How to Throw the Perfect Garden Party
My garden is swelling with buds, some have even transformed into beautiful flowers. I am looking at a butterfly right now, its bright blue wings fluttering from one flower to another… it seems to be enjoying the warm morning sun. This vision is too beautiful for me to concentrate on my work, so I allow myself the luxury of taking a break and letting the colours of my garden, the vivacity of the butterfly, and the infectious energy of the morning air guide my thoughts.
Do you know where my imaginations finally come to a halt… sunny days convincing me that it’s the perfect time to start planning some garden parties. 🙂 I think of friends and family coming together under the sporadic shade of trees swaying in the gentle spring breeze. I imagine conversations over the unremitting chirp of songbirds while we sip on our favourite wine. I picture myself sharing the table with the people I love… I always find this kind of entertaining wonderfully relaxing.
The very thought of organising a party inherently creates a surge of adrenaline in me and creative juices begin to fill my mind. For instance, the tableware can assimilate the colours of spring while generous use of vividly coloured buntings can reach out to the child within each one of us! Today I have some interesting tips for hosting the perfect tropical garden party that I’d love to share with you. Use these steps on how to throw the perfect garden party as a guideline to hosting an amazing soirée!
Blaze of Colour: Transform Your Space into a Tropical Paradise
Twinning with the Season: With foliage shining brighter than emeralds and flowers glowing like jewels in the warm spring weather, spring itself is an inspiration when it comes to designing your party space. And since garden parties allow for greater space, your guests will be able to roam around or relax under the shade of the trees depending on the mood of your party.
Nature is already on your side helping you add colours and beauty to the assigned space. So, the best thing to do is to embrace this natural theme and play along with spring’s quirks in your own fashion. Let a refreshing shade of green dominate the theme of your decorations and use hues of bright red, orange, yellow, blue and violet to depict flowers of the season. For that tropical look, you’d also want to have many shades of the ocean peep out from your “Garden of Eden.”
Impressive Invitations
A lot of us usually settle for digital invitations which can be interactive and are far easier to send, but paper invitations ignite intrigue and this is why I am nostalgically in love with this traditional manner of sending an invitation.
You will have to be creative so that your guests instantly look forward to the party. It is best to let your guests in on your theme by choosing an invitation card design that represents the tropics. I am thinking of old postcard style beach scenes or pictures of refreshing tropical drinks which will make your guests think of warm beaches and exotic plants. You can also experiment with fonts that build a fun tone. And, remember to use vivid colours that remind your guests of spring in the tropics. Don’t forget to remind them of the invitation to wear their favourite tropical outfit, as well!
Designing Your Table
Flower decoration: Beautiful table settings are the focus of any garden party and flowers can make any place more welcoming and attractive. But remember to find a balance between the natural beauty of your garden that would already have gorgeous blooms and the loveliness of flowers on your table. Beautiful vases with a few seasonal blooms can look pretty, but I would advise you to get creative and perhaps use pineapple shells for a vase ~ placing a bunch of fresh, fragrant blossoms in each pineapple shell before you place it on each table.
Decorative accent: You can bring out that beautiful crystal bowl you’ve been saving for the right occasion. I think a few decorative bird cages can also serve as a stunning accent for the main table. The centrepiece usually garners attention, and at many parties, it ends up becoming a topic of discussion adding camaraderie to the atmosphere.
Lighting: Natural light is of course the best element of any outdoor party, but outdoor celebrations can be so much fun that you may not realise how quickly the sun reaches the horizon. So, prepare to light up your garden when the sun’s light begins to weaken. I have an affinity for candlelight, but if you expect the evening to be windy, then using paper lanterns is more justifiable and will lend a rather cosy atmosphere that will make your guests feel more comfortable.
Optional seating: I personally love the thought of simply sitting on the grass, soaking in the sun and chatting with friends ~ sounds like quite the therapy for city dwellers, eh?! So, set up a few pillows and pouffes and let your favourite oriental rug get some sun too!
Music That Matches Everyone’s Energy
Along with the beautiful flowers and lights that set the right atmosphere, music also has the ability to act as a mood enhancer. It plays a big role in how people feel at a party. Loud and lively music can be very uplifting, but outdoor lunches are best complemented with soothing tunes playing softly in the background to transport your guests to some island far, far away… And as the afternoon sunlight disappears under the canopy of willows, you may want to choose a dance playlist that sets their feet tapping!
Menu Selection to Appease Your Guests
Remember that the whole “magic of the moment” is to greet your guests with an exotic feast! Go with the theme and let tropical ingredients rule the table. Since garden parties make movement a lot easier, you would want to focus on bite-sized appetisers which your guests can enjoy while they walk around joining different conversations.
