If you are more interested in the flowers sprouting in your spring garden than the flowery spring fashions sprouting on the runways, then throw a casual garden party. Unlike a formal garden tea, a casual garden party is perfect for those who enjoy gardening and sharing plants with other gardening fans. Better yet, to keep this garden party on a budget, the garden party decorations will come straight from your garden and from your friends. How’s how to do it.
Garden Party Theme
Make your garden party theme a plant exchange. This garden party idea provides an easy way to get the conversation flowing and as a bonus, reduces the money and time you will need to spend on garden party decorations. To let your guests know about the exchange, include the info in your invitation. Ask each guest to bring one of their favorite plants in a six to eight inch pot ready to be exchanged.
Garden Party Invitations
This is a casual party so keep your garden party invitations casual, too. For each invitation, trace a simple leaf on light green card stock paper, no larger than the size of your envelope. Look for large invitation or greeting card size envelopes in pastel colors at your office supply or crafts store to make your garden party invitation stand out. Cut out the leaf and print the garden party specifics (date, location, time, casual dress, plant exchange info) on your leaf card. Glue a daisy or dogwood shaped flower (cut one from card stock or pull apart flowers from a stem of attractive silk flowers) to one end of your leaf for a finishing touch. Of course, if you aren’t crafty, you can make your invitations on the computer using garden clip art or find casual party invitation cards at the store that fit your garden party theme.
Garden Party Decorations
Tablecloths (white and/or pastel green)
Garden vines (ivy, creeping fig, other similar vine)
Leaves from ivy or herbs (rosemary, mint, thyme, scented geraniums)
Several mason jars
Several 2 to 4 inch tall candles that fit attractively in the mason jars
Making garden party decorations for this garden party has an added benefit. You can cut back any ivy, creeping fig or other pretty vine that is taking over your garden. Do this on the morning of your garden party. Use these cuttings that would normally go in the trash or the compost pile to decorate your garden party tables. Wrap vines loosely into wreath shapes, keeping 6-8 inches open in the center and lay these flat on your tables. Two or three wreaths for one long table; a single wreath for smaller square or circular tables. Add a candle to each mason jar and place a few single ivy leaves or herb leaves in the bottom of the jar and away from the candle wick. Place mason jars with candles between your wreaths if you are using one long table; or on either side of your wreath if you are using square of circular tables.
Garden Party Foods
For your casual garden party, keep the foods light and simple and use recipes that can be made ahead of time. Concentrate on foods from the garden. For an appetizer, mix herbs into whipped cream cheese and serve with sliced vegetables and crackers for dipping. Chop and combine green onions, fresh parsley, fresh basil, a half to a whole clove of fresh garlic and salt and pepper to taste with your cream cheese to make a nice combination. This can be made a day before your garden party.
Pasta makes a delicious entree for a garden party and this recipe is even better if it is made a day ahead of time. Cook bowtie or penne pasta, cool, and add your favorite garden vegetables. Tomatoes, grated carrots, artichoke hearts, sliced onions, fresh spinach torn to bite size pieces, fresh parsley, and sliced mushrooms are some excellent choices. Accentuate with sliced olives if you wish and stir in your favorite bottled Italian dressing to taste. Finish off with shredded mozzarella or feta cheese.
For unique garden party sandwiches, prepare a tray with layers of basil, sliced tomatoes, and sliced mozzarella cheese, drizzle these with olive oil and fresh cracked pepper. If you want to include meat in your garden party meal, add some sliced deli ham, turkey, and roast beef to the outside of this tray and place a basket of sliced french bread baguettes to the side. For pretty condiments, layer some small bowls with lettuce leaves and fill with mayo and mustards of your choice.
A light dessert such as Angel Lush is a perfect end to your garden party meal. Garnish with mint leaves and strawberries. Keep beverages simple. Iced tea punch or peach basil sangria would go perfectly with this garden party theme.
Garden Party Food Display
Large terra cotta pots of different sizes (buy new ones in sizes you can use later for gardening)
Terra cotta saucers in large sizes
New garden spades (check discount stores for cheap ones)
Plastic watering can without a sprinkler head
Tin pails
Don’t neglect a beautiful display of your food. It will accentuate your garden party theme. Designate one table for a buffet-style set up for your garden party. Use baskets to hold your plates, napkins, and silverware. Line large terra cotta saucers with lettuce leaves and use them to hold your sandwiches, vegetables and dip. To display your food trays and continue your garden party theme, turn large terra cotta pots of different heights upside down and place your pasta bowl and terra cotta “trays” of food on top. Group your terra cotta pots in uneven numbers and varying heights for the most attractive display. Also include leftover vines and mason jars with candles on your buffet table, weaving the vines on the table in and around the terra cotta pots. Wash the garden spades you purchased and use them were appropriate as serving spoons. Fill the tin pails with ice and add bottled water and soft drinks to them. Use the plastic watering can to hold your iced tea punch. Place the sangria in a clear pitcher.
Complete Your Garden Party Theme
Now the fun begins. As guests arrive to your garden party with a plant for the garden party exchange, use these plants to decorate the centers of the vine wreaths you have made. Set extra potted plants in among the vines you have placed on the food display tables. This way everyone gets a chance to admire all of the beautiful plants and you didn’t have to purchase additional garden party decorations for your tables.
Additional Garden Party Theme Ideas
You can limit your plants for the exchange to herbs, perennials, or some other specific plant if you wish. Or, if you don’t want to ask your friends to bring a plant, pot up cuttings from your own garden, use them as centerpieces and then give them away as garden party favors to your guests.
Most of all, take time to share gardening tips, planting ideas, and enjoy your casual garden party.
