Garden Party Ideas

Have you been wanting to have a few girlfriends over for lunch and show off your garden while it's in it's best form? I know this has been on my mind so I thought I would give you a few ideas I have run across or thought of while planning this event.

Let's start with the setting: A table set with your prettiest dishes and linens located in full view of your garden or perhaps set right in the garden itself. Center pieces of fresh herbs and cut flowers lined down the middle of the table alternated with tea lights in order to keep the view of the surroundings clear. These herbs and flowers can be arranged in miniature clear vases and the tea lights placed in clear glass tea cups. This allows them all to be appreciated simply.

I found a candilier in black wrought iron and used epoxy to glue clear glass tea cups to the candle holders and used tea lights in the cups for the lighting. I also added some crystals to the candilier to add a little bit more bling so the outside sunlight would shine through the crystals.

Use either seed packets or photos of flowers and cut them to about the size of a seed packet and have them laminated, punching holes to the right and left top corners adding a ribbon to hang around each guests' neck.

Use miniature clay flower pots and write each quests' name on it, add a ribbon and use them for name cards. I would actually turn the pots upside down and write their names on the wide rim placing the ribbon on the top.

Make up recipe cards for each item you are serving and wrap a ribbon around all of them and place on each plate for your quests to take home. You can also send them home with the vases of herbs and flowers as well as the name cards, and seed packet necklaces. This will really make a "garden" setting for your quests and a table to blend in with your outdoor event. Classical music playing softly in the background will add an element of peace and sereneness. Don't forget to offer a tour of your garden and also fresh cutings of flowers and herbs.

Now for the menu. I suggest that you keep your menu cool and light. With the heat of the summer, no one wants hot and heavy food at a luncheon. Serve at least two different kinds of iced tea, one regular and one decaf. I have a number of great recipes for iced tea on my blog that you can choose from.

I plan on starting with a cold soup. Perhaps a tomato bisque would be fitting for the garden or tomato aspic salad.

For the main course I have put together a crispy cold salad that will delight everyone. For this dish, I will give you my recipe.

Tuna and Red Bell Pepper Salad:

  - 2 cans drained albacore tuna
  - 1/2 cup mayo or miracle whip (I use reduced fat or fat free)
  - 1/4 cup grated carrots
  - 1/4 cup diced apple
  - 1/4 cup raisins

Mix above ingredients and refrigerate.

  - 1 red pepper per person (top cut off and seeds removed)
  - 3 pieces of Melba Toast per person

Cut peppers into thirds leaving just the bottoms slightly attached.

Place on plate in a fanned arrangement with the Melba Toast between each section. Using an ice cream scoop make heaping scoops of salad and place in the center of the peppers. A few sprigs of parsley from your garden can be added as garnish. This makes a wonderful and pretty dish that your quests will love.

Of course we have to have dessert. Perhaps lemon delight or a frozen lemonade pie. Burnt cream would also be delightful and how your quests will be impressed! Of course, keep them chilled until the last minute. You might consider petifores if you are handy with cake decorating. You can also pick these up from your local bakery to keep it simple or there is a recipe on my blog.

I think the most important thing is to keep it light and as elegant as possible yet relaxed. Enjoy your friends, enjoy the food, and enjoy Gods gift of beauty in your garden.

Until next time,

Lady Caroline