No matter how much I wish and hope, my life is not a Southern garden party . . . yet. Neither my liver nor my pocketbook allow me to drink champagne all day under a magnolia tree, but that doesn't mean I can't pretend sometimes, and summer is the best time to throw a garden party. Spring seems ideal, but there's always a chance of rain, and if you're going to fry your brain on Pinterest and spend hours decorating, then there better not be rain, dammit! Plus, the wonderful thing about a garden party is when the night settles in and you can play under flickering candles on a warm evening. It takes some time to plan, but if you stick to the following tips, your garden party will be a success.
STEP 1: FIND A TREE
A romantic tree with wide, sweeping branches is the best centerpiece. Of course, we're not all lucky enough to have one in our back yard, so be creative. Is there a park nearby? One in your complex? How about your very generous friend's house? You can pull the party off without one, but it's a huge plus.
STEP 2: BRING FURNITURE THAT BELONGS INSIDE OUTSIDE
Your living room couch? Bring it outside. Your dining table? Grab that, too! I'm serious, though: cabinets, side tables, armchairs—any furniture that would normally be inside will instantly add a luxurious feeling.
STEP 3: ADD TEXTURE
Throw a rug on the grass, lay blankets over the back of the couch, cover tables with cloths and scarves, and place various kinds of flowers and plants all around. Just remember to choose colors that complement one another.
STEP 4: HANGING DECORATIONS
You gotta put something in that tree! Try garlands, stringed lights, hanging terrariums—hell, put a whole chandelier up there!
STEP 5: MASON JARS
I know, I know, you're probably sick of Mason jars, but they're just so useful and cute. Put flowers in them, make them into candle holders, paint them or drink from them.
If all else fails, there's always Pinterest.
Follow me on Instagram: @lp_hastings.
One Reply to “Garden Party All Summer Long”