spring into the season
How to Host a Garden Party Like a Pro
By Jeweliana Curtis
Spring is upon us, and with that comes a great excuse to gather together with friends to celebrate! From birthday shindigs to Easter gatherings, springtime offers the perfect backdrop for a garden party at home. So, dust off the winter blues and read on to learn expert tips for hosting your next garden party like a pro from Savannah Bowdoin, event planner and owner of The Shindig Co.
LEAN INTO A THEME
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Savannah Bowdoin Event Planner Owner of The Shindig Co.
First impressions are everything! After you decide on a theme or color palette for your gathering, you may be thinking about the best way to invite your guests. While you can type out a quick text or email over an e-vite, if you really want to go the extra mile, consider sending a beautiful invite in the mail. Your invitation can truly set the stage for your event, so why not make it extra special?
Before you begin planning out your picture-perfect celebration, it is important to choose a party theme or color palette that speaks to you. A theme or a distinctive color palette can act as an anchor for your decor, activities and food and beverage for any event. For a spring garden party, Savannah suggests opting for a bright and fun color palette, or incorporating floral designs and fresh elements into your decor. The theme can also be incorporated into the menu for the event, and Savannah encourages garden party hosts to lean into fresh, light options that match the feel of the event.
“The best way to make even the smallest party feel special is to send over an invitation. I am a big fan of snail mail! People do not typically receive a lot of exciting pieces in their mailbox these days, so a party is the perfect excuse to send something that will brighten their day—and their stack of bills,” Savannah suggested. “You can order one online from somewhere like Etsy or write a simple note on a pretty piece of paper and throw it in the mail! It’s a great way to help make the gathering feel special from the start.”
“If you are leaning into the garden theme, I love the idea of incorporating fresh flowers! There’s nothing more spring than fresh blooms,” Savannah said. “If you are able, pick up a bouquet or arrangement from a local floral designer, or if you have the time, get creative and forage in your own garden to put together a stunning centerpiece full of fresh flowers and greenery. You don’t have to buy florals, you can find great options in your own backyard. Pull pieces in to add that feeling of freshness and seasonality to the gathering.”
Want to take your snail mail to the next level? Add a gorgeous vintage stamp! Savannah is an avid collector of vintage stamps, explaining that they can really spice up your paper goods. To build your collection, consider purchasing from small shops on Etsy, or locate a local seller. Just make sure you’re buying unused postage and that you have enough to cover the cost of sending each envelope!
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