In summer, most social life moves outdoors. At this time, balconies, terraces, and also home gardens become an ideal space for spontaneous gatherings and holiday relaxation with loved ones. To host a garden party, one needs to prepare for it properly. A beautifully decorated table, elegant cocktail glasses and wine glasses, fragrant flowers, and handmade decorations – this is the recipe for a successful garden party!
Before you organize a garden party
The best time to start a garden party is late afternoon and evening. Although a garden party is usually a standing event, guests should be provided with comfortable seating. Arrange several tables – let the largest one serve for shared meals, while the others can be used for snacks, drinks, and additional tableware elements - cutlery, glasses, or plates.
Tip
Glasses, wine carafes, or cocktail glasses – dishes can be put together by combining several different sets. However, it is important that they have a similar shade, the same theme (e.g., flowers), or a similar shape. Remember that the most universal material that will work best during a garden party is... crystal clear glass!
Garden party – ensure atmospheric lighting
When planning to organize a wedding reception in the garden or a spontaneous garden party with friends, it is worth considering the issue of atmospheric lighting well in advance. Paper lanterns, garlands, large candles, or tealights floating in, for example, wine glasses, will help create a cozy atmosphere conducive to long conversations at the table and all-night outdoor fun.
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Lanterns from glasses
One of the best ways to create beautiful lighting for the garden yourself is to use... elegant glass wine glasses or cocktail glasses. Just place candles in them to create beautiful lanterns that will perfectly complement the tableware, creating a stylistically coherent whole. An interesting effect can also be achieved by pouring sand or decorative stones under the candles, or by tying the glasses (or tumblers) with a lace ribbon, fitting in with the currently very fashionable vintage style.
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Ready-made candle holders
When organizing a garden party, you can also use ready-made candle holders. An interesting solution are, for example, models kept in a retro style, referring to the 1920s, made of high-quality, crystal clear glass with effective, hand-engraved floral ornaments, which will work well, for example, during a wedding reception in the garden.
For a spontaneous garden party with friends, hurricane candle holders will be an excellent solution, as they perfectly protect the flame from the wind, creating an original table decoration.
Garden party – decorations
Fresh and fragrant flowers in vases, murmuring mini-fountains, balloons – a garden party is a great opportunity to go wild with spectacular decorations that will make guests enjoy their time outdoors.
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Flower bouquets
Bouquets of charming, wild or garden flowers (e.g., lilies of the valley) can be placed in vases, while smaller – single specimens (e.g., shepherd's purse – a popular plant that grows in Polish meadows, eustoma, or buttercups) – can be put into glasses, the stems of which can simply be tied with a colorful string or a lace ribbon. A table decoration in this style will perfectly fit the rustic atmosphere of the party.
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Tablecloths
During a garden party, tablecloths made of natural materials such as linen or cotton will work well. An excellent idea is also to prepare original placemats for plates and platters yourself. People with manual skills can make effective placemats from a tree trunk, while in an easier version, wooden boards (available in almost every Home and Garden store) painted with chalk paint will be a great solution.
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Natural decorations
During a garden party, it's worth reaching for various gifts of nature – shells, pebbles, sticks, and flowers, which can simply be arranged on a glass platter, in cocktail glasses, or wine glasses, making them an original table decoration.
Comfortable surroundings
When preparing a garden party, it is important to ensure comfortable conditions for all your guests to relax. For this purpose, it is good to use both crates and wooden pallets, which can serve as comfortable seating. Just put a few decorative cushions on them, creating a cozy space for conversations. Smaller tables can also be placed next to the seating, and on them, for example, wine glasses and carafes, cocktail glasses, several types of drinks, and platters of fruit.
During a garden party, you might need: