If being outdoors now feels more like being in a steam bath, then it's a good sign summer's here. Which is why it's time to start planning late-afternoon cottage retreats with good friends and relatives, and a little garden party flair.
Remember: these days it seems like hosting a party with paper-plates, burgers and wieners is barely passable (and a definite faux pas in some circles), so consider elevating your garden soiree by wowing guests with cheap and chic gourmet grill, served in a serene and stylish outdoor setting.
Before playing host, though, read through these tips to help plan the ultimate cottage affair.
Style Matters
Garden parties can be pretty simple or extremely extravagant; set the tone at the outset and stick with your decision. Will you host a mid-afternoon get together or a two-day weekend getaway? A family brouhaha or an enchanted retreat with a few close friends? Decide whether it'll be an intimate dinner, or love-in that oozes of potluck and picnic-style panache. Also, think of how many guests you intend to invite, and if there is to be a party theme.
Menu Options
Whether you ask guests to pitch in or prepare the whole shebang, it's always best to draft a list of must-have menu items. Include ideas from keen insiders, but firmly decide what main dishes you'll make. Then when you're ready to draft the invite list, assign the rest. That way you'll narrow the chances of duplication, and discourage people from bringing those barely-ingestible dishes. With this in mind, endless food themes await. But remember that you're at the cottage and keep it relatively low maintenance.
Invitations and Innuendo
Phone or Email invitations are definitely acceptable, but consider sending invitations in the mail. They can be an easy, fun way to ensure you'll be the guru of garden parties. There is plenty of fill-in stationary out there to choose from, or you can make your own. Customize invitations to suit any theme! Invitations are also a great way to give your guests an idea of what to expect when they arrive. Should they be in costume, bring their kids or drop them off with the folks for a couple of hours (or all night!). Will it be cocktails and appetizers, or a full night or weekend of feasting on fine food?
Space Suits
Your outdoor cottage space will influence the party's flow so examine your deck or lawn closely. The idea is to create the ultimate outdoor living room. You don't want your guests to be spread too thinly, but you also want them to mingle and roam freely at their leisure. Where you situate tables, how far apart or close together, will define the main hub. If you have a deck, consider setting up one dining and serving table there. Depending on the party's size, additional L-shaped sitting areas with cocktail tables create a look of casual elegance. Also, don't forget to use a small hutch or table to store a few extra glasses and dishes, cutlery, napkins and condiments.
Light It Up
Cottage lamps and tea lights are great way to light any outdoor party, and, of course, candles are a must. They throw the best light when they're placed in votives or small- to medium-sized vases. Use a few citronella candles if you're concerned about mosquitoes. Consider a weatherproof outdoor lamp, which looks great and creates an intimate outdoor setting. Beyond that, try latticing white lights around the edges of your shrubs and beautify your garden space with fibreglass garden art. Torch lamps also create a stunning effect, but best kept on the party's perimeter.
Cottage Décor
The idea is to design your outdoor cottage space so guests feel comfortable enough so that they don't feel like they're in the doghouse, yet satisfied enough to dine without the amenities and comforts of their own homes. Don't be afraid to decorate with items that look worn: straw hats, bags, old TV trays, and coffee tables. These add to the cottage décor. Match or complement your colour themes with décor accents such as decorative vases and plant containers, cocktail tables, or throw rugs. Use sheer materials to accent any chairs, canopies, or umbrellas. Above all, don't forget an important design rule: less is more!
Accents Galore
A splash of colour will also help to give your garden party an extra oomph. From dishware to placemats, from pillows to throws, colours will transform your garden setting into a swanky outdoor lounge. White or ivory linen tablecloths can change the look of a table dramatically, and nicely complement most colour schemes and help create an ambience of rustic elegance. If you're about to toss some old greeting cards, don't! Use them as placecards, labels for your main dishes, as well as your garden.
Prep and Pruning
After you've sketched out the type of party you want and what the overall space will look like, do some prep work before heading to the cottage and consider garden maintenance once you get there. This will help to make the day run smoothly. Chop, store and pack whatever you can, and don't forget to store things separately while you're on the road. As for the garden, make sure it's watered, weeded and pruned to perfection. If you have a small lawn, it might be a good idea to trim it before guests arrive.