At Turf Managers, we love the outdoors, and we love spending time in our yards. That’s why we really love a good garden party! What better way to enjoy beautiful landscaping with friends and family. Here are 10 great ideas for hosting a memorable garden party!
1. Brainstorm – Consider who your guests are and plan your party accordingly – will it be an all-women tea party, a grill-out with friends, or a family-friendly gathering? How big is your guest list? Is it a formal event or more laid back? What will the weather be like on the date you’ve chosen? Are there any other events going on at that time?
2. Theme – You’ll want to choose a theme for your party. Do your food choices and decor have a common thread? Will it be farmhouse, casual-style or more elegant and refined? Sometimes it’s fun to pick a region of the world, and create an atmosphere around that region. For example, if you pick Paris, play French music and serve assorted fruits and cheeses! 
3. Color – Light neutrals with wooden and glass accents are always classic, but it’s wise to pick a theme color and accent color. Complimentary hues are a great start: pink and green, blue and orange/peach. Analogous colors (those in close proximity on a color wheel) like turquoise, green and light green are easy on the eyes, too. Once you pick your colors, you’ll want to orchestrate at least 3 pops of these colors in your linens, centerpieces, or even your food and drink options.
4. Invitations – I always go for simple and clean invites that match my accent colors and have a nice, classic font. The style and look of your invitations will revolve around your theme.
5. Ambience – Lighting and linens create the comfiest of vibes! Whether tea lights in mason jars, tiki torches (especially in buggy seasons!), hanging lanterns or a string of industrial white lightbulbs strewn across trees, lighting makes a huge difference – even if your party is during the day. Rugs, outdoor blankets or cowhides spread across grassy knolls also create cozy lounging areas. For an added touch of comfort, throw some decorative pillows on wooden chairs and blankets.
6. Table Setting – Choose a table ensemble that goes with your theme! Consider a casual white linen cloth or a burlap runner over a wooden table. Pewter, gold or wooden chargers add a pinch of charm, and if your table is bare, wicker or linen placemats are beautiful options. Porcelain or pottery dishes and silverware dress up the occasion quite nicely, but clear plastic plates and cups will do just fine for a more casual event.
7. Floral Centerpieces – Being that it’s a garden party, go for floral accents! Here are some ideas to get you started: potted herbs, wild flower bouquets, glass vases, mason jars with twine ribbon, terrariums containing succulents or white candles enclosed in a wreath of greenery. Whatever you choose, remember those theme colors!
8. Food – The best choices at a garden party are easy-to-grab, aesthetically-pleasing goodies like a charcuterie board with fresh meats, cheeses, nuts and fruits. Savory nibbles such as herbed hummus with toasted pita, freshly-sliced veggies, pesto-goat cheese bruschetta bites and crusted sausage balls are always a hit. Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without sweet treats like dark chocolate-covered fruit or assorted pastries!
9. Drinks – Fruit or herb-infused drinks serve as festive garden party sips! The fruit and herbs add both color and refreshing flavors to iced tea, water, juice or even cocktails. Choose your add-ins based on your theme and colors. Wine is also a timeless pick, and if you choose to serve beer, bottles are classier.
10. Plan Ahead – It’s advisable to set up as much as you can in advance, so long as weather permits. Plan ahead! Purchase paper goods, prep food and illustrate handwritten menus or personalized seating cards ahead of time. Hang your string of lights or paper lanterns a day or two in advance to test them out. The more you can get done prior to the day-of, the greater your peace of mind and the more enjoyable your decorating process will be. And of course, don’t forget to contact Turf Managers to make sure that your lawn and yard are ready to show off all year round!
