As author Jenny Han astutely noted, “Everything good, everything magical, happens between the months of June and August.” Celebrate the long-lasting sunlight, everything being in bloom, and laid-back or downright lazy weekends with a neighborhood garden party. An outdoor gathering with friends and family will become an event that all attendees will remember. Seasonal décor, bites of food prepared from the just-harvested garden bounty, and fresh, light cocktails (or mocktails for those who choose not to imbibe) will elevate your entertaining. Read along for tips on how to throw an extraordinary summer neighborhood garden party.
Setting An Outdoor Tablescape
Flowers all around create a gorgeous backdrop for garden entertaining. A small floral arrangement at each place setting integrates all-natural detail to your table, and lining the table with vases of dahlias, marigolds, or a diversity of daisies offers a pop of color. Weston Table curates an extensive collection of flower vases and crocks in nearly every color and style to fit your seasonal style. The more flowers, the better! See the photography gallery from Fleurish to glean inspiration on how to beautifully incorporate flowers into your outdoor table. Pastel table linens and pewter or white ceramic plates provide contrast for the bright-colored flowers scattered around the tablescape.
Garden Bar Cart
Step up your garden party with a bar cart. Prepare simple syrups from a variety of herbs, cut citrus slices, set out spirit bottles, and mix and match different glasses for serving. With all-natural ingredients and delicate flavors, Seedlip offers non-alcoholic spirits that guests will relish when added to your garden bar. These Seedlip recipes combine alchemy and botany for magical summer mocktails. You may add flowers in your cocktails or fill your ice bucket with vibrant flowers and citrus fruits. Not only do florals look stunning on the table, these elements double as colorful décor and functional pieces.
Outdoor Dining
Prepare foods in advance that can sit outside and stay fresh. Cheese boards with a variety of hard and soft cheeses, nuts, fruit spreads, and crackers will always be a fan favorite. Guests will appreciate the noshing bites before the main course. Vegetable tarts, such as the Asparagus, Egg, and Prosciutto Tart with Everything Spice from Half-Baked Harvest or the Goat Cheese, Carrot, and Asparagus Tart from Weston Table, also may be made in advance, look stunning on the tablescape, and stimulate all the senses. Serving cups of freshly cut fruit adds color and a refreshing element to your gathering. For easy and casual dining, fire up the grill. Seasonal vegetables from your kitchen garden or your local farm stand—asparagus, carrots, tomatoes, and broccoli—only need a few minutes over the fire to be grilled to perfection.
As the seasons change and flowers begin to bloom, the garden forms a beautiful backdrop for outdoor entertaining. Make summer special with a neighborhood garden party, good food, and your loved ones.
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