A Garden Party Guide

A garden party can be the perfect start to a great season. If the thought of planning a party seems overwhelming you can relax. A little planning goes a long way, and keeping foods light and décor simple can make for an elegant no fuss event that your guests will remember fondly. You may even be starting a new tradition that will give your friends a brand new reason to look forward to nice weather.

Get the word out!

The first thing you'll need to do is create a guest list. Think about how large you would like your garden party to be as this will affect the rest of the party planning. A good head count might be somewhere in the range of eight to fifteen guests. This will allow for plenty of good socializing and not too much work before hand. Don't feel limited by those numbers. If you feel like you can host a party for forty people then the more the merrier!

Once your guest list is complete the invitations should go out. Invitations should go out no less than four weeks before the date of your garden party. You can keep these very simple by printing them up quickly on your printer in a neat font. Include all the important details such as date, time, and location of the party. If your guests are unfamiliar with the area it can be very helpful to include a map or a small list of directions from a major street or highway. Request that attending guests RSVP at least two weeks before the party date, and make sure to include contact information. For a nice touch try slipping a pressed dried flower or a silk flower in the envelope with the invites.

Setting

If the weather permits a garden party should absolutely be held outdoors. Obviously the best place for a garden party is near the garden! It's also a good idea to look for a spot with sun exposure as well as some shade to ensure that everyone stays comfortable. A grassy spot in the back yard or even a small patio will do fine. If you have a tree you might want to position your tables near it, but not directly underneath it. If weather is a little wet you can consider a gazebo or screened in porch or patio. Time your garden party for the best weather. A mid afternoon party on a weekend is a good time to catch people ready to relax and have some great food.

For seating arrangements you'll need to consider how many guests will be attending, and who they are as well. Couples should be seated together, for example, and if children will be guests perhaps they'd all enjoy a small table of their own. Tables can be picnic style, patio furniture such as a wicker set, or even folding tables and chairs will be great. Consider table cloths and napkins in spring pastels such as pink, light yellow, and lavender. If you don't have enough table cloths for your party try using flat cotton sheets, or you can skip the table cloth and use individual place mats instead.

You may wish to go all out and use fancy dishes and serving ware, or you may be more interested in using disposable plates, bowls, and flat ware. Either way will do, but try to keep things colorful or garden inspired. Remember to look for environmentally friendly products that will recycle well if you decide to go the disposable route. In the center of each table place some white or yellow votive candles around a vase holding a few flowers for an instant centerpiece. For each guest attending place a wrapped square of quality fruit candy or dark chocolate and packet of flower or herb seeds tied up in a neat bundle as a special party favor. Children may prefer a lollipop or some stickers.

Different types of music can really add to the party atmosphere. Try some classical, light jazz, or fun pop selections.

Menu

Menu planning is an important part of any party. The highlight of your garden party should be the company first but the food is a close second! A mix of snacks, entrees, salad, and beverages is the perfect mix to satisfy your guests.

Snacks:

On a large plate or serving dish arrange the following vegetables:

Carrot sticks

Celery sticks

Broccoli florets

Sugar snap pea pods

Red peppers sliced into sticks

Yellow peppers sliced into sticks

Mix up a tasty ranch dip:

1 16 oz tub of sour cream, regular or low fat version

1 Tablespoon of parsley

1 Tablespoon of dill

1 tsp garlic powder or salt

1 tsp of ground black pepper

1 tsp onion powder or minced onion of your choice

I like to add a little bit of chili powder for bit of spice. Try a fourth to a half teaspoon depending on your preference for heat.

Combine all ingredients and mix well before transferring to a serving bowl. Place the bowl in the center of your vegetable platter.

Cream Cheese and Tomato Tortilla Stack:

5 10" round flour tortillas - plain, herb flavored or a mix of both

1 12 ounce cream cheese- fat free, regular, herb, plain, or light

2 cups of diced tomato

Salt for sprinkling to taste

Bake the tortillas on a baking sheet in a 400 degree oven for approx 7 minutes or until just barely crispy. Remove and spread tortillas with softened cream cheese, top with tomatoes and sprinkle with salt. Arrange tortillas in secure layers. Place the stack of tortillas back in the oven for just a few minutes to heat up the cream cheese and tomatoes. Place on a serving plate and cut into wedges with a sharp pizza slicer. Make two or three of these depending on the size of your garden party.

For an unexpected appetizer place a big platter of different large stuffed olives paired with pickle spears and cherry tomatoes out with this dish.

Fruit kabobs:

The amount of fruit needed will depend on the number of guests you are anticipating. Assume two kabobs per person, with 5 pieces of fruit on each skewer. Don't be afraid to get creative with your fruit selection.

A mix of fruit:

Watermelon chunks

Apple chunks

Strawberries, stems removed and halved

Mango chunks

Banana

Grapes

Place all the fruit pieces in a container with pineapple or lemon juice and coat well to prevent the fruit from browning. Alternate the fruit pieces on skewers and place on a platter.

Entrees

The entrée is the main focus of the meal. Garden party fare should be light but satisfying. Lean meats and vegetables are a perfect choice.

Baked Chicken Breasts with Orange and Honey

Boneless skinless chicken breasts - 1 per guest

½ cup honey

½ cup orange juice

1 tsp grated orange zest (peel)

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp black pepper

Salt to taste

Coat a baking pan with non stick cooking spray or cooking oil and place the chicken breast halves inside. Combine remaining ingredients and mix well. The mixture shouldn't be so thin it runs like water or so thick that it's stiff like glue. You may need to add less honey or more juice to get it right or to suit your sweetness preferences. Drizzle the honey mixture over the chicken breasts and bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is done.

Pasta Salad with Vegetables:

12 ounces of bow tie or spiral pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil (for boiling)

1- 1½ cups of light Italian salad dressing

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

½ cup chopped olives

8 asparagus spears

½ cup baby spinach leaves torn or cut into pieces

½ cup diced red onion

Boil the pasta according to package directions. Rinse and drain well. Cut the asparagus into bite size chunks and boil for 5 minutes in a covered pan. These should be tender but not mushy. Drain asparagus and add it to the remaining ingredients. Toss the salad dressing - vegetable mixture with the pasta and chill for at least one hour.

Beverages

A party in the garden calls for light fruity drinks. A fruity iced tea is perfect for this occasion. Brew two large strong pitchers of iced tea in peach or raspberry flavors and then add a liter of your favorite lemon lime soda or club soda and sugar to taste. Serve the fruity tea with lots of ice cubes in tall glasses, and garnish with mint leaves if you wish. Beers and wines are also appropriate.