It's finally here! Spring is gently coming into its own, the days are longer and warmer and the sunsets are more promising.
On one of the first warmer evenings, we can officially kick off the nice part of the year with a stylish but low-key party in the garden.
It doesn't take much to make your party look 'straight out of a magazine'. Just a few well thought out accents.
Here's what they are:
Lighting
It is light that can change a room, or inour case a garden ,beyond recognition.
Arrange garlands of small white lights or countless jars of tea lights scattered without order around the garden and on the tables.
The flicker of the flames, the smooth sway of the bulbs among thenewly green branches - even just this simple decoration will make the place magical .
Food and drink
The menu doesn't have to be heavy, but you shouldn't leave your guests hungry either. Prepare bites in advance - meaty and meatless, savoury and sweet.
Salmon and capers, duck, fish roe with a slice of lemon - easy but tasty options that you can arrange in large colourful trays and scatter on small tables around your party garden.
For a real party mood, you'll also need a few bottles of good wine and fine glasses. These are what will create the sophisticated feel of a garden party, not a casual backyard gathering.
Keep the wine well chilled in large bowls and don't forget to put the cork opener nearby too.
Flowers and blankets
Last touches before inviting your guests - flowers and soft care .
Decorate the party venue with a few bouquets of spring flowers. Even a few tulips placed in unassuming old bottles are quite enough to transform the space into a colourful spring joy.
And just because it's still spring and not summer, and warm evenings are still a ways off, think about the comfort of your guests. Prepare a few light fleece blankets to cover those who get too chilly too quickly after the sun goes down.
And don't worry too much about the details. Good parties happen