Garden Party Tips on Decorating and Recipes

by Sarah Ganly

Garden Parties are a fun and easy way to get together with friends and celebrate spring. It may seem that throwing a garden party may be overwhelming, but here are some tips to help your party go smoothly and pleasantly.

The décor should obviously suggest spring, and flowers should be abundant. If the party is an evening party set up white lights in the trees or bushes by the table to create ambiance. If the party is scheduled for the day make sure the table is set under a tree in order to provide shade for your guests. Another way to set a terrific mood for this party would e to float some flowers in a big glass bowl filled with water. It is also quite enchanting to set some tea lights around the table.

Food and drinks are an important part of any party, and your garden party is not different. The food at a garden party should be light so start off with a salad. My favorite summertime salad is a cucumber onion salad. It is easy and simple to make; all you will need is about 3 large onions, 4 large cucumbers, and a bottle of red wine vinaigrette. Slice the cucumbers and onions thick and put them in a bowl. Pour most of the oil out of the salad dressing, and coat the onion cucumber mix with the rest. Let this mixture sit overnight and serve chilled.

Another delicious garden party treat is tomato, prosciutto, mozzarella wraps. Simply slice the tomato thinly and layer it with the prosciutto and the cheese inside of a wrap. Drizzle with a light oil and vinegar mix, and serve on a wrap or a pita. This sandwich is also delicious if fresh spinach and basil is added. A delicious desert for garden parties can be a fruit salad soaked in honey and orange juice, or some fruit flavored sorbet.

Garden parties are a great way to celebrate the end of winter and enjoy the outside, and now that you have some of these garden party tips, your party should be as fun as possible.