A GARDEN PARTY

A GARDEN PARTY

Have you ever just wanted to do the whole alfresco thing?  Oh I so do.  In fact in the summer when the weather is warm, sunny, and bright, I want to be outside all of the time to soak in all that sunshine.

I mean just to be outdoors in the garden, enjoying the beautiful greenery, pretty flowers and hearing all of nature’s birds, is the the perfect setting for a meal and gathering with friends.

Sometimes, I love to have friends and family over and I want to set a pretty garden tablescape for us to enjoy a nice meal together.  So to do that, first I have to decide where I want us all to sit and relax and take in the beautiful scenery.

There are so many places in our yard I’d like to enjoy, but often I’m looking for the shadiest spot which is kind of a disappointment because it limits where we can go.

Thanks to my new Abba Patio Umbrella , I can virtually have my party anywhere now in our yard and still have the shade I desire.

The fun thing about my new umbrella is that it’s got that beautiful market umbrella look that is so pretty and even adds to my garden setting decor.  So whether I’m just having a casual gathering with friends or hosting a wedding in our garden venue, this umbrella is both beautiful and functional.  The other thing I love about my new umbrella is that it covers my huge harvest table well.  This 10 Foot Offset Cantilever Umbrella has this arm that hangs over my table so I don’t have to have the pole right next to the edge of the table and because their is no hole in the center, it works perfectly shading us all as we sit and dine.

So now, I’ve got this garden party entertaining thing figured out so well that I’ve narrowed it down to 5 simple steps to offer you in throwing your own garden party!

FIVE SIMPLE TIPS IN THROWING A GARDEN PARTY

1.  Choose Your Location

Look around your yard whether it’s big or small and decide where you could set it up.  It doesn’t have to be perfect, you can create a little dreamy effect with just a little effort.  Look for the most open space for you to set a table and chairs or bench like me for everyone to gather.  Don’t worry about the sun, if you have an umbrella, it should do the trick nicely.

2.  Set the Tablescape

Use your everyday dishes and silverware. You don’t have to go out and buy fancy ones, keep it simple and save your money.  Just use what you have and create a pretty presentation.  Don’t worry, no one will notice if you have fancy china or the perfect color dishes.  Instead focus on your centerpiece.  I love fabrics and always have some material in a fabric tub I have from left over sewing projects.  If you don’t have a fabric tub like me, go out to your local fabric store and treat your self to a yard or two of something you like.  A yard of fabric is so inexpensive but you get such a big bang for your buck.

Now, just go around your yard and snip off some greenery from bushes and plants that you have.  Just set it down the center arranging it as a lovely centerpiece.  No need to worry about water and vases.  The greenery will stay fresh all day and be perfect looking for your event.

3.  Plan your Menu

Again, I’m all about keeping everything as simple as possible.  It’s so fun just to have a special gathering and many times people won’t do it, even though they want to, because it’s often too much work.  But if you keep everything as simple as possible, it’s no trouble at all.  So if you’re going to go to the effort of inviting a few friends over and set a pretty table, then choose a few things that taste delicious but are easy to make, or even just have pizza or chicken; maybe even make it a pot luck.  I know it sounds funny, but the main point is to gather together and visit, not to impress everyone with your culinary skills.  If it’s too hard, you’ll never do it.  Save your fancy sumptuous meal for a smaller intimate affair where that is your focus.

4.  Add the Finishing Touches

So you’ve chosen your location in your yard, you’ve got the table set so pretty, and you’ve planned and prepped what you’re going to serve. Now here’s the fun part, walk around your setting and see what else you can add to create a dreamy and magical experience for your guests and your self.  Add a rug if your lawn is not the greenest or to just soften a deck, put some lanterns around if you’ve got them, put that beautiful umbrella up and chill your beverages because your guests are on their way and you are ready to receive them.

5.  Be A Guest at Your Own Gathering

So many times the hostess is just about like a waitress at a restaurant and never gets to sit down and enjoy their guests’s company.  Your guests then often feel a bit sad that you’re so busy and can’t sit down and enjoy the beautiful meal with them that you your self worked so hard to create.  If you keep it all simple and you plan ahead, you can sit back and enjoy yourself as well as your guests.  I try to have everything done at least a half hour before everyone arrives.  That way I’m sitting out back in my garden setting enjoying a refreshment as they arrive and I can be relaxed as I greet them.  I think it makes them feel more comfortable and the party is off to a great start!

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

I hope you got a little encouragement and inspiration to throw your own Garden Party.  Just remember to keep it simple, enjoy setting the tablescape and creating a dreamy environment – use your imagination and what you already have – get creative.  Add a nice umbrella to make it easy to choose a spot in your yard anywhere and to add some elegant beauty to your whole outdoor look.

You can even adorn it with these festive lights to add another mood to your garden party making it all lovely at twilight time!  Then sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself at your own party.  You deserve it and you’ll be glad you did!

 

P.S. Click on any of the links above or below to get your own Abba Patio Umbrella and when you do you’ll get a 15% discount.  the code to use is Jerri15

 

XO

Jerri