Your barbecue’s lit, the rosé’s on ice, and the courgettes are charring nicely, but the vibe’s only official once the right playlist kicks in. We’ve whittled our soundtrack down to four tried-and-true Spotify mixes, each matched to a classic garden-party moment. Hit play, crank the volume, and let the good-living commence.
1. Alfresco Dining “Summer in the Garden”
179 k followers
The vibe: Easy-breezy soul, soft indie pop, and mellow funk that drifts through the flowerbeds like the scent of fresh mint. Think Marlena Shaw’s “California Soul” meeting modern gems from Rex Orange County.
Spin it while… you’re plating lemon-ricotta pasta or passing around the spritz jug. Mid-tempo beats keep forks tapping without drowning out conversation.
Spruce pairing: Press play, then pop a £1 entry into this month’s draw, your new Ooni pizza oven is basically begging for a soundtrack this tasty.
2. Backyard Throwback “pop songs we can all scream”
≈ 709 k followers (open.spotify.com)
The vibe: Wall-to-wall anthems you cannot resist belting Adele, One Direction, Kelly Clarkson, you name it. The playlist literally invites you to “just scream along.”
Spin it while… the gang’s gathered round the patio heater, halfway between garden cricket and dessert. Bonus points for every neighbour who joins in on the chorus.
Spruce pairing: Imagine “Rolling in the Deep” blasting through that Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II we’re giving away. Full-body 360° sound = mobile karaoke booth.
3. Slow Evenings “Chilled Jazz”
≈ 961 k followers (open.spotify.com)
The vibe: Silky sax lines, brushed-snare rhythms and after-sunshine warmth. Perfect for “focus or unwind,” but we lean heavily toward the latter, preferably with a Negroni in hand.
Spin it while… candles flicker, fairy lights glow, and you’re portioning out the last of the apricot tart. Instant mellow, no melatonin required.
Spruce pairing: Scroll our current prize list to see what else pairs well with jazz: think Le Creuset cookware, luxe linens, and the occasional weekend retreat.
4. Campfire Cookout “Mountain Air”
≈ 295 k followers (open.spotify.com)
The vibe: Indie-folk guitars and cinematic electronica that make even suburban lawns feel pine-scented. Spotify tags it “for wandering through nature’s playground,” and who are we to argue?
Spin it while… marshmallows toast over the firepit and the stars decide to show up fashionably early. Acoustic chords + crackling logs = chef’s kiss.
Spruce pairing: Light the logs, grab your entry to win a two-night stay at The Tawny Hotel, and day-dream of hammock naps beside real mountain air.
How to work these playlists into the perfect party
- Save each playlist (tap that ❤️).
- Stage your scene, lanterns, cushions, maybe an Ooni-fired margherita or two.
- Enter the Spruce giveaways while the music plays in the background. Every entry equals automatic membership perks plus the chance to wrap those vibes around brand-new kit.
Music + good company + a dash of Spruce luck? That’s summer sorted. See you by the speaker! 🥂
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