Garden parties are in full swing now that it’s summer time. We tend to hibernate during the rest of the seasons and avoid dinner parties if it’s not a festive time of the year. Now, though, our houses have got their patio doors wide open and it’s so much easier to entertain. Weather, mood, and convenience allow us to enjoy dinners and parties so much more.
I love getting ready for a lovely evening spent with friends. Decorating my space gives me a sense of pride and fulfilment. As much as I enjoy creating a welcoming setting, I dislike being in the kitchen cooking!!! (Although I am very good at following friend’s recipes, more of this juicy info in Thursday’s post).
Beginning of summer saw me getting ready for a biggish garden party. As it was the first of many, I took time and energy in creating the ambiance I was after which was ready for other nights to follow. Digging up fairy lights from my basement, I decided to prettify a part of my jungle garden with rows vertical. This took forever but with the help of a dear friend we got it looking magical. Satisfied with my space it was now ready for layout and table arrangements.
Pillows, table cloths, ornaments and charms own my space outside. This time of year brings a sense of colour to the concrete patio which overlooks onto my green garden.
Although Frightening how much Nutella we consume in our household, I found a way to make good use of the empty jars. Being in the habit of giving them away to my mother in law who would use them for jam, I never actually realised what kind of consumption was taking place. This year having decided to keep them, I dug out a staggering 40 jars (that was a bit of scare!) I definitely made a point of shifting to bio chocolate spread instead. However, washed and ready they were ready to be used for garden décor.
Candles and flowers or just greenery, whether handpicked from your garden or chosen from your local florist, always create a faultless setting for me. My Nutella jars acted as vases and candle holders for centre pieces! By nightfall my outdoor space was soon transformed into a romantic, candlelit, summer paradise (at least I like to think it was).
So, if you are getting ready for summer night entertaining, have in mind that beautiful tablecloths, table setting the right way (whether for sit down, buffet or nibbles) name cards and ornamental centre pieces dress even the plainest garden dining table. Don’t stop at flowers to bring a whimsical appeal to your dining table. Fill a glass bowl with lemons or limes, cranberries or cherries, the result will enchant.
And if you are hosting a late afternoon or evening soiree you should consider stringing trees and bushes with lights. A soft glow can also be created with a brown paper bag, filled with sand and a tea light, this will keep your party light and festive. Love this effect too.
Music is also a key priority to an enjoyable evening. If over dinner or merely milling around, your guests should be listening to lounge music. There are amazing play lists on you tube and Spotify. I’m currently enjoying, ‘The Best Acoustic Covers of Popular Songs’.
No need to hit the town for entertainment! A lush vibrant garden is the perfect venue for these hot summer nights.
