I recently threw a small indoor Garden Party and had a few girlfriends come over. If there is one thing I love doing it is hosting parties. If there is another thing I love, it’s plants! Today I am sharing Tips for hosting a great party, Garden Party that is! These five simple tips will help create the perfect setting for your evening, so you can sit back and enjoy the night with wonderful friends.
My number one go to tip is to select a theme for your party. This can be accomplished in many ways. The first way to set the theme is with your invitation. I chose Tiny Print’s stunning watercolor Lush Bouquet invitation. It instantly clues your guests in on the mood for the evening.
Another way to accomplish the theme is in your party decor.
A. I filled a chipboard Ampersand with moss and wrapped with blue string.
B. I used Tiny Print’s Lush Bouquet Gift Tag Stickers and applied them around a potted plant.
C. I printed out various succulents on old book pages and hung them along my Clipboard Wall.
D. I painted and embellished a mason jar to hold eating utensils.
My number two tip for a great party is to create an inviting ambience. Lighting and music are excellent ways to achieve the perfect ambience. No one wants to be under scrutiny with bright white lights, so always opt for a soft romantic glow if possible.
Before your guests arrive, decide on a music mood and setup a playlist for the evening. I went with relaxing Norah Jones for this gathering.
My number three tip includes adding something a little unique to your evening. This could be a dinner party with butcher block paper and hand-drawn place settings. Or maybe you host a lively party with a photobooth setup and props for people to use. This hint really takes your party from “just another gathering” to a conversation piece for your guests the next day!
I sponged black polka dots on some butcher block paper and then added gold, white and black details.
Number four involves creating a centerpiece. One of my centerpieces was this moss filled ampersand! I have it sitting on my mantel now, it turned out so cute.
My final party tip, number five is sending your guests off with parting favors. Not every party needs a favor, but to complete a lovely evening, there is nothing like a small ‘thank you for sharing this fun night with me‘ gift. I put together these sweet miniature potted succulents taken from my backyard!
Great tips! I think I need to make little thank you presents for our next party.
These are wonderful tips! Thanks for sharing!
that looks like such a fun party! I love those invitations (Tiny Prints rocks) and the decor looks so unique and creative. Thanks for sharing- following you on facebook and twitter!
Sandra
http://www.notesfromtheslife.com
So, so cute, Amy! I LOVE that you used address labels for the flags. Genius!
Seriously GREAT idea!!! I absolutely love the invitation from tiny prints as well.
Thanks so much, Sonnet!
Having a theme is so important – helps to keep you focused on all of the elements! Thanks so much for sharing at this week’s Whip it Up Wednesday party!
I found your blog at the Makers link party…I loved your ideas! I also blog about my travels, and hope you will stop by!
http://karanandmichael.blogspot.com/
So glad I stopped by from Project Inspired! I love all your party ideas, especially the Norah Jones and the moss ampersand. Thanks for sharing!
Aw, thanks Jen! I appreciate you stopping by.
Love the garden party idea! Great tips!
We would love for you to come and link up at Your Designs This Time, Mondays 8:00am EST.
http://www.elizabethjoandesigns.com
I love the idea of a garden party – your tips are great! Thanks for sharing! π Dawn @730moments
I LOVE all the details of this garden party! Can I invite myself? haha.
Yes, please! Come on over.
Great tips and this sounds like a great party! π
Thanks, Meredith. It was a fun evening for sure!
Awesome ideas and sweet little succulents! I realized reading your list, that I have not even thought about lighting and music since throwing parties in college…I want to get back to that classy, evening feel…Well, I guess it doesn’t help the ambiance to have toddlers running around at the party. π LOVE your blog design/look btw! π
Thanks so much, Amy. Oh, I rarely throw an “evening” party before the kiddos are in bed, ha!
Such a fun theme! I love all the little touches and bright colors. Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Thanks for stopping by, Alison!
Love these tips, Amy! Especially the party favor–who doesn’t like to go home with a little something special π This makes me want to plan a party right now!
Amy | Club Narwhal
I think those mini pots were one of my favorite parts, too!
This is so cute
I love this!!! I love the invites and the jars!
Thanks so much, Rekita!!
You created such a beautiful party, Amy! I LOOOVE your party favor idea. Me and my succulents <3.
Thanks, Amy. I’m crazy for the mini succulents, too! I’ve got a tutorial for that little project coming up soon.
Creative party theme, will have to check out Tiny Prints. Will use your tips when next hosting a party. Thanks for the inspiring post!
Thanks for stopping by and good luck at your next party!
Oh, that’s a great theme. Thanks for the tips!
http://ioniunandthethreebiscuits.blogspot.com/2014/03/whip-it-up-wednesday-knitting-socks.html
Love it! Ps. I have a collaboration with them next week and I chose the same pattern. Funny. =)
Ah, so fun Ashley! I’ve got another one with them in April…. yay Tiny Prints!