1 week Ago By Riann Phillip
Does anyone else feel restless in the summer? Maybe it’s the longer days or the warmer weather, pressuring us to constantly be outdoors. As if the sunshine requires us to be having the best time, always, and prove it to others. Perhaps it’s part of the reason so many of us love hosting at this time of year – whether it’s a celebration or just a reason to gather.
There doesn’t need to be any grand ambition, just some well-meaning effort and love. “It’s about getting together with your nearest and dearest, and they wouldn’t want you to be stressed,” says Laura Jackson , co-founder of Glassette.com , and bonafide hostess with the mostess.
That means: prepare as much as possible pre-party day, wear something comfortable, and stick to what you know. “I once tried to make a Basque cheesecake on the barbecue and it was a complete fail. I had talked about making it for weeks and it ended up being like the scene in Bridget Jones where they’re all eating blue soup and trying to make her feel good about it,” adds Jackson.
“A reminder to not try anything new the day of hosting.” The golden rule: try, but not too hard. So, here’s how to throw a stress-free garden party this summer.
Have a garden It might sound obvious, but for many of us city-dwellers, housing that comes with a garden is actually rare. If you’re like me, sans garden, find a good friend who will lend you theirs. Or, if you opt for a public green space, make sure it has facilities nearby – toilets and bins never go amiss.
.. Don’t start too early Slow and golden is the key.
Not quite noon, maybe mid-afternoon, when the sun is still shining and the evening isn’t far away. This time of day feels softer – light, people, expectation. Don’t schedule a time, just allow people to arrive.
It also gives you more time to prepare. Keep the guest list tight Let’s be honest – hosting can be stressful. The easiest way to alleviate some of that pressure? Keep it intimate and invite only those who won’t have super high expectations.
The ones who don’t mind if you run out of ice or momentarily lose the bottle opener. Folks who don’t need to be entertained per se. Decor? Forget about it Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a theme for a garden party.
Scatter cushions on top of stray blankets, and wedge a table (covered with a nice cloth) in there somewhere. Borrow chairs from neighbours, if necessary. In fact, the less co-ordinated, the better – just make it feel like somewhere people would actually want to hang out.
Fairy lights and candles are always a nice finishing touch, but only if you already have them. It’s a garden party not a royal banquet! Feed them, but don’t overdo it..
. Again, this is a garden party, not a royal banquet. We’re going simple but elevated.
Lay refreshments out on a table and let guests help themselves. You’re just the host, not a butler. The menu? Bits and pieces you can eat with one hand whilst holding a drink in the other.
Picky bits, if you will. Crisps and dips, crudités, cheese boards, scotch eggs, quiche if you’re feeling fancy. Doll it all up with garnishes and lemon wedges placed upon your finest china.
Don’t forget something sweet too – strawberries and cream? Follow the same rules for drinks: your spritz of choice, a decent wine and a sophisticated jug of something non-alcoholic. Jackson’s failsafe recipes? “Roasted potatoes with garlic, rosemary, a yogurt parsley sauce and any veg thrown on the barbecue. If you’re having meat or fish, marinate it the night before and serve with a dressing.
For dessert meringues (shop bought if you don’t have time) tower and cover with berries and cream.” Don’t stress the entertainment Search “garden party” into any music-streaming service and you’ll find ready-made playlists aplenty. Pick whichever is most your vibe and let the speaker handle the rest.
Really, it should feel like something left playing in the background, not demanding too much attention. Silence is fine, too. Birds do an alright job with ambience.
And on that note, you don’t need a game or an activity, though it is nice to have. If there’s a pack of cards on the table, someone might pick them up. If a guest brings a dog, let it roam free.
If someone wants to whip the guitar out, don’t roll your eyes. Say yes. And if you do want a theme.
.. Some low-lift ideas:.
