Lets Go to a Garden Party

With strains of Ricky Nelson's 1972 hit Garden Party running through my head I envision all the different types of garden parties I can plan. All the fun, happy times spent with friends and family. A garden party according to Wikipedia is "a social gathering with food provided, in the open in a park or a garden." They also describe it as more formal than a picnic so you know the setting is very important. You do not need to have a huge area to plan a garden party, if you do not have a large garden or yard a patio, or back porch will work just as well. A garden party can be a family get-together, birthday party, shower or any kind event you want to host. My favorite kind is a family get-together. I love everyone coming together in a lovely setting with good food.

Living in southern Texas my yard has palms, yuccas, cactus, and banana trees, which set the scene for a terrific garden party. I decorate using the tropical theme and put strings of little white lights on the trees, set out extra pots of pretty flowers, and potted palms for a little more color. It is very important to set a nice table. Decorate each table with a centerpiece and use matching plates, glasses, and napkins. Stores like Part City, Wal-Mart or Target carry all the items you will need, at a good price. Party City even has palm tree centerpieces for about two dollars apiece. It is paying attention to the details that can make the difference.

The menu for a garden party should be well thought out. I always plan three different drinks. For an afternoon, early evening garden party, I would plan to have wine spritzers, made with a light red wine, sprite, and/or diet sprite for fewer calories. Stock a variety of different kinds of beers unless you know what kind your guests will like. Always include a nonalcoholic drink even if you do not have any children attending. Sodas, water bottles or juice are always a good choice. Plan to have snacks for your guests to pick at while visiting and waiting for the main course. A nice snack could be as easy as a platter of cheese, olives, and pepperoncini, some chips with salsa and guacamole as dips. For the main course skewers of grilled chicken & veggies marinated in Italian dressing, roasted corn on the cob and coleslaw are easy and quick. I like to end with a light dessert; my favorite is fresh fruit with whipped cream for a topping. This dessert is easy to make and refreshing. Keeping your menu easy to manage can keep the stress of planning a garden party to a minimum.

I always enjoy a good party so, with strains of Ricky Nelson's voice running through my head I must go start planning and making my lists!