The Perfect Summer Party

Picture this: An afternoon warm and a bit humid. A lavish lunch of caviar, Maine lobster and truffles, Raspberry chocolate marquis and vintage champagne, under beautiful trees with the gentle breeze off Folsom Lake. Elegantly dressed women strolling the lawns, fanning themselves with paper fans and gentleman gathered together poolside, under a sumptuous swagged awning. It’s the perfect time of the season for a Garden Party with family, close friends and a few business associates.

Although hosting a large bash can be fun, consider hosting smaller, intimate events. You might host an afternoon tea with light refreshments if that suits you better, or hold the event indoors by bringing the garden in. Whichever you decide to do, liven things up with flowers. With flowers flying overhead, plants walking into other gardens, and shield-wielding berries you can make this indoor/outdoor garden party the most praised party ever.

Decorations and a Plant Exchange:

Here’s all you need:

• Push pins.


• Fishing line.


• Colorful paper clips.


• Paper towels cut into 1in x 4 in strips.


• Several of your choice flowers from your garden or Sierra Rock and Nursery.

1. Fold paper towels into a W. Place the flower stem in the center of the bottom of the W, and secure with a paper clip.


2. Tie a length of fishing line below the paper clip on the stem of the flower. Ease the rest of the line under one of the sides of the paper clip so the flower stands straight.


3. Write on each set of squares, matching numbers in chronological order.


4. Hole punch one set of squares on one of the corners.


5. For every plant that guests bring you, use the ribbon to tie one of the numbered squares on it and fold the matching numbered square and place it in the empty flower pot.


6. When it’s time to make the exchange, shake the flower pot to make sure the folded squares are combined. Then, one guest at a time will draw a number on their new plant. If someone happens to get the same number, just have them draw a different number then return the first number to the pot.

Afterwards, let everyone talk to the person their plant was from and share ideas on how to help it grow. At the party’s end, everyone will take home a new plant and maybe even gotten closer to a new friend. What ever the day or reason, a garden party is certain to delight your guests.