Summer is in unofficial full swing, which means our summertime wedding couples are celebrating their last showers and parties before they walk down the aisle! It’s truly the best season for garden parties and bringing the garden to the table. We live for warm summer days where we can open up our doors and enjoy our garden and stone patio, sharing cocktails and laughter with neighbors, having a picnic with our kiddos, or having friends and family over for dinner al fresco. The best of the season is upon us! As we inch into summer, last plans fall into place for parties and weddings, and we wanted to share some of our favorite tips for creating your own pastel floral-filled wedding shower (or party).
Tips for hosting a festive garden party shower:
-Pre-set a table with cocktails and mocktails with lots of fresh garden garnishes like herbs and edible flowers that your guests can help themselves to. It will spark conversation and guests love interactive activities. We also love a good tray-passed champagne welcome!
–Gift each guest a sweet shawl draped over their chair to keep them cool (or to keep the sun off of their shoulders)
-Mix and match fresh flowers from your garden with blooms and greens from the market and stagger in an abundance of candles (we love glassybaby for their gorgeous hand-blown vessels!)
–Set the table with a combination of melamine plates you don’t have to worry about chipping outdoors and sleek glassware. This Katherine flatware is our new entertaining go-to set. It’s classic and fun!
-Garnish floral print napkins (we love these block print floral napkins from Pottery Barn) with classic silver napkin rings topped with chive flowers or a simple green sprig
–Don’t overachieve: keep things beautiful and simple with a mix of pre-set food items (order a big platter of charcuterie and veggies and fresh summer salads from your favorite caterer) and make or bake one or two items. We baked this beautiful vanilla bean cake with blackberries and garnished it with edible flowers and fresh blackberries and greens from our garden
–Dress the part! I’m big on wearing a similar color hue to our weddings and parties – I feel especially festive and look the part of wedding planner or hostess! My sky blue Lucille sweater from Gal Meets Glam is the perfect summery touch in my favorite hue and complete with darling bows!
Photos: Katie Parra Photography for Valley & Company Events and Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Registry
Are you hosting a summery garden party soon? We’d love to see what you create – tag us on Instagram @valleyandco!
This is a paid partnership with Pottery Barn but all opinions are our own
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