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Hosting an open-air bash doesn’t seem to be a rocket science. Turning it into the main disaster of the year isn’t a rocket science either. To prevent anything unwanted from happening, keep our simple hacks in mind. Spring is back on stage and as the days get warmer, it’s hard not to spend 24-7 outdoors. Many folks embrace this itch and schedule their big events in spring. Even the awakening of Mother Nature itself is the event and a spring garden party is a perfect way to celebrate it. Do your garden a facelift If you’re throwing a garden party, showing your garden, patio, or backyard some love and care is vital. As the days are creeping up to the bash date, pay special attention to your plants and flowers. The day before the event, cut the grass if needed. Whatever you do, don’t water it on a party day unless or your guests end up with a soggy bottom. |
Hosting an open-air bash doesn’t seem to be a rocket science. Turning it into the main disaster of the year isn’t a rocket science either. To prevent anything unwanted from happening, keep our simple hacks in mind.
Spring is back on stage and as the days get warmer, it’s hard not to spend 24-7 outdoors. Many folks embrace this itch and schedule their big events in spring. Even the awakening of Mother Nature itself is the event and a spring garden party is a perfect way to celebrate it.
Do your garden a facelift
If you’re throwing a garden party, showing your garden, patio, or backyard some love and care is vital. As the days are creeping up to the bash date, pay special attention to your plants and flowers. The day before the event, cut the grass if needed. Whatever you do, don’t water it on a party day unless or your guests end up with a soggy bottom.
Let them know
Though many ignore that important aspect, but invitations are critically important. They set the tone for your party. So, come up with all the essentials of your get-together before spreading the word.
If you are a hands-off host/hostess, there is a no-brainer to visit a local stationary store and pick something ready-made that can be customized by herbs, dried flowers, or silk flowers. Downright jack-of-all-trades can let their imagination run free. Either way, remember to include all the party details and send out your invitations at least three weeks prior to the event. Otherwise, your guests may show up in flip-flops on a dressy occasion or even never show up. Also, invite your neighbors even if they don’t come. It is not just a friendly gesture but a perfect way to “warn” them. Leave them your phone number so that they could call you instead of police if bothered by noise.
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Location No lush garden? You can throw a perfect spring garden party even without a garden at your disposal. Consider alternatives. What are you accessible to? Backyard is a perfect way-out for those who love privacy, but a spacious front yard can also work for you. Have a beach near your house? There is no need to complain about the lack of a garden. Live in apartment? Invite your friends to a local park. Make sure that the required number of picnic spots are reserved. However, check on local laws regarding drinking alcohol in public spaces unless you wait for a police officer as a special guest. |
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Adorn and adore
Decorating a spring garden area doesn’t require mammoth efforts as your garden foliage will serve as a natural backdrop that pulls the whole color palette together. Take a look at it. Which flowers are in bloom now? These can be the base for your party color scheme.
Set a stage for the most fabulous season with fresh-cut blooms or faux floral table-top decorations. Using ceramic or glass vases of different heights, create plentiful bouquets. For this purpose, fill vases with the lush greenery to create the base. Then, add a couple of single blooms, large or small ones. If possible, add some flowers from your garden to accentuate its beauty. Seasonal fruit will also do if your vases are glass. If you wish to, use bird cages as containers for your flowers. When too preoccupied with bouquets, don’t forget about spring-inspired tablecloths and cute napkins.
As for the palette, it’s recommended to stick to a few colors, though such casual events as a spring party allow more freedom. Pastels are usually crowd pleasers in springtime. As a rule of thumb, pick one “base” soft color and a couple of more vibrant ones for “support”. Everything should look natural but not cluttered. To make it even funnier, spring-themed backdrops and photobooths will fill your guests’ Instagram accounts with tons of brilliant pictures.
Provide proper seating
Whether it is a white tablecloth event or not, it is critical to have a seat for at least half a crowd. If your fete is really upscale, furniture rental companies are at the ready to provide you with tall tables and chairs.
Those who are more budget-minded or just want to acquire a more relaxing vibe can pull in patio chairs, camping chairs, outdoor cushions, and blankets. Even your staircase will do – just make sure it’s clean enough. Nothing is off limits – partygoers tend to turn everything into seating.
