Celebrations

Garden Parties are Real Good!

Gardens are all abloom and that means it is time to plan my annual garden party. Garden parties are the best! Each year I look forward to having friends visit for an afternoon of good food and fellowship.

And although I look forward to this annual event, 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 tips that work like a charm:

  1. Create a theme. This will help to determine how casual or formal you would like the gathering to be.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Make a grocery list using the recipes for dishes you will prepare as a guide.
  7. Begin prepping your menu items two-three days before the event.
  8. Check linens for stains and make repairs and iron days before the event.
  9. Wash dishes, glasses and flatware and set aside three days before.
  10. 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...