5 easy jobs you need to tick off your list to prepare the garden for guests this summer

We've all been there, going through the mad panic when the garden's an absolute mess but your family BBQ is set to kick off in mere hours. And while it can feel like there's no way to get ready in time, sticking to these five jobs can help.

Sorting your garden out before you have friends and family over for some al fresco dinner can feel incredibly overwhelming. Even when you've tried to keep up with your summer gardening jobs, all it takes is some rather erratic weather, and all your hard work is gone overnight.

However, if you've got a few hours to spare before your guests arrive, these are the five jobs experts recommend checking off your list to have your garden ready to enjoy in no time.

5 easy garden jobs to do before guests arrive

Whether you're trying out a new garden party idea or have invited friends round for dinner at the last minute, here are five things you should do to get your garden guest-ready.

1. Tidy up your lawn

Although it's not advisable to cut grass in hot weather, if the weather permits, cutting your lawn is a great place to start.

"If you're short on time, always start with the lawn. It's the largest feature in most gardens, so getting it looking neat has the biggest impact. A freshly cut lawn instantly makes the whole space feel tidier, brighter and more cared for, while long or uneven grass can make even the most beautifully planted garden feel neglected," starts Alexandra Alguel, smart home living and gardening expert at ECOVACS.

"I always recommend giving the edges a quick trim too, as crisp borders create a much more polished finish. If you use an automated lawn mower, keeping the grass consistently maintained every few weeks means it's one less thing to worry about before guests arrive. Your garden is always ready to enjoy," she continues.

You won't exactly be able to make your grass greener within hours, but just doing this will make a huge difference.

2. Clear clutter and sweep away debris

You don't need to start cleaning your patio slabs, but getting your garden brush out and sweeping around will immediately improve your space's appearance.

"Patios, decking and pathways naturally collect leaves, grass clippings and general debris, particularly during the summer. A quick sweep can make a surprising difference. It's also worth putting away watering cans, children's toys, empty plant pots and garden tools," says Alexandra.

"You don't need to hide signs that the garden is lived in, but removing everyday clutter helps guests focus on the space itself rather than what's been left lying around," she adds.

It isn't time to do an overhaul and declutter your shed; instead, tidying the messiest parts and removing the bulk of the clutter is more than enough.

3. Clean up outdoor furniture

When you have some of the best outdoor furniture on the market, the last thing you want is for it to be covered in dirt and debris when your guests go to sit on it.

"Garden furniture works hard during the summer months, but it's often forgotten about until guests are already on their way," says the cleaning experts at Method.

"Before hosting, give tables, chairs and outdoor cushions a quick once-over to remove dust, pollen and any unwanted bird deposits. After all, bird droppings may be lucky, but not when they're ruining the furniture! Pay particular attention to armrests and tabletops, where grime can quietly build up over time," they explain.

Cleaning wooden garden furniture may be a little more work, but the results are certainly worth it.

4. Create a serving station

In terms of the actual outdoor dining essentials, doing some hosting prep before your friends and family arrive can save you time and effort when the soiree begins.

"When you're hosting, the last thing you want is to be constantly running back and forth to the kitchen. Before guests arrive, set up a dedicated outdoor serving station with everything you'll need for the day - think plates, napkins, condiments, drinks and serving utensils all in one place," start the cleaning experts at Method.

"Not only will this make hosting feel more effortless, but it'll also help minimise spills and last-minute scrambling once everyone arrives. Before setting up, give tables and serving areas a thorough wipe down with a multi-surface cleaner to ensure they're fresh, hygienic and ready for food and drink," they continue.

"Keep a small basket stocked with essentials such as napkins, bottle openers and bin bags on your patio. Having everything within easy reach means you can spend less time stressing and searching for supplies and more time enjoying the sunshine with your guests," finish Method's cleaning experts.

It will also mean that when the time comes for people to leave, you won't have such a huge job on your hands cleaning up. Win-win!

5. Layer lighting

Having good-quality outdoor lighting will not only make your garden look more expensive, but it will also help keep your space illuminated all night.

“Lighting has a huge impact on how comfortable and inviting a space feels after sunset,” says Magdalena. “A mix of lanterns, rechargeable lamps, candles and solar-powered string lights creates a softer and more relaxed atmosphere without requiring permanent changes,” says Magdalena Gierasinsk, head of product at Barker and Stonehouse.

She adds, “Layering lighting at different heights helps gardens feel warmer and more styled overall. Even simple additions around a dining table or seating area can completely change the mood of the space and encourage guests to stay outside longer.”

FAQs

How to make a summer garden more inviting?

If you want to transform your garden on a budget so it's better suited for inviting guests or even for yourself to relax and enjoy, simply make it feel more welcoming.

"An inviting garden encourages people to slow down and stay a little longer. Rather than trying to make everything look perfect, think about how guests will experience the space," points out Alexandra.

"I always recommend creating a natural focal point, whether that's a dining table, a fire pit or a cosy seating area, and then using planting to soften the space around it. Pots of seasonal flowers or scented plants near where people gather can make the garden feel much more vibrant and lived in," she adds.

What is the most important thing to do in the garden before guests arrive?

Should you be incredibly strapped for time but know your garden needs a refresh, there is one job you should prioritise before your guests arrive.

"The most important thing is often the thing people overlook: the lawn. Many homeowners understandably focus first on wiping down furniture, arranging cushions or setting the table, but the grass is what creates the overall feeling of the garden," explains Alexandra.

"A freshly cut lawn instantly makes the whole space feel calmer, cleaner and more cared for. It's often the first thing guests notice as they walk into the garden, and it's the surface they'll be walking, standing and, if the weather's warm enough, even sitting or playing on. There's a real difference between stepping onto long, uneven grass and walking barefoot across a neatly maintained lawn. It completely changes how welcoming the garden feels," she continues.

So even if you only have an hour to spare, cutting and tidying your lawn should be at the top of your list.

Should you have a little money and time to invest in your garden, why not try out some outdoor living room ideas? They can make your space better suited for company and encourage you to spend more time out in the garden.