy event at Sedgebrook Hall, that could also be a fantastic outdoor party idea for you and your guests. Decorate with party accessories till your heart’s content with this incredibly put together party pack, don your fanciest dress and fascinator combo, and pop that cork. Or, as those in the business say: giddy up!

Outdoor Party Idea #4: Visit a Vineyard

Whether you’re truly a wine connoisseur, or you’ve just watched 1998’s The Parent Trap perhaps one too many times; we think we can all agree that vineyards are one of the very best places on Earth to visit!

There are plenty of vineyards in the UK, such as the stunning Giffords Hall in Suffolk or the breathtaking Camel Valley in Cornwall. Both of these incredible vineyards are open and ready for touring, however, both locations tend to sell out awfully quickly, so we recommend getting your names down early.

This is a fantastic outdoor birthday idea for adults, and potentially the perfect excuse to leave any children with their grandparents for the day! Don’t get us wrong, visiting a vineyard should be an educational experience that’s full of opportunities to learn lots about a variety of wines. However, we will suggest that it might be wise to organise how you’re getting from A to B well in advance!

Outdoor Party Idea #5: BBQ Party

The sun is well and truly shining, everyone is feeling ever so slightly uncomfortable with the heat, and you and your friends are sweatier than you’ve ever been in your entire lives. Surely this is the best birthday ever! And throwing a BBQ party has to be, in this instance, the best outdoor birthday party idea for adults ever! Of course, you could just throw a couple of burgers on the grill and hope for the best…

We, however, suggest wowing your guests with these fiery prawn and pepper skewers, or even these membrillo-glazed halloumi skewers! They always go down an absolute treat, and we guarantee that your guests will never be happier than with a kebab in one hand and an ice-cold beer in the other.

This backyard party idea for adults is one of the most simple on our list and is perfect for those who would rather keep their birthday celebrations on the down-low. It’s also a fantastic to light a fire pit and to play some outdoor garden party games if you really wanted to.

Outdoor Party Idea #6: Pool Party

A pool party is a perfect idea for those people who have lots of different guests they need to cater towards, as there are so many different things for guests to do at the height of summer! From lounging around the poolside and soaking up the sunrays for all they’re worth, to splashing around in the pool itself and having an awful lot of fun; there really is something for everyone with this fun outdoor party idea for adults!

Pool parties, of course, call for the most vibrant cocktails on the planet! We’re talking Deep Blue Sea Martinis, Piña Coladas and of course, the famous Bahama Mama tropical cocktail. We also suggest investing in some of the weirdest and wackiest party supplies such as inflatable pool loungers, watermelon lounger from Splash & Relax or this truly incredible giant LED light-up swan lounger from Amazon. Or you can even order pool party games for adults from Amazon, such as this fun inflatable pool ring Flamingo game! Who doesn’t love garden party activities for adults? Especially if you’re a group of friends who are more on the energetic side of life!

Outdoor Party Idea #7: Rooftop Brunch

There’s nothing quite like eating brunch at a rooftop restaurant! It can make you feel, quite literally, on top of the world. And as many would attest, brunch might in fact be the most important meal of the day, so it’s important to eat it in style!

There are plenty of incredible rooftop dining spots across the UK. This is a fabulous outdoor birthday party idea for adults, and it’s easy to move indoors if the British weather isn’t completely up to scratch.

Although you could opt for a rooftop brunch outside in the sunshine, lots of rooftop dining experiences are often even better when the sun goes down, serving intriguing cocktails and small plates to nibble as the night goes on! They’re also fantastic for photographs, where the city skyline serves as the best possible backdrop.

Outdoor Party Idea #8: Bottomless Brunch 

If you’re in the mood for a brunch with a boozy twist, we have an excellent suggestion for an adult garden party: the timeless bottomless brunch! This garden party idea is particularly ideal for those seeking a cost-effective and spirited outdoor experience, allowing you to create a delightful ambience within the comfort of your own home. For your outdoor space, you can either adorn a table with candles and flowers or opt for a simple picnic-style set-up with blankets and cushions. If you have the opportunity, adding fairy lights to the trees in your garden will further enhance the cosy party atmosphere.

Gather a group of close friends, and make sure to top up your fridge with plenty of bottles of your preferred prosecco, cava, or even champagne for those feeling a bit more extravagant! Don’t forget to include champagne flutes to capture the essence of a true bottomless brunch. Pair the bubbly with a delightful juice of your choice, creating a classic breakfast cocktail. To complement those refreshing mimosas, include a selection of bagels, pastries, French toast, and perhaps some fruit-topped pancakes. After all, the name “bottomless” implies the need to line one’s stomach! If you’re seeking additional ideas for brunch dishes, we recommend exploring these 13 classic brunch recipes.

Outdoor Party Ideas for Adults – The Last Say!

When it comes to parties, are you the ultimate wallflower? Or would you rather be at the centre of all the action, dancing the night away into the early hours? However you like to party, we hope you have the best birthday and that our list of outdoor party ideas for adults has helped you reach a final decision about how you want to celebrate. Once again, here’s our list of fun outdoor party ideas for adults:

  1. Movie Night
  2. Dine Under The Stars
  3. Off To The Races
  4. Visit A Vineyard
  5. BBQ Party
  6. Pool Party
  7. Rooftop Brunch
  8. Bottomless Brunch

Stay With Us 

If you’re looking for somewhere to host your outdoor party or outdoor event, then look no further than Sedgebrook Hall! Based in Northampton,  our party venue offers a large outdoor space available to host your party; 13 acres of countryside and gardens, to be exact. Fancy a little bit of downtime while staying with us? Take a trip to our Leisure Club before partying the night away, or grab a bite to eat the morning after at our Restaurant.

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About the Author

Ellie