It’s been a long and pretty good summer, and I for one cannot wait for Autumn to start properly. You might think I’m crazy, but after spending much of the last few months in humid heat, I’m looking forward to cooling down a bit and enjoying some early Autumn sunshine. The perfect excuse to get together with family, friends and neighbours to socialise and enjoy the still beautiful weather!
Hosting your own garden party is also a brilliant way of being able to show off your garden and generate some compliments on the flowers you’ve planted. Preparing for a garden party can also be quite fun, as we’re all guilty of letting our gardens grow a little out of control not only over the winter months but also over the summer ones. Especially if, like me, you’ve been away for a while! So an early autumn garden party is the perfect way to get your garden back into its usual elegant state.
Have a Tidy
When you prepare your garden for a party, it’s best to consider practicality. My advice is to focus on the overgrown sections, making sure you uproot any unwanted weeds or plants that have grown slightly out of control. Neatening up your flowered areas is a perfect way of instantly making your garden look and feel fresher.
Mowing the lawn is also really important. Long grass can attract slugs (which you don’t want!), especially if you have little ones running barefoot on your lawn! You may want to consider planting some more colourful, elegant flowers to brighten up your garden and add a burst of character. This will make your garden look full of life and energy and create a beautiful, inviting atmosphere.
I’m also a fan of using some artificial grass where needed to spruce things up. It really works. Don’t be fooled by people who say that artificial grass doesn’t look good. Few of us can always have our garden look like Kensington Palace Gardens!
If you have decking or a patio area, giving this a little extra TLC will really help your garden look fresh and welcoming. Decking can become slightly dull and dirty over winter, and simply washing it down with some water and a brush is a really good way of adding life back to it. Make sure to wash the decking at least 48 hours in advance, as it can stay wet for a while after washing, and you don’t want anybody slipping.
Start Party Planning
Once your garden looks and feels revived, you can start to think about the party itself. Consider themes and colours. Incorporating a colour into the details that are already featured through a flower in your garden is a great way of drawing the whole area together. For example, if you have Fuchsia Hydrangea, you may consider using fuchsia napkins, placemats or cushions on your seating. This will add to the personal style of your garden and can be used again and again throughout the year.
M&S Spring Jug Flowers – Floral Bunting – Rose Pink Napkins – Floral Napkins – Hanging Tea Light Holder
Dress your table accordingly, with napkins and other features that will be needed on the day. A centrepiece such as an elegant bunch of flowers, or even an array of candles, will look exquisite. When it comes to the lighting, you can really add a sense of magic and enchantment.
Hanging lanterns from your trees or bushes will add a beautiful, magical look to your whole garden; as well as dotting larger lighting around the area to ensure it’s still nicely lit when the sun goes down. Using a yellow toned bulb will help create that inviting, relaxing atmosphere and work really well in your garden.
Plan Your Meal
The best part about planning a garden party is deciding on the food. As you’re throwing a garden party, it’s always good to stick to a healthier, fresh theme. Why not visit your local greengrocer or garden centre, where often you can pick up some juicy fruit grown freshly in fruit cages; perfect for a fresh fruit salad. Or even pick up some tasty veg to make a nice salad for your guests.
It’s really easy to incorporate a healthy approach to your food. And it’s always a good idea to serve light, tasty options, especially if the climate is still warm!
Enjoy!
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