Celebrations
Summer Garden Party — Tips to Help You Survive the Day
Garden parties are the best! Each year I look forward to having friends visit for an afternoon of good food and fellowship. I especially enjoy having them share in the beauty of my gardens.
Having said that, throwing a garden party is very hard work! To keep the enjoyment in the word “party”, I employ a few tricks in order to not overwork myself and allow time to enjoy the company of my friends. So, if you are planning an outdoor gathering...
Here are a few good things you need to know:
- Begin by thinking about a theme or focus for your gathering. This will help to determine how casual or formal you would like the gathering to be.
- Choose a color scheme and begin to gather serving items for the event. Make it interesting by not choosing items that are “matchy”, but are complimentary to your overall design.
- Plan the menu and consider asking each guest to bring a dish in order to cut down on the amount of work you will have to do.
- Compose a list of everything you will need to do at least two weeks prior to the event and then make up a calendar of what you will do each day leading up to the day of the gathering.
- To make it extra special use stone and glassware as well as stainless flatware for the event. Also plan to use linen cloth napkins or linen-like napkins rather than paper.
- Make a grocery list using the recipes for dishes you will prepare as a guide.
- Begin prepping your menu items two-three days before the event.
- Check linens for stains and make repairs and iron days before the event.
- Wash dishes, glasses and flatware and set aside three days before.
- Set up tables and seating a day before the event; leaving table linens to be placed on the tables the day of.
- And last but not least, when help is offered accept it! How good is that...