Keep the drinks colourful, the food light and delicious, and include quirky elements like edible flowers and fresh coconut water. Appetisers like honey-glazed chicken, pineapple glazed shrimps, and mango cucumber guacamole will greatly contribute to the success of your tropical island style party.
Party Favours: Because it Really is the Thought That Counts
Your guests were thoughtful enough to have taken time out for your garden party, so let them know you appreciate them by leaving a small gift next to each of their plates. Parties are the best means of getting together and spending quality time with people you really adore, and in all likelihood, your guest list will include friends and family members who are very special to you. Honour them with a small token of your love in the form of party favour. It could be an exotic tropical flower, a handwritten note or handmade jewellery. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, just something that makes your guests feel admired.
To conclude: Whether you have a large group to entertain or a party of two, the tropical garden party theme bears continuity with the vitality which is already around ~ butterflies fluttering around your flower décor to birds chirping along with the music ~ with friendly laughter adding to the merriment! So, dust off your finest china, give your friends a call, and make plans to dine alfresco! After all, celebrating all that is green is what this season is truly about.
With the help of my tips on how to throw the perfect garden party, I hope that you will be inspired to host the tropical soirée of your dreams! Enjoy the season, have fun and share more time with your loved ones!
Alright, I’m so inspired to try this! Enjoying beautiful open air spaces is one of the highlights of warm weather! ❤️
How lovely of you to think so, Jasleen. Thank you!
Awesome post, Tanya! Thanks for sharing your thoughts; each sounds great. And your set up is dreamy… looks like the afternoon soirée went really well!
My pleasure, Dinesh. It certainly did!
Oh my gosh – this looks so beautiful, Tanya! I adore every detail, and love how the entire look is the perfect combination of tropical and floral! ❤️
Thank you, Nikita. I’m so happy you enjoyed this post.
I loved this post, Tanya! I think that a homemade bouquet often has considerably more character than anything you can pick up from the florist! Love the one featured here… 🙂
I’m glad to hear it, Khushi. Thank you!
Stunning pictures! Thank you for sharing this extraordinary tropical tablescape, Tanya! You’ve inspired me! Sending you virtual hugs and positive vibes… 🙂
You are such a sweetheart, Shwetha! Thank you ~ I can feel your virtual hugs!
Love this post and I love your blog, Tanya!! Thanks for being an immense wellspring of happiness and encouragement! May you have a marvellous Spring/Summer of 2021!!
Thank you for making my day with your sweet comment, Ayesha!
If you’re fortunate enough to have a garden that gets plenty of sun, there are few better ways to enjoy it than by hosting your very own garden party! Love the tips and the bursts of colour! Keep inspiring! ❤️
Thank you for the love, Zainab!
I loved reading this! Thank you for the fantastic tips, Tanya! I wanted to add that having a fireworks display is a fun and vibrant way to end the evening! 🙂
Great idea! Thank you for sharing, Kavita.
It was nice to read that another person finds organising a party fun and therapeutic, too. 🙂
Tanya, If I may, I’d like to recommend recreating your own outdoor cinema by hanging a white sheet up and projecting a film on to it. All you require are floor cushions, throws for when the temperature drops, and lots of popcorn to go around!
Thank you for sharing sweet friend! xo
Part of the appeal of the summer months is that they’re a great excuse to throw a laid back party! Also, summer is truly best represented with splendid colours! Love what you’ve done with the space here!
Thank you, Murtaza. I’m delighted!
What a gorgeous setup! Something almost magical happens when you dine outside ~ the food just tastes better!! Haha!!
Haha!! I agree, Dimple.
Lots of chattering, guests laughing and having a great time… I can just picture it in my mind! That floral arrangement certainly adds colour, elegance and beauty! ❤️❤️
Such heartfelt appreciation, Sushama. Thank you so much!
The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and the weather is absolute perfection! What better way to celebrate the season than to host a wildly successful outdoor soirée! Love this post!! ❤️
Beautifully stated! Thank you, Amrutha.
Lush colour palette! Love the details and how it turned out! ❤️ Thank you for this – it inspired me and totally made my day!
Thank you, Priyanka. I think keeping it fresh for garden parties, works really well.
You created a unique tablescape, Tanya. It’s also a lovely spot to sit for a while to relax your mind and sooth your soul… ❤️
So glad to hear this! Thank you, Mahathi.
Wow!! This is such a rich and beautiful amalgamation of colours and textures… absolutely gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing and making the world a more beautiful place!!
