Garden Theme Parties

Whether formal or informal, whether held on expansive, meticulously manicured grounds or on a back patio in the city, whether you're having barbecued burgers on paper plates or lobster tails on a silver platter, a garden theme will be the perfect setting for just about any party. If your friends and family enjoy the great outdoors at all, consider having a garden theme party for your next event.

History

For centuries, garden parties have been enjoyed by the well-to-do of England and France. Beautiful estate gardens provided the setting for a gathering of the elite, dressed in lavish attire, with buffet tables featuring sumptuous feasts and shady areas with comfortable seating for enjoying refreshments, live music and conversation. Such parties would last for several days, into the night, with lanterns and candles glowing warmly against the greenery. No longer just for the upper class, garden parties are enjoyed now by people everywhere.

Types

The great thing about garden parties is that they are versatile. They can be as simple as a few little girls gathering for tea and snacks on a picnic table, or elegant enough for a formal wedding. Garden parties are ideal for anyone who enjoys being outdoors on a beautiful day, be it for a holiday, birthday, or just a random gathering of friends. Garden party themes have become so popular that some people have them without even having an actual garden. Instead, an indoor setting is decorated with a garden theme that mimics the atmosphere of the outdoors.

Features

Lots of flora is the natural hallmark of a garden party, be it simple trees and bushes, colorful blooming flower beds, or potted plants surrounding the area. Comfortable seating is a must, as well as a shady area in the daytime for guests who wish to stay out of the sun. Garden parties that extend into the evening should have good lighting spread through the area. A casual garden party can be catered with simple sandwiches and cool beverages such as lemonade and iced tea, set on colorful paper plates on picnic tables. The beauty of a garden can also lend enchantment to more formal events, with white linens, fine dining and a string quartet helping to set the mood.

Benefits

The best thing about a garden party is that there is usually little need to go overboard when decorating. Even a modest, well-kept garden requires little additions or fuss to make it a beautiful backdrop for festivities. If you feel your garden is a little sparse, make use of potted plants or cut flowers in vases. No matter how formal or informal, sitting and chatting among all that nature promotes a calm, peaceful atmosphere that relaxes guests.

Considerations

Make sure that the ground is safe, level and free of debris in the garden so that guests do not risk stumbling. Have a plan to repel insects if it is a problem at that time of year, such as citronella candles and plants placed around the area, or having an insect repellent spray on hand for guests to use. You may also wish to have sunscreen available for guests, particularly children, who are having fun running around under the sun. If it is a breezy day, try to set up tables with napkins or paper plates behind something that breaks the wind, and have plenty of "weights" available, such as those that weigh down bunches of balloons, to place on anything that might fly away.

Resources

• What is a Garden Party?
• Garden Party Ideas
• The Victorian Garden Party