Perfect Garden Party Planning
Garden parties are the height of summer sophistication. Having friends and family over to your own home means that you are fully in control of the decor and menu choices so your creative side can run free. It also means that you can cater specifically to your guests to make sure that everyone has a great time. There is a lot to plan so try to break it down into manageable sections so you don't feel overwhelmed and can enjoy your party too. A relaxed host makes the gathering much more enjoyable for everyone and gives you an air of control.
Occasion & Decor
If your party is for a specific occasion keep that in mind when planning every element to ensure continuity. Garden parties are perfect for baby showers, engagement celebrations, birthdays, graduations, or just an excuse to get together for a good time.
Your decor can be subtle or as flashy as you decide and this might depend on how big of an occasion this is going to be.
For a milestone birthday you will want the party to really show your appreciation of the person in the spotlight and you’re guaranteed to make them feel special when they can see how much effort you have made.
Personalised decorations are a brilliant way to add a special touch, from banners with names on to picture frames with memorable moments as table centrepieces.
If you want a theme that isn’t too cliche or full of the usual decorations, go for something subtle but chic such as “Country Garden” which can focus on neutral colours and pastel shades. You can always use flowers and greenery from your garden for that homemade touch.
For a more sophisticated edge you can always take your decor inspiration from a literary classic and incorporate a dress code into the gathering.
You can make big changes to your normal garden furniture by tying fabric in a bow around the back of them or adding some artificial flowers.
Menu
You want your menu to be easy to cook but be able to look great when assembled and presented. We all know that the appearance of food really adds to the experience we have while eating.
A delicate summer menu can consist of various salads, fruits, and nibbles that are easy to prepare in advance, giving you time to make sure that everything is running smoothly.
If your guests consist of acquaintances rather than people you know very well make sure you have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options just in case. It is also best to ask about any allergies upon your guests' arrivals so that you can be sure your servings are not going to be any kind of health risk.
Creating platters of colourful crudites is a great way to make tables look inviting and make the guests feel at ease.
Adding figs, grapes, and dried fruits to your serving platters adds a touch of class, whether you’re presenting a cheeseboard, sandwiches, or canapes.
When planning your menu, make sure you are pairing your drinks offerings with the food you are creating. Keep some Italian wine on hand at all times as a classic crowd pleaser and make sure you have various types of wine to choose from including red, white, rose and sparkling. If your party does have a theme, you can always create cocktails to match. If we use the Country Garden theme as an example then a Bramble cocktail or Pimms with plenty of fruit is a perfect accompaniment.
If you are cooking outside, make sure to place the grill away from the main seating area so your guests don’t get overwhelmed with any smoke, but keep some seats and refreshments there for if anyone wants to keep the chef company.
Outdoor grilling doesn’t need to consist of the usual ideas of burgers and hot dogs but instead can feature succulent cuts of meat that hae been marinated, thinly sliced potatoes with seasoning, homemade seafood kebab sticks with peppers and onions, and even keep a separate part of the grill free for some sweet items. You can make delicious deserts on the grill by brushing long slices of pineapple with brown sugar, quickly cooking them, and serving with ice cream. Hot fruit and cold ice cream is the perfect summer treat.
Keep your guests in mind and make sure you have plenty of comfortable seating, ideally near your home for older guests, pregnant people, or families with young children in case they need easy access to bathroom facilities or the option of some quieter space to relax indoors.