That said, they've always got that potential to be stressful.
Not once they get started of course, just stressful to put together, which is mad because there’s nothing to it but food, drink and great friends. But still, stress finds a way to get into the preparing process. What I love about garden parties is that they whether they are more formal or casual they are still great fun. So, dear readers, I've put together a list of stress-free garden-party tips and tricks to get your spring off to a flying start. Enjoy.
1. Never Enough Lists
That’s right. There is no such thing as too many lists. This is because there is more to set up than you probably have thought of until right before your guests ring the doorbell. We’re talking about guest lists, playlists, ingredient lists, to-do lists, decor lists, and lists for just about anything else that crosses your mind. My advice: use that checklist-bullet-point-thingy in the Notes app of your iPhone. It’s a modern-day saviour. Or use the old school method of paper and pen!
2. No Mess, No Stress
You don’t want to have to be worrying about tidying everything up while your get together is still in full-swing, which is why you should minimise the damage sooner rather than later. Don’t worry, this is easier than you might think. Simply dot a few rubbish bins around the place so people can dispose of their own bits, head to Bridgman.co.uk to get some waterproof outdoor cushions should anyone spill anything, use disposable paper cups and plates and foil cooking tins so there’s no washing up, and nail down your gazebo so that rain can’t stop play. Little things like this really can help keep you chilled.
3. Bring Something To Share
Creating a feast that will make taste buds trip the light fantastic is a pretty tough ask, especially nowadays where side dishes tend to be the talk of a do. Anyway, to relieve some of the stress from your shoulders ask each of your guests to bring a dish with them too. It could be a dessert, it could be a salad, or a side, or a tasty plate of barbecued chicken. Anything that will keep the cost down so you don't have to spend all day in the kitchen. Not only will this see you have an array of foods to serve, you’ll be able to focus on other areas of party prep, like the decor or seating area or pressure-washing your decking.
4. Don’t Wait For The Day
Don’t wait until the day your garden get-together is meant to kick off before you start getting everything ready. That will spell disaster. That will spell a flustered hostess that hasn’t quite got everything finished, not showered. Not ideal. Instead, start what you can the night before. Put up your gazebo, take care of your garden, prep all the food you can prep, make loads of ice, bake your brownies and chill your prosecco. Everything you can, really, so you can relax and enjoy all the fun and none of the stress!
*PR collaboration
Love this! I don't have a garden but one day I will and I can't wait to host parties :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to spend more time in the garden. I hope I'll be able to organize my own garden party soon. Your tips are really good, I'll keep them in mind.
ReplyDeleteMy garden isn't ready for a tea party yet but hoping to start tidying up over the easter break
ReplyDeleteThis post has made me so excited for the better weather! (if it arrives!) x
ReplyDelete