How About A Garden Party, For Your Next Party!

You know what you never hear about... Garden Parties! 
It's truly a shame that more people don't throw garden parties. People grill out and have barbecues all of the time, but when do you hear, "Oh, I'm heading over to Lucille's for her garden party"...NEVER! 
Think about it folks, you have the perfect setting with minimal decorations... the only items you need are mason jars to put a few flower clippings in for centerpieces, a table cloth and some yummy finger foods. Maybe throw in a large brim hat to get the mood just right and you are set! 
Today we were fortunate enough to help with the Town and Country Garden Club, Garden Party. Their color scheme was all shades of purple! Which Lisa was particularly happy with since that is her favorite color!  Hopefully, the rain will hold off for them to enjoy their luncheon.   
A garden party would be a perfect way to have a bridesmaid luncheon or bridal shower with friends and family. A baby shower or birthday party would also be a great excuse to venture outside for tea and cakes. 
Here are a few ideas on how to throw a successful garden party. 


1. Not everything has to match perfectly, mix-matched can be really cute as long as you tie everything together.  For example while searching Pinterest for more on Garden Parties... We found this table with different shorts of white chairs. They don't match but they work together for the overall look!

Picture via Pinterest 

 Other mix-matched items that would be great for decorating would include vases and china. Need a place to find these items? Check out your local thrift store! Usually, Goodwill, Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity you can find a mix of fine china, for cheap! Plus, you can use a cup and saucer as a party favor for your guests! 

Picture via Pinterest

2. Have yummy treats! The internet is bursting with easy recipes. We Flower Shop Girls love a good tomato sandwich so here is a recipe we found for yummy tomato basil sandwiches! You could use a tomato from your garden and brag a little about growing the food yourself.  

Ingredients

• 4 slices whole-wheat bread
• 8 teaspoons reduced-fat mayonnaise, divided
• 4 thick slices tomato
• 4 teaspoons sliced fresh basil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Preparation

1. Cut bread into rounds slightly larger than your tomato.  If you have a biscuit cutter, they work perfectly for this. Spread each slice with 2 teaspoons mayonnaise. Top with tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper.
2. *For a change, try using spreadable cheese, like Laughing Cow instead of Mayo.  It will change the flavor and add a kick!

*Recipe and photo credit: Eatingwell.com 

3. If you aren't fortunate enough to work in a place with an endless supply of vases, here is an idea of how to be creative and help your green footprint on the environment. Keep lightbulbs out of landfills by turning them into hanging vases and votives for your outdoor spaces! You can also incorporate glass bottles and jars from everyday kitchen use. Once your party is over you can take the glass to a recycling facility where they will turn it into the next generation of glass products! Doesn't that just make you feel good about helping our planet stay green?! 

The next time you throw a party and decide to go garden, let us know, send us photos! We would love to see what you come up with!