Summer time is the best season for outdoor entertaining. The options for throwing a memorable party are many. There is the backyard bbq, the park picnic and even the outdoor movie night. For a more upscale gathering, consider hosting a garden party. Garden parties incorporate pretty plants, durable party supplies, and signature drinks with a sophisticated menu. Planning a garden party allows for a little more creativity and a well thought out décor scheme.
There are so many party supplies available to transform a backyard into an inviting garden. When decorating your yard the same rules of décor apply as when you decorate the den. Your scheme needs to include visual interest, texture, focal points and a color scheme. In planning a garden party your décor elements will be inspired by the landscaping or your container gardens.
Begin the planning process by shopping for party supplies. A quick stop to your local craft shop can provide you with a wide range of party supplies from stationary to create invitations to little boxes to give away small favors. A well-stocked shop will have candleholders to burn a bit of citronella and delicate Chinese lanterns to provide light to the back deck. You may even be able to find interesting containers to create centerpieces for the buffet table. Wander the aisles and let your imagination soar with ideas. Coordinate each of the party supplies you purchase by color and theme to keep a cohesive look.
One key component to a garden party is having a well-landscaped backyard with a beautiful display of seasonal blooms. Not to worry if your yard is a bit ho-hum, you can still add color and lush greenery by planting large container gardens. Opt for several coordinating colors or opt for a monochromatic approach and let your color choices set the palette for the event. The style container you choose will add to the décor of the event. A simple pot will be less dramatic than a more ornate one giving you the opportunity to plant bolder flowers like hydrangeas and peonies. An ornate container will serve as a focal point and do well with simpler blooms such as geraniums or roses. Let the colors of your flowers and plants set the color scheme for the day.
Create an elegant buffet table with platters of food arranged artfully on tiered levels. Lay out a tablecloth and layer it with a table runner for an extra punch of color or pattern. At one end set a stack of pretty plates, silverware and napkins using a large basket to hold them. Use little clay pots matching your color palette to hold the silverware. Stack napkins in a square basket decorated with ribbon woven through the rim. To keep the breeze from carrying away your napkins, hold them down with a painted seashell or rock. Mix in small vases of flowers or potted plants and tea candles to offer soft lighting as dusk sets in.
No matter what style event hosted in the back yard, bugs are always a problem. Keep them at bay with tiki torches and citronella candles placed evenly around the lawn. The scent will deter the skeeters, and provide light to darken corners of the yard. Citronella may bother some guests though. A great alternative is to hollow out an orange and use the rind to hold burning twigs of rosemary.
With the selection of party supplies available today, it is easy to turn your backyard into a beautiful and sophisticated gathering spot for outdoor dining. Going beyond the usual backyard fare with unique little touches will leave your friends thinking you are the next lifestyle maven.
