How to Host a Gorgeous Afternoon Garden Party

There's no better way to celebrate spring than with a garden party filled with flowers and friends. We're sharing stunning ideas for tea party food, DIY flower arranging, and pitcher cocktails. Gather your gals and head outside!

Keep the garden party food fuss-free by serving up a variety of topped toasts. From sweet chocolate-topped bread to a savory spread of cheese, these easy-to-eat apps are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea (or cocktail!). Keep it casual by serving your appetizers on a pretty wood cutting board and setting out a stack of simple white plates so guests can serve themselves.

Vintage brass serving ware and wood pedestals give this tea party an eclectic touch. Serve classic tea sandwiches and treats in a tiered stand. Cake pedestals aren't just for dessert! Arrange a variety of fruit and cheese on a wood cake stand for height.

Serving up drinks in champagne coupes makes this garden party feel extra special. Mixing up a pitcher cocktail ensures you'll be free to enjoy the party. Just before serving, add a few slices of fresh fruit or pomegranate seeds to each glass.

Related: 39 Refreshing Drinks to Serve This Summer

In addition to a few special cocktails, serve up a big pot of tea. For the prettiest presentation, add a few sprigs of fresh mint just before pouring. Weather warming up? Serve a batch of fresh iced tea instead!

Don't have enough patio seating for a party? No problem! Grab a few kitchen chairs and bring them outside. Scatter outdoor pillows and blankets for a cozy setting your guests will feel instantly comfortable. Place small flower arrangements on tall candlesticks to add height to your dining table.

A low and flowing flower arrangement is the perfect DIY centerpiece for this laid-back garden party. Start by placing large blooms in a pretty stone dish. Add in smaller flowers and stems to fill in the arrangement. Finish with a few sprigs of greenery draped over the side.

Related: How to Make an Arrangement from Grocery Store Flowers

Set up two designated areas at this crafting garden party. First, set up a buffet and dining table in one! It encourages guests to sit and chat while they pass food family-style. Then, arrange a second station for flower arranging. Cover the surface of a long table with kraft paper for easy cleanup and provide fresh flowers, vases, stem cutters, and everything else guests need to create their own arrangements.

Create the ultimate flower arranging station with bunches of grocery-store flowers in a monochromatic color scheme. Tulips, carnations, ranunculuses, lisianthuses, and roses work well. Place the stems in water inside galvanized metal flower buckets a few minutes before the party begins; you'll need about 8 stems per guest.

During the tea party, let guests arrange their own bouquet to take home. Trim each flower to 10 inches long so they fit inside sheets of kraft paper. Aside from the stems, you'll need sheets of plain or patterned tissue paper, ribbon, and pretty scissors.

Provide supplies so each guest can take home their own bouquet to enjoy. Use sheets of kraft paper or gift wrap tied with about half a yard of silk or velvet ribbon. Look for ribbon pieces or scraps at your local crafts supply store. Get our must-have tips for creating pretty bouquet wraps.

Instead of tying up the bouquets with string, add a luxe touch with silk or velvet ribbon. You'll need about half a yard for each arrangement.

Editor's Tip: Rather than purchasing several full-size rolls of ribbon, look for ribbon remnants in various colors at your local crafts supply store. (These are usually less expensive, too!)