I’m overwhelmed! Thank you so much, Pooja.
Can we just talk about this beautiful outdoor space! You have such a knack for styling, Tanya! Continue to inspire!
Such beautiful thoughts you have for me! Thank you, Poonam.
Love your table setup, and love the details! The style you created is really beautiful. ✨ Life is short… make it beautiful! Now, to follow your wonderful tips and replicate!
Thank you for your sweet words, Sunitha.
OMG – what a dream tablescape! This could not be more perfect! Your Pandora of art has no end, Tanya! ✨ Can’t wait to use your advise and curate a garden party soon!
I’m so happy you liked it so much, Reena.
I love everything about this! ✨ Love your setting and your sentiment, too. ❤️ It’s fun seeing the creative ways people are throwing parties… And with your easy peasy tips, it’ll be a walk in the park!
Oh, that’s so sweet of you! Thank you, dear Sushmitha.
This looks magical!!
The sun’s out and spring is on its waaaaaay! I love to throw garden parties, and I know we’ve all missed our shindigs. Well, whatever our vibe maybe – this post sure caters! ✨✨✨
Thank you, Ranjini! Glad to be of help.
What a beautiful setup! ❤️ I CANNOT wait to just be outside (all day) again, and have people over in my garden! Here’s to experiencing curated events designed to deliver intimate moments…
Thank you, Priyanka. You fill my heart with joy!
Oooh! Love!
You’ve beautifully captured every detail… I love the fresh flowers, soft greens and clean lines. Adding a splash of colour, comfortable touches, and opportunities to make memories – is all you need. ❤️
Oh! Thank you so much, Himanshi.
Quite true.
A Magical space! ❤️
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be getting in touch with friends, tentatively putting dates in the diary, and using your fun ideas to get my patio ready for some socially distanced catch-ups… Here’s to gently, slowly, cautiously looking forward to meeting up with friends and family again!
Thank you, Heena. So nice of you!
Just beautiful! I lovveeee everything about this!!
Where else could the time better be spent than at a garden party with friends, sunshine, delicious grilled food and a lovely Jacuzzi? Thanks for sharing!
I wholeheartedly agree, Neevia! So glad you like it.
Simply the most beautiful products and decoration! ❤️ Garden party for the win!!
Here’s to celebrating (when restrictions allow, of course) the fact that life is ‘back to normal’ … The emphasis will certainly be on creating those long-awaited memories once again!
Thank you for these kind words, Jyothi. They’re highly valued!
Ok, so I want to be at this party!! Pleaseee ✨✨✨
On a more serious note, I can’t wait for the post COVID parties and for hugging loved ones!! ❤️
Always a delight to have your appreciation, Manasi.
I am about ready to take a drive into this page – ha! Looks seriously amazing! Here’s to dancing on the tables again…
Thank you, dear Isha. Such a sweet thing to say!
So dreamy! I really love your tablescapes, Tanya!
“Tropical” has been one of my most anticipated themes/colour schemes for spring, and I’m so excited to finally have reference images & tips! Thank you for another spectacular share!
I’m humbled, Mrinalini. Thank you so much!
How lovely – the photos and the effort. 🙂
Garden parties are high on the agenda for this spring… Just so you know, this is absolutely my favourite time of year. It’s my little reminder from God that it’s never too late for rebirth and growth!
Nothing better than that… 🙂
Oh my gosh! This is beautiful all around… Perfect for outside entertaining while we wait for the pandemic to end.
Thank you for being a constant light to me and others on this platform! Love ya so much girlie!
So sweet of you, Deepanshi . Thanks much!
This is absolutely stunning, Tanya!! Just love the colour scheme of this table setup!
The sun is out and the birds are chirping here today… I’m so excited for the spring vibes, and to get back to meetups ~ can’t wait for the first one ❤️!
That’s kind of you, Misha. Thank you.
Too beautiful for words! ❤️ Continuing to live vicariously through your amazing posts!
By the way, today’s weather has me spring dreaming of garden tea parties… Maybe these tips will be just what I need to help plan one in my garden!
That’s kind of you, Pravali. Quite reassuring really.
My definition of self-care. ✨ Well, it’s almost springtime! #gardenparty
On a side note: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” ~ You certainly embody this, Tanya. So glad to be connected to you on here, and thankful for our friendship!
That’s very kind and affectionate of you, Suruchi. Thank you for following along.
It’s all in the details ✨. Warmer weather is finally here, and I am READY!
To add to your post, I would say that the past year has been tough without a doubt, but as we finally have some light at the end of the tunnel, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to socialising once again with friends and family.
Very true, Nandini. Thank you for this perspective.