It's the beautiful warm summer days and cool summer evenings that make it a perfect time to host a great garden party. Whether you are hosting a laid back casual picnic or a more formal affair, a garden party is a great way to bring friends and family together for a day of fun in the sun.
Invitations
Personalizing your party invitations is key. Even if you are only having a few people over, making them personal will make your guests feel welcomed and special. You can create beautiful invitations with card stock, rubber stamps, calligraphy pens, dried flowers or anything that sets the mood for your special event.
Asking for an RSVP is a good idea if you are planning on serving a full meal. If your event is casual, let your guests know that shorts, sundresses and flip-flops are welcome! Or if you are holding a more formal party, let your guests know what attire to wear.
Decor
Spruce up your backyard or porch with elegant table clothes, silver wear and beautiful overflowing arrangements of flowers. Crystal glasses add a beautiful touch, as well. You can buy mix matched glasses from a local antique store to create a vintage feel. Terra cotta pots make great utensil holders and carved fruit arrangements are fun centerpieces! You can drape fake pearls along the tables for a vintage look or use algae and rocks to create a unique design.
When hosting a garden party, you have to keep in mind that mother nature might RSVP as well. Therefore, you should have a backup plan just in case. You can use canopies or set up a space indoors to save you from any last-minute surprises!
Fine Dining or Casual Picnic
Picnic style parties are often laid back and have a buffet style menu including favorites such as finger sandwiches, fresh-cut fruit, veggies and dip, pasta salads or BBQ on the grill. Local caterers can offer delicious options for your party buffet.
Lemonade, sweet tea and punch in large vases will work great. If you are treating your guests to a full meal, you can serve an entrée' of fish or chicken with fresh steamed veggies or a fresh strawberry and spinach salad. Cookies, cupcakes and chocolate mousse are great sweets to add to your menu.
You can include themed cocktails in your menu as well ~ mint julep, gin and tonic, white and red wines or wine coolers go great with an outdoor party.
Setting the atmosphere
Music is essential to creating the perfect atmosphere for your garden party, depending on your style you can play classic rock hits for your picnic or airy classical selections for a formal theme.
Entertainment
Playing games is not only for the kid's parties, adults like to have fun too! A round or two of horseshoes, bocce ball or croquet will get the party moving. Flower arranging is a fun activity to create. Supply fresh-cut flowers and inexpensive vases for your guests to work their magic. Or have your guests bring their own arrangement and swap with other guests at the party!
What ever your theme, where ever the place, your garden party can be as beautiful and elegant as you wish. Just remember to have fun!
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Rsvping is a good tip and one I've forgotten about. It's helpful to get a good head count, especially if you are catering. Thanks.