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Don’t make them starve To set the ball rolling, you can go further than just saying your visitors “hello” as they arrive. Instead, (or, better, in addition to) welcome them with a few delicious nibbles to whet their appetites. For example, go healthy and make veggie sticks with yoghurt dips. Chips and salsa can also be a perfect arrival treat. |
Right-from-the-doorstep treats are a nice idea, but you’re not going to get off that easy. Something more filling is essential. If you opt for a plain picnic-style bash so that your guests could easily eat and mingle, portable spring-inspired foods are a perfect solution. These include finger sandwiches, various wraps, mini pizzas, creamy dips, quesadillas, and sliders. Add fresh fruit served in bowls or plates, on kabobs, or in clusters and artfully arranged veggies – along with the needed calories and taste, they will bring color and a spring vibe to your fete. Remember plates and flatware at every food station.
In case walking here and there with a sandwich in the mouth isn’t your style and a sit-down spring event is on the agenda, gazpacho is a great starter followed by something more substantial, such as chicken or fish.
Avoid these foods
Whatever party style you pick, keep in mind some food taboos for any outdoor events regardless of a season. For example, have you ever noticed that guests usually grab cheese at first and avoid it in the end? Because it goes greasy. Also, avoid mayo-based and dairy dishes - they spoil so fast! In order to have fun without the extra hassle, skip those dishes that require being served hot or chilled.
More importantly, don’t forget to pay attention to guests with dietary limitations. Are there anybody with allergies or vegans? Always, always, ask people what they don’t eat.
Eat-and-mingle strategy
It goes without saying that food is a wonderful communication starter. Food lures, food entices…food creates “traffic jams” around the main buffet table! Surely, you don’t want your guests spending the whole party in line for a canape. So, if it’s not a big-table sit-down fete, why not to set up several food stations evenly scattered across your party location to encourage mingling among guests (unless it’s a sit-down fete)? Include a kid-friendly zone if there are under-12 guests. Also, plan serving proportions. One and a half plate per person will always work out.
| Rehydrate your guests
When it comes to rehydrating, you are to tick all the boxes. No matter what your party tone is, iced water is a must. Also, regardless of your guests’ preferences, a couple of non-alcoholic drinks (cold tea, sodas, etc.) will save those who want to quench their thirst without extra dizziness as a “bonus”. Refreshing, colorful drinks will spruce up any spring party. The budget-minded (and those who want to stick to a party tone) can pick a signature cocktail, such as fruit punch or sangria served in pitches. The most budget-minded can throw a bring-your-own-beer party. You can also set a bar stocked with various drinks so that guests could serve themselves. However, everybody has such a friend who is easy to over-indulge. If you have one (or if you are the one), don’t go for it. Plan two drinks per person for first hour and then, one-and-a-half per hour. Either way, don’t forget about glasses and paper straws. |
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Sweeten the deal
When it comes to desserts, it’s advisable to keep finger-style in mind (huge cakes won’t do). If you’re a not so skillful baker and cake decorator, let spring be your inspiration. For instance, you can craft floral cupcakes to save your sweet teeth from disappointment. All you need to do is to bake a traditional cupcake base, whip Swiss meringue buttercream, divide the frosting into several bows, and tint each bowl in a different color. Using different piping tips, top your cupcakes with zinnias, hydrangeas, roses, or whatever your fantasy is up to. To make a perfect finish, adorn your sweet flowers with sugar pearls, white non-pareils, and mint leaves.
Alternatively, you can jump on 2018’s from-the-garden-to-the-table trend and bake chocolate cupcakes (to imitate soil) adorned with sweet flowers or mini-veggies.
To show off the goodies, you can purchase vintage cupcake stands of different heights if party color palette and theme dictates so. However, jacks-of-all-trades can come up with something themselves. For instance, you can go for garden-inspired theme with ever-in-fashion rustic elements. For this purpose, feel free to incorporate old objects turning them into something out-of-the-box. For example, instead of traditional serve ware, customize old small drawers into unusual containers for your cupcakes.
Lights up
Is it a dog Spot? Or maybe, your old friend has over-indulged with the signature cocktail? No need to close the bar. Dusky setting is always romantic, but moderation is the key – nobody wants to fumble for a quesadilla or a glass of sangria. To this end, even if you don’t plan to stretch your party to the dusky hours or leading each and every guest to the restroom by your hand isn’t your spring party concept, consider lighting.
