As we roll into March, so begins the wonderful spring season in Portland. From light rain spells in the morning to gorgeous blue skies by mid-afternoon, there’s nothing quite like a spring day in the City of Roses. The best part about this wonderful season is that it’s an ideal time for outdoor events. The pleasant weather, coupled with the blooming flowers that take over the city at this time of year, gives the perfect excuse to throw a party!
Just imagine a table full of freshly baked marionberry pie, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, and a charcuterie board brimming with the city’s famous berries, nestled atop the dewy grass surrounded by gorgeous bouquets of magnolias, and the season’s special plum flowers! We don’t know about you, but that image alone has convinced us to plan a garden party. If you’d like to take inspiration and throw one of your own, check out the tips below!
Set up the Space
With a garden party, you don’t have to put much thought into choosing a venue. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to do any work on the space. When hosting a party at your home, setting up your space so your guests are comfortable and don’t have to venture too far out of the main party area is essential.
Based on your guest list, arrange for plenty of seating outside so everyone can comfortably sit and enjoy the lovely weather. Also, make sure to arrangefor an easily accessible toilet for the guests. If you plan to invite a large number of people, you can opt for a porta john bathroom rental.
Focus on the Aesthetics
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a garden party is a picture straight out of Porches and Garden magazine. The rich pastel tablecloths, the gorgeous colorful flowers, and the beautifully patterned china are what make every candid shot taken at a garden party insta-worthy!
Take advantage of the seasonal flowers and place bright bouquets around the space to brighten the mood. Use simple serving dishes and cutlery that match your china to build a balanced theme, and pay attention to little things such as table setting and food presentation. A personal touch, such as using patterned vases or candelabras in the décor, can also go a long way. This is pretty much all you need for an afternoon garden party, but if you plan to continue the festivities after sundown, arrange for sufficient outdoor lighting as well.
Serve Local Cuisine
No party is complete without good food. Fortunately, Portland cuisine is a delight for the senses. For a garden party, try to make your menu around small-size eatables and other high-tea options. A cheese board with delicious jams and local hazelnuts is a great idea for guests! You can also use seasonal fruits and berries to make pies, tarts, and cobblers, and for donuts, you can skimp on the homemade rule and have some made on order from Voodoo or Blue Star!
Make sure to add a few options for drinks – some wine and vodka for the adults and a fruit punch for the little ones that come along! For serving, we recommend buffet style! Arrange large tables in one corner to hold all the food so everyone can take what they like. This will allow you to leave more space for activities and interaction.
Plan Activities
As a host, it is important to keep your guests entertained. Therefore, you must plan fun activities in which your guests can take part in! You can set up activity tables for bingo, monopoly, or card games for those who want to have a relaxing time. However, for children and those adults who wish to let out their inner child, you can plan lawn games such as corn hole, croquet, or a simple round of musical chairs! You can even keep small prizes for winners to make the games more interesting!
In addition to these activities, you must make sure to provide entertainment options for your guests. If you’re throwing a large-scale event, you can hire a band or DJ. However, if it’s a small get-together for your friends and family, set up a good sound system outside and put together a playlist for your garden party. Also, make sure that there is WiFi access in the garden so that your guests can share their stories on social media!
Check the Weather Forecast
Spring days in Portland are generally predictable. However, with Mother Nature, you can never be too sure. Before setting a date for your party, check the weather forecast. After all, it isn’t unheard of for the morning rain to continue well into the afternoon as well.
Despite all your preparations and planning, there is a chance for the weather to take an unpleasant turn. Therefore, make sure you have a contingency plan in place. We know your heart is set on a garden party, but in case the weather doesn’t allow for it, you must plan to be able to shift the event indoors. After all, what matters is that you have a good time with your friends and family; the venue is a secondary factor.
Final Words
Throwing a party is far from easy, but having a fun-filled day with your friends and family will make the efforts you put in well worth it. By following the above tips, you will be ready to throw the garden party of the season that will be the talk of the town for days!
However, remember to take a break from being a host in between and just let loose and have fun! Play games, dance tirelessly, and take lots of pictures.
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