Host an Afternoon Garden Party

By BH&G Holiday Editors
Updated May 24, 2019
Gather in the garden for an afternoon tea party filled with flowers and friends. Floral designer Natalie Bowen Brookshire and chocolate expert Amy Guittard share their tips for hosting the ultimate garden party. Plus, get ideas for arranging the prettiest bouquet.
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Gather in the Garden

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. It's time to head outside.

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Easy Apps

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!).

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Chic Buffet Table

Vintage brass serveware 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 wooden cake stand for height.

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Easy Accents

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.

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Tea Time

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.

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Bring the Inside Out

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

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Stunning Centerpiece

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

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Party Stations

Set up two designated areas at this crafting garden party. Set up a buffet and dining table in one! It encourages guests to sit and chat while they pass food family-style. The second station is for flower arranging. Cover the surface of a long table with kraft paper for easy cleanup.

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Bold Blooms

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. You'll need about 8 stems per guest.

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DIY Flower Arranging

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

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Take-Home Bouquet

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 velvet or silk ribbon. Look for ribbon pieces or scraps at your local crafts supply store. Get our must-have tips for creating pretty bouquet wraps.

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Finishing Touches

Instead of tying up the bouquets with string, add a luxe touch with velvet or silk ribbon. You'll need about half a yard for each arrangement. Look for ribbon remnants in various colors at your local crafts supply store.

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Festive Party Favors

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A simple recipe like homemade granola bars becomes a pretty party favor when packaged in clear bags and tied with a handmade tag. Get our best tips for creating gorgeous calligraphy. It's easier than it looks!

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By BH&G Holiday Editors