The words “garden party” bring to mind a rather formal affair, with gourmet food gracing linen tablecloths against the backdrop of a lighted gazebo. However, if taken literally, the words should mean a celebration of the beauty and abundance springing from your yard. This year, how about inviting your garden to join the fun?
Turn your garden party into a feast.
You can plan the entire feast around freshly picked ingredients without settling for simple. For a fabulous main dish, try Pasta Prima Vera. This Italian classic is simple to make and features a host of seasonal, fresh veggies in a rich creamy sauce. Stuffed vegetables look classy when served and tend to impress guests. Some of the larger ones like bell peppers or cabbage make great main dishes. If your party style runs more toward the backyard BBQ, try grilling your veggies. Peppers, onions, carrots, and corn are a few of the BBQ favorites.
For appetizers and side dishes, again turn to stuffing for an elegant and popular offering. Celery chunks, cherry tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, and cucumber slices are among the best for stuffing. Asparagus, corn, peas, or green beans go well in butter or cream sauce. Creamy dips and spreads featuring fresh spinach, herbs, or onions are popular and look great with a few sprigs of herbs as garnishment. For the casual get-together, fresh salsa is always a hit.
Your garden party is the time to celebrate.
When it comes time for dessert, your fruits and melons take center stage. Pies, tarts, cobblers, and cookies featuring freshly harvested fruit are a great option for any garden party. Fruitcake doesn’t have to be just for winter holidays; try a recipe for cake made with fresh fruit. You can substitute whatever is in season in your backyard for the named fruit in many recipes. Home-made ice cream with fresh fruit or melons is a guaranteed hit with the kids – even the big ones.
Your garden party should include everything from your garden.
If you’ve planned your menu around your garden, why not the decor as well? Naturally, bouquets of fresh flowers are a top choice. For an elegant look, create formal arrangements surrounding taper candles, or float flower heads in bowls mixed with bowls of floating candles. Always use flame-less candles, or take appropriate safety precautions. Also remember that flowers can go beyond the vase. Try making stringing garlands of dried flowers and herbs. Wreaths made of fragrant flowers and herbs hung on doors or gates provide a delightful welcome to guests.
Finally, don’t leave out the greenery. Besides filler and backdrop in floral arrangements, leaves are attractive in their own right. Scatter potted plants throughout the gathering. Try decorating your serving table with swags made of various leaves, or wrapping fence posts with trimmed vines.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. In both food and decor, try different combinations and experiment with substituting your own bounty for the specific items called for. After all, your garden party should be a celebration of your own oasis.
