As we teeter on the border of spring and summer, it’s apparent that outdoor celebrations are in order! Finding a gorgeous outdoor space in the city can be a feat, so what better reason to escape to the countryside to transform a friend or family’s yard into a garden party celebration.
In true garden party fashion, I am inspired by pastels this time of the year. You cant go wrong with cheery yellow, lime green and soft pink. When it comes to spring blooms, I like delicate daisies, baby’s-breath, peach anemones, ranunculus and peonies. Blooming plants add instant color and texture to a spread. I prefer one big floral for the main table and delicate/mini ones for the drink and dessert station.
A garden party is simply incomplete without a seasonal spread served with sparkling rosé. This sweet, bubbly wine is best served in stemmed glasses with a a short bowl and slight tape or a short bowl and slightly flared lip like this one. Start by greeting guests with a salty and savory affair–assorted crackers and fresh, exotic well-aged cheeses. Feel free to get creative! I decided to really showcase spring with crunchy crostini made with a spring pea purée topped with seasonal favorites—asparagus, strawberries and radishes.
Sweets are a non-negotiable and garden party essential. I like to feature sweet treats on cake stands and three-tiered stands for guests to serve themselves on small dessert plates. Garden party pastries are about elegance and delicacy. Mini is the theme here. I served raw strawberry tarts and an array of scones paried with fresh chia jams and sea salted butter.
Stay tuned for my spring pea crostini recipe and raw strawberry tarts later this week!
