5 Necessities For Your Summer Garden Party 

5 Necessities For Your Summer Garden Party 

With spring in the air, many of us are spending time outdoors perfecting our gardens. Whether you cultivate food or flowers, you likely have a backyard that is the envy of all your neighbors. While you could spend hundreds of hours weeding alone, the fruits of your labor when you step back and look at your perfectly curated garden are beyond satisfying. And, when you take a step back, you're likely inspired to host a garden party with all your friends and loved ones this summer. There are many ways to create a garden perfect for outdoor entertaining, but there are also “‘must-haves” when it comes to hosting the perfect garden party. Let's look at some of the things anyone will need for their party, no matter the theme. 

The Invitation Says It All 

You want to make sure that you set the tone for what to expect from your guests by having the perfect invitation. The invitation sets the stage, whether you opt for a digital e-vite or hand lettering on paper from one of your favorite stationery sets. You convey the party's theme here, obviously the time, expected attire, and an RSVP deadline. While e-mailing invites is a more sustainable choice, garden parties are romantic and nostalgic, and opting for the handwritten invitation is more fitting. 

Use Seasonal Decor 

While your garden may be bursting with native or imported fauna and the lush greenery and bright flowers are enough for the party's decor, make sure it's seasonal if you decide to add more. Opt for colors in bloom, and don't juxtapose evergreen themes with the lighter and airy spring vibes. Keep the plates and other dishes in soft, romantic color schemes and if you're feeling like going bold, do so with brighter greens, pinks, or purples. White and neutral decor allows the garden's beauty to stand out better. 

Dress To Impress 

If you're having a traditional garden party, you may have requested that your guests don hats and gloves for the event. Even if you didn't specify what your guest should wear, make sure that you are dressed to impress as the host. After all, even in a garden party setting, we are still living in the digital age, and there is no doubt that countless selfies and staged photos will happen, so you want to dress to the nines. Keep things thematic and go with an on-trend floral maxi or midi dress. At the same time, going for a cottage core or folk vibe may match your everyday aesthetic more, so you could opt for a blush pink ruffled blouse and subdued skirt. While it is true that sometimes it's better to be underdressed than overdressed, you still want to show your guests you are throwing a party they'll never forget by not forgetting the essential details of your outfit. 

Go Green 

With sustainability being at the forefront of everyone's minds these days, making sure you put in the effort to have the greenest garden party possible is meaningful to our attendees and, more importantly, the environment. While it takes more elbow grease to wash non-disposable drinking glasses, cutlery, and dishes, it is more climate-conscious. Still, it elevates your party from one that would use disposable containers. Mason jars make a perfect drinking vessel at garden parties unless this is a tea party; if you're going the tea party route, shopping secondhand for beautiful teacups and saucers is the sustainable and frugal choice. 

Party Favors Are A Must 

Who says party favors are just for kids? Make sure your guests never forget your soiree by including a favor for them to take home at their place setting. They say the devil is in the details, and it's the little details like party souvenirs that guests delight in. You can do something like a small box of local chocolates, a tiny bouquet from your own garden, or something more personalized to your party's theme. No matter what party favor you decide on, it will be the memento your guest will treasure. 

Garden parties fell out of favor for a few decades, but they have come roaring back in their popularity. Themes like The Great Gatsby and drinks like Mint Juleps are an easy go-to if you're struggling with ideas. Remember, a positive attitude is the ultimate must-have for hosting a party, and if you can master that, you're out of the weeds! Cheers!