As you know, I live for a garden party during the summer months(remember our Midsummer Mingle from 10 years ago now?! Gasp! It was EPIC!). While we planned and executed a huge midsummer bash, I’ve been wanting to throw an intimate garden party for some time now and knew I had to bring on MacKenzie-Childs to help me throw it. My birthday is today, June 11th, which, to me, is the perfect time to have a birthday because hello! Everything is in bloom. I gathered some friends and we had the most magical day. I felt so happy to have some dear friends combined with some delicious food in a gorgeous garden. Here are some tips to throw your own successful garden party.
1. Pre-party Preparation
Start by picking a date and sending out invitations well in advance. While I adore a handwritten card, it’s just not feasible for me at this time of life so I’ve been opting for digital invitations lately. I found the most perfect one from HiNote. Because I have a growing collection of MacKenzie-Child’s Royal Check, I knew I wanted the invitation to mimic the floral vibe with the touches of blue.
Ensure you have a guest list that matches the size of your garden to avoid overcrowding. I knew exactly where I wanted to throw the party and also knew that space was limited so I didn’t get to invite everyone who I would have loved to have been there.
2. Set the Scene and a theme
The beauty of a garden party lies in its natural setting. Enhance this by ensuring your garden is in top shape. Mow the lawn, prune the bushes, and plant some seasonal flowers for a burst of color. String up fairy lights or lanterns for evening gatherings, and consider a few well-placed candles for ambiance. Comfortable seating is a must; mix and match chairs, benches, and even blankets and cushions for a relaxed, picnic-like feel. I opted to rent a garden because my own is none of those things above–not yet anyways. Ha!
My MacKenzie-Childs collection was the perfect way to make a statement and create a cohesive theme especially set against such a beautiful green backdrop.
3. Weather Watch
Outdoor events are at the mercy of the weather, so keep an eye on the forecast as your party date approaches. Have a backup plan in case of rain, such as a tent or a nearby indoor space. Renting a canopy can also provide shade on hot, sunny days and shelter from unexpected showers. We’ve been getting a lot of rain lately, but thankfully, the day was absolutely stunning.
4. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
First impressions count, so make your entrance inviting. A beautiful wreath on your gate, a pathway lined with flowers, or even a simple welcome sign can set the tone for your party. Ensure there’s a clear path to the main area and consider using outdoor rugs to define different spaces. The owners of the garden we rented do an amazing job of garden planning so there are lots of beautiful things to discover as a guest. It’s definitely part of the experience!
5. Culinary Delights
Food is a focal point of any gathering, and a garden party is no exception. Opt for a menu that suits the outdoor setting – think finger foods, salads, and grilled items. A buffet style can make serving easier and allows guests to mingle. Don’t forget to cater to dietary preferences and restrictions. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are always a hit – fruit platters, vegetable skewers, and light, refreshing desserts like sorbet or lemon tart.
I knew I wanted my MacKenzie-Childs collection to shine so it was important that the food also complement it. I worked with my neighbor, Kenzie Murphy, who is an excellent chef, to create the menu for the day and it was perfect for the brunch–quiche in both mushroom and swiss and bacon cheddar, along with a salad with maple balsamic vinegar, creme brulee, and a biscuit bar complete with fun jams and honey.
For beverages, offer a variety of options including infused water, lemonade, and perhaps a signature cocktail. A self-serve drinks station can add a fun element and reduce your hosting duties. Just ensure there’s plenty of ice and consider providing a few shade options for your drinks to keep them cool. Kenzie made the yummiest Mocktail Moscow Mule for the event and it was perfect!
6. Entertainment and Activities
I chose to keep activities limited because the guest list was so small and the formal gardens were our entertainment. But, with a larger crowd you can keep your guests entertained with a mix of activities. Lawn games like croquet, bocce, or badminton are great for engaging guests of all ages. For a more relaxed vibe, set up a few cozy corners with blankets and cushions where guests can chat or read. W
Music is essential for setting the mood. Create a playlist that matches the tone of your party – upbeat tunes for a lively event or softer melodies for a more relaxed gathering. If your budget allows, consider hiring a live band or an acoustic guitarist for a special touch.
7. Thoughtful Touches
Small details can make a big difference. Personalized name cards for seating, individual fans for hot days, or blankets for cooler evenings show your guests you care. Citronella candles or insect repellent stations can help keep bugs at bay, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. MacKenzie-Childs makes some citronella candles, which we brought out and were perfect for the event!
Consider setting up a photo booth with fun props and a backdrop that complements your garden. This not only provides entertainment but also creates lasting memories for your guests.
While there were lots of flowers in bloom already, I wanted some pretty flowers right at the table so I had some gorgeous centerpieces created by Little Leaf. We also used them to top the incredible cake that my friend, Eliza made for me. The best part was that she even used my MacKenzie-Childs cake carrier to transport it. How cute is it?! I brought out my cake pedestal too.
8. Sustainability Matters
Hosting a garden party offers a great opportunity to be eco-friendly. Use reusable plates, cups, and cutlery instead of disposables. If you must use disposable items, opt for biodegradable or compostable options. Encourage guests to recycle by clearly labeling bins.
I opted to bring my Royal Check dinner and dessert plates from MacKenzie-Childs, which felt very fancy.
9. Lighting the Night
If your party extends into the evening, good lighting is crucial. Fairy lights, lanterns, and candles create a magical atmosphere. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option that can be strategically placed around the garden. Ensure pathways and steps are well-lit to prevent any accidents.
10. Relax and Enjoy
As the host, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and forget to enjoy the party yourself. Delegate tasks where you can, perhaps asking a friend or two to help with specific duties. Once the party is in full swing, take the time to mingle with your guests, enjoy the food and drink, and soak in the beautiful atmosphere you’ve created.
One of my favorite things we did was do introductions because there were a few people who didn’t know each other. My favorite way to play it is to add on “what’s the most boring thing about you?” because somehow it’s always so funny.
There were a number of things I straight up forgot to do and it caused a bit of flurry in the moment, but honestly, we had such a great time. The food, the decor (that blue and white check!), the gardens, the company. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday celebration.
Get the look:
Royal Check napkins | Royal Check Pitcher | Royal Check serving tray | Royal Check big bowl | Royal Check dinner plates | Royal Check tier stand | Royal Check salad bowl | Royal Check cake carrier | Royal Check serving plate | Royal Check salad plates | Royal Check appetizer plates | Royal Check citronella candles | Royal Check pedestal platter
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Have you ever thrown a garden party? Any tips you’d add?
This post is sponsored by MacKenzie-Childs.