With the worst of the winter weather behind us, it’s about time to start thinking about what we’re going to do with the rest of 2018. We’ve got a World Cup and (hopefully) warmer days on the horizon, so now’s the perfect time to start planning how you’re going to be spending the spring and summer with your mates.

Here’s an idea: why not create a beer garden right in the comfort of your own home? They’re the ideal place to take in some sun and sink some beverages, so why should you have to go all the way down to the pub just to enjoy a few outdoor pints? To help you out, we’ve put together some top tips for getting started. Read on to find out more.

How To Create The Ultimate Home Beer Garden

1. Create A Spot To Enjoy Food & Drink

If you’re going to enjoy food and drink outside, no-one wants to be left standing around, so you’ll have to provide somewhere for you and your friends to sit. Instead of dragging all of your indoor chairs outdoors, it’s best to invest in an outdoor seating option that can stay outside permanently while standing up to the elements.

The humble picnic bench is a pub beer garden favourite and a cost-effective option that provides ample room for food and drink to be served. What’s more, its design encourages conversation for a social atmosphere.

2. Keep Your Beer Cool

There’s nothing worse than a warm beer, so you are going to have to find a way to keep your beverages cool on those sunny days. There are plenty of options available to you, ranging from electric beer fridges to using an ice bucket, so which one you choose will probably depend on your budget and how many times you’re willing to replace melted ice.

However, none of the above options are more eye-catching than the HopfenHöhle Lift beer cooler, which uses the natural cooling potential of the earth and a hydraulic system so that your chilled beers literally emerge from the ground. Not only is it an innovative bit of kit, but it’s definitely a conversation starter for your next party.

3. Invest In Lighting For When The Sun Goes Down

When you’re hosting a garden party, there’s always a chance that the festivities will go on after the sun has gone down, so it’s best to be prepared.

There are quite a few ways that you can light your outdoor space for a great after-hours atmosphere, such as placing solar-powered LED lights among your plants for a gentle glow or focusing on lighting the features of your garden, like a path or patio.

If you want to capture that campfire vibe for when the party is winding down, you could set up a fire pit area with benches or reclaimed logs facing inwards for your guests to relax sit on. Not sure how to go about designing and building a fire pit? This guide from HGTV lists all of the equipment and materials you’ll need, as well as outlining the steps to creating the perfect pit.

4. Bring Your Summer Playlist Outside

When you’re hosting a summer garden party for your friends, conversation alone will only get you so far. No party is complete without first-rate music, and that’s why you’ll need a way to bring your favourite tunes outside with you.

A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is a great choice for garden parties: not only will it be able to survive if there is a bit of rain, but all of your friends will be able to connect to it when you’re creating the perfect playlist. Check out Techradar’s round-up of the best speakers on the market to find one that suits your needs and budget.

Take our top tips on board and you’ll be able to create a perfect beer garden that’s fit for your bachelor pad. Then, it’s simply a case of waiting for the summer weather, getting the beers in, and inviting all your friends.