Home and Garden Party

Home and Garden Party

Executive summary about Home and Garden Party by Laura Worachek

If you're a home and garden party consultant, helping your hostesses come up with ideas for their parties can be a win-win situation for both of you. For you, the consultant, having a happy hostess means happier and more relaxed guests, and everyone having a wonderful time at the party. Successful garden parties can happen on small patios in the city, in the backyard of the suburbs or even in a living room or dining room. In fact, some of the most successful garden parties don't even happen in the hostess's home - we've had successful garden parties at the local park, at a family member or neighbor's home, and once, even on a mother-daughter camp-out!

Garden parties can range from the elegant to the casual: from large affairs to cozy, intimate gatherings. Tea Party: Get elegant with cloth tablecloths and napkins, fancy napkin rings and place settings. The centerpieces could be glass bowls, decanters or bottles filled with flowers, fruit or candles. Serve tea, finger sandwiches and elegant little desserts on stacked trays.
Use flowers or potted plants if the party is on the patio, or set it up in the garden itself, if the time of year is right. Place your displays inside the house or around the outdoor area, and use the same tablecloths and elegant theme as the party. Light classical music, guitar music or new age would blend in beautifully.

Afternoon Delight: Set up a whimsical party with beach umbrellas or patio tables and umbrellas, a free-standing hammock, and drag out the kids' plastic pool to fill with sand and use it to hold your outdoor display items. Crackers, cheese and fruit make simple refreshments.

In your next marketing campaign - aimed at brides and maids (or matrons) of honor, mention that you hold garden party bridal showers. Themes can vary, but some nice touches include: stringing fairy lights and hurricane lanterns around the garden or patio (especially if the party is being held at night), using ribbons, lace and the bride's wedding colors. Table decorations can be tiny terra cotta pots with tea lights in them. Refreshments should be kept light - ice tea, lemon-aide or fruit smoothies and finger sandwiches with cookies or a variety of desserts works well.