Garden Party Time

Sunny days make Florida gardens worth showing off. 

Warm weather, beautiful blue skies, blooming flowers, and verdant landscaping set a welcoming scene for more than just the birds and bees. An ultimate backyard experience, the garden party is an elevated opportunity to show off your outdoor space sans barbecue grill smoke. 

As the host, you can enhance the space to picnic chic or high tea sophistication by incorporating decor and unique touches. For anyone who lacks the know-how of Martha Stewart, we have some pro tips that will help your gathering go off without a hitch.

Step one lies in establishing the mood. Your garden is the backdrop, but your patio, deck, or yard is the blank slate waiting to be staged. Identify an overarching theme or start with an item of inspiration on which to base everything else.

“Whether it is a beautifully patterned tablecloth or your family heirloom China, choose a piece to build your color palette and overall design around,” says Jennifer Counselman, co-owner and lead floral designer at Fete + Flora in Pensacola.

As much as your outdoor venue may speak for itself, consider the areas of scene setting that will make the greatest visual impact within their surroundings—like the tablescape and place settings. 

“Your foundational layers are your tables and table linens,”says Counselman.

Think of these elements as the canvas within the frame of your venue, and invest in tablecloths and napkins in a pattern or solid color that will enhance the space and showcase the theme or inspiration. 

Fiore of Pensacola’s Shannon Pallin suggests layering tables with multiple linens of different styles and textures for a more dramatic effect. 

Place settings are key here, as well. Now is the time to bring out any vintage tableware or colorful glassware you might have, and take time to style and arrange your place settings. 

Beautifully decorated wooden table in a summer open-air cafe. Green branch and fresh flowers table decoration

“Use real silverware, wine and water goblets, and serving platters with a fully set table of china, but mix the patterns and style,” suggests Counselman. “Layer your plates, glassware, and flatware. Chargers are a great way to complete the overall look for each place setting.”

Now that each place is set for your guests, you can turn your focus to intermixing tablescape decor. Consider larger centerpieces first, like an eye-catching vase dressed with in-season flowers and greenery, fresh from your garden if available, or use your own creativity to craft something totally unique.

Pallin suggests using seasonal fruits and vegetables in addition to more expected floral and botanical elements. “Vessels can be something out of the ordinary—silver pitchers, sugar and cream vessels, teacups, or vintage colored glass vases,” she says.

If your event is in the evening, lighting is another consideration. Event specialist Tracy Lastinger of Wedding Walls in Pensacola loves the look of draping to create an intimate feel when paired with lighting. “Setting the mood with the right surroundings and lighting creates a very elegant, relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Lighting always elevates an event space,” she says.

Pallin would agree, with one stipulation: “Go for ambient lighting—never dine in full lighting. You can set an incredible ambiance by using candles, small string lights or even lamps.”

The food you serve your guests is another crucial element to creating an unforgettable garden party. Your guest list will be of top consideration in deciding dishes to serve, noting the size of your party, likes and dislikes, and any food restrictions.   

Longtime caterer Mike DeSorbo of Culinary Productions in Pensacola says that the ideal number of guests is between 10 and 30. “It keeps things intimate, manageable and ensures you have space for comfortable seating and mingling,” he says, going on to suggest serving guests fresh, seasonal, and grab-and-go items like tea sandwiches, fruit skewers, caprese bites, and light salads.

picnic, food, summer, holiday concept – full glass jug of fresh lemonade on festive table, slices of lemon, lime, mint leaves in flagon, bouquet, candles, glasses and plates, fruits, selective focus

The number of guests will also help plan your drink menu, whether you choose to serve wine or make a batch of pre-mixed seasonal cocktails. Here is another place to get creative, as garnishes and fresh ingredients add an extra special touch to your guests’ experience.

Naturally, the beauty of any garden party is the scenery around you, but adding some of these details can help take your event to the next level.   

Serve up Some Herbaceous Fare

Lemon- Herb Orzo Salad

Serves 6–8

Dressing
Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

½ tsp. garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Salad Ingredients:

1½ cups orzo,
cooked and cooled

½ cup crumbled feta

1 cup chopped cucumber

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

¼ cup chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

Whisk together the dressing, toss with remaining ingredients, and chill before serving.

Recipe courtesy of
Culinary Productions