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It’s that time again—the UK’s beloved tennis tournament is back! A perfect excuse for a Wimbledon garden party, don’t you think? Round up your mates, pour the Pimm’s, and catch the action outdoors. There’s still time to get everything set up, and we’re here to help you serve up a good one. Ready?
Time Your Wimbledon Garden Party with the 2025 Dates
Wimbledon 2025 runs from Monday 30 June to Sunday 13 July. The women’s final takes place on Saturday, 12 July, followed by the men’s on Sunday, 13 July.
Most go for finals weekend, though there are big matches on the semis and earlier in the week. Use the official Wimbledon schedule to plan your garden party accordingly.
Note: The order of play is a provisional guide and may change, so keep yourself posted!
Catch the Matches on the Big Screen
A projector and a screen can make it feel more special than crowding around a small telly indoors. A clear wall or pop-up screen is your best bet, but you’ll want to position it somewhere shaded to avoid the glare. This could be near a fence, under a tree, or even in the corner with some shelter behind or on it, e.g. a gazebo.
You’ll also likely need an extension lead running from indoors. Check it’s long enough and rated for outdoor use. Tuck the cables out of the way so no one ends up flat on their face mid-match. It also helps when people move around to top up drinks or grab snacks—stay upright, yeah?
And don’t forget the sounds. A built-in speaker might not cut it, though. Go for a small Bluetooth speaker or portable soundbar, and set it to maximum volume.
Alternative watch zone
External noise, paired with the unpredictable British weather, can ruin the experience. To be on the safe side, consider moving the setup to a more sheltered space, like a garden room.
A summer house is brilliant—you get a fully enclosed set-up with walls that block external noise. This also allows you to turn up the volume a little without disturbing the neighbours.
These buildings are worth it for more than just watching sports, of course. While you can use them as garden bars when sports are on, some models have thick walls that insulate them for year-round use.
Garden Party Decor: Tennis-Themed but Simple
You don’t need to go overboard. Think green and purple bunting or a couple of tennis ball garlands hanging from fences or trees. Disposable cups and napkins in Wimbledon colours can also help pull this together. Leave a chalkboard sign near the entrance with your “match schedule” or snack list, and you’re all set.
Garden furniture, like folding chairs, is a great seating option. Or you pop some beanbags on the deck or lawn (with gingham picnic blankets underneath). Planning to carry on into the evening? Outdoor lighting, like solar string lanterns, is perfect for setting up the mood.
And if you’re using a garden room, themed paper flags around the TV or projector will do. Make the couch or sofa comfier with a few throw pillows. And if there’s space, set up a little bar corner. Our BillyOh Nightjar Garden Bar Table (L-shaped) would be a great fit. It’s spacious and can be fixed either way around to the wall.
More Wimbledon-themed decoration ideas:
- Tennis rackets or balls as table centrepieces (if you’re adding garden tables)
- A scoreboard-style sign for fun match updates
- Wimbledon-branded paper fans for guests to keep cool
- Wooden crates (with tennis racket stickers) for stacking snacks or drinks
Keep it relaxed. The main event is the match, after all.
Get A Barbecue Station Going
A BBQ for a Wimbledon garden party is a treat! You’re not stuck inside cooking while the match is on, and everyone can grab what they like. Not to mention, the smell of food on the grill adds to the great summer atmosphere.
Be careful not to burn the food, though! You might want to grill in advance to stay focused on the game. Using a gas grill can be more convenient, giving you better control over the heat and more cooking space.
As for the menu, stick to easy-to-serve bites. Grilled chicken skewers, sausages, and burgers are classic favourites. Give them clever names, like “match point meatballs” or “ace burgers” for a tennis twist.
And, of course, the quintessential part of the Wimbledon experience: strawberries and cream. This makes a lovely dessert or a celebratory snack, wherever you choose to serve it. There’s more: Pimm’s cups, an OG British summer drink, served with fruit and mint.
Safety: Keep the BBQ away from the screen area and furniture or decorations. Choose a flat, open spot with plenty of space around it—no one wants a smoke cloud blocking the view. And make sure it’s stable. If you’re using an extension lead for anything nearby, keep it clear of the cooking area.
Remember, keep safety in play before the food is on the court!
Last but Not Least: Prep Your Garden for the Wimbledon Party
A bit of prep goes a long way. Give the garden a once-over to make it more welcoming and Wimbledon-ready. Start by clearing any clutter—old plant pots, the kids’ bike, whatever’s been left lying around. You’ll be surprised how much more spacious and inviting it feels after a quick tidy.
Have a look at the lawn or decking while you’re at it. Mow the grass, and deal with any uneven or soggy patches. Check for loose boards or nails on the deck, then give it a good scrub to shift dirt or moss. Let it dry before laying out furniture or rugs.
Move the bins out of sight—you don’t want them ruining the view or making things awkward during the match. You can always set up a few bin bags or a recycling station in a corner to keep things tidy.
And if bugs are a worry, stick a few citronella candles to keep midges at bay.
Big Names and Young Superstars to Watch in 2025
This year’s Wimbledon has a strong line-up:
Men’s contenders
- Carlos Alcaraz returns as defending champion
- Jannik Sinner is the current World No.1
- Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title
Women’s contenders
- Iga Świątek remains to lead the way
- Aryna Sabalenka has been consistent on grass courts
- Coco Gauff brings a strong all-round game
Young stars
- Jack Draper is one to watch for British fans
- Emma Raducanu is aiming for a solid return
- Mirra Andreeva has been getting attention on the women’s tour
Decorating tip: Print or DIY banners for various players and share them with guests. It will get everyone into the spirit, and they’ll make a nice little souvenir too.
Round-up
There’s a lot to love about hosting a Wimbledon garden party. Good food, great company, and that summer buzz that only tennis season brings. We hope this guide has given you ideas on how to make a space where everyone can hang out, enjoy the game, and have a good time.
However you choose to set things up, make it yours. Big or small, casual or kitted out—here’s to a few five-set thrillers. Bring on Wimbledon!