The range of options is immense, including landscape light, solar-powered-garden LED lights, festive lanterns, hanging pendants, and torches. String lights are also a charming yet affordable option. Remember, it’s a spring party and the nature is the focal point. Wrap tree trunks with mini lights to create the enchanted-forest ambience. Miss beaucoup charm? String globe-style lights are back on the stage. Incorporate these into your party and kill two birds with one shot: your guests will be aware of what surrounds them and your spring bash will acquire an additional charm and festivity.
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Fun games To entirely catapult your guests out from winter hibernating, pick several fun activities. Such lawn games as croquet and badminton are perfect options to shake up any spring garden party. Lack of space? Try out horseshoes or bocce ball. Added to the fact that these games are not just kid- but adult-friendly, they have easy rules and can be played even in a bondage dress. Limited to a small patio area? Cornhole and flying bean bags will also do. To make it even more interesting, come up with a reward for a winner. Make it spring-inspired. |
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In a pinch, in case sitting is what your guests (or you) dream about, have some flowers with inexpensive vases at hand to arrange bouquets.
Plan B
Planning party in advance is necessary but quite risky. Regardless of your plans, Mother Nature lives on her own schedule. So, it’s advisable to have a contingency plan unless it’s not a rain-inspired party.
It’s wise to have a spacious shelter near the party area so that everything (including your festive mood) could be easily moved in. Moving indoors is the best option. However, if the space doesn’t permit, it never hurts to have a screened-in porch or a couple of canopies at hand. Don’t want to rush everything inside? Purchase drop sheets to protect your food and beverages from light drizzles.
Several blankets and jackets as well as portable patio heaters will also warm up the gathering if the cold front moves in. Though, in case the party is meant to be outdoors, propose a rain date in your invitations.
Also, keep in mind that cold weather and rain are not the only mischiefs of Mother Nature. In case of extreme heat, provide your guests with a quick shade. As with rain, umbrellas and canopies will also help.
Silence isn’t a party-maker
Music plays an important role in any get-together and a spring garden party is no difference. What’s more, it is a necessity rather than an option unless listening to chirping birdies is your party theme. Thus, to keep people happy and relaxed, come up with a playlist that suits the occasion. If it’s a formal white tablecloth party, a selection of airy and light songs will definitely work for you. Upscale modern events require something like art gallery ambient grooves. If it’s a flip-flop BYOB affair with BBQ, old school rock collection is a nice fit.
To create a playlist, use your smartphone or any MP3 and let music stream through wireless speakers. Arranging floral bouquets is much easier than coming up with a music mix? If you’re not a melomaniac, use Spotify to find any ready-made playlist that will do for the vibe of your spring garden event.
Suit shorts dress up!
This part of our “how-to” is meant for both hosts and partygoers. If there is no special dress code on a garden party, what to wear (no matter whether you are a guest or host)? Well, just between us, you can bail on any rules, skip this paragraph, and show up in whatever you want. If you’re not that reckless, read on.
Whatever you wear, stick to pastels. More exactly, comfortable and lightweight sundress styled with a denim jacket and plain sandals is the most common spring garden party attire. Want something fresher without killing elegance? Opt for a plain tunic paired with floral trousers to add more casualty. If you are looking for something feminine, lace skirt will also do while it’s better to exclude heels especially for “barefoot-grass-walkers”. Want to be in the spotlight? Dried flower temporary tattoos will work for you!
End on a high note
To give the party the grand finale and make them buzzing about your fete, send your guests away with special favors. Since nothing can beat treats, you can’t go wrong with popcorn or candies. Grow fruit and vegetables? Present them baskets packed with fresh pickings. If the waistline is top priority for your guests, let them take a piece of spring home. Opt for some fool-proof plants, such as succulents. Another earthy idea to celebrate Mother Nature’s awakening is a tiny bag of birdseeds or a packet of planting seeds. Candles scented with spring fragrances will let your guests keep this gorgeous season indoors even in winter.
Either way, what you pick as keepsakes for your partygoers depends on the theme and the vibe you’re going for. Our customizable bags and packages will turn your favors into something your guests will strive to snag. No matter what’s inside (By the way, don’t forget to put something inside).
Managed to read this till the end without skipping portions of text? Your party will be an A, definitely.
