How to Have a Garden Party on a Budget

Having a garden party is a wonderful way to celebrate spring and get everyone outside. A garden party may seem like it has to be expensive, or in an actual garden, but you can have a wonderful garden party on a budget. Garden parties are a great way to entertain friends and give you an excuse to dress up!

Location

Garden parties are generally held outside but if you leave the word "garden" open to interpretation then you can have a garden party virtually anywhere! Small spaces outside can be fine for a garden party; a small patio or balcony will work just as well as an actual garden. Even if you live in a home without an outdoor area you can still have a garden party, it will just take a little more work.

Gather all of the plants and flowers from around your home and place them in the area designated for your garden party. You could also pick up some plastic vines to drape around the room or balcony. Metal or stone artwork or statues can also give your room a garden feel, while a painting of flowers can help in the illusion of a garden setting.

Decoration

The garden party décor does not have to be elaborate. If you have the space decorate a small table with a tablecloth (curtains or sheets can work wonders on a table and no one will know the difference!). Place a vase of flowers in the middle or float some flowers in a bowl of water. A bouquet of flowers can be gotten for less than four dollars at the grocery store.

Your tableware does not have to be expensive. Flea markets are the best places to find dishware for cheap. Older dishware tends to use a lot of floral patterns as well, which will match your garden party theme.

Place cards can be made out of card stock with a flower glued on each one. If you do not have cloth napkins then check the bargain bin at your favorite fabric store. There is often fabric that would look wonderful on your table and all it will take is a bit of sewing!

Snacks

Garden party foods do not have to break your budget or be overly fancy. A garden party on a budget does not have to involve a full meal but can be made up of hors d'oeuvres.

You could buy some oranges and grapes and make a fruit plate as these fruits will not brown after being cut up. Carrots and celery are a cheap way to make a simple vegetable plate which could be paired with some rolled up ham or turkey.

Here are some recipes that are very easy to make and will look very fancy on your table!

Sausage and Shrimp Shells

Athenos fillo shells 2 boxes for 6 people

¼ pound sausage browned

¼ cup rice

2 tbsp each finely chopped onion, cooked bacon, and carrots.

¼ cup chicken broth

2 tbsp butter or margarine

1 package raw shrimp

Saute the onion, and carrots in the broth and butter. Mix in rice, sausage and bacon. You may have to add a little more broth if it is too dry. Spoon small amount into fillo shell (these are very small). Place one shrimp sticking up out of the top of the sausage mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes.

Mashed Potato Shells

Athenos fillo shells 2 boxes for 6 people

2 medium red potatoes, made into mashed potatoes

1 green onion finely chopped

2 slice bacon crumbled

Place mashed potatoes in shells. Top with green onion and bacon. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Crumbled cheese might also work well on these!

Grab a bottle of wine and sit back and watch how much everyone enjoys your garden party on a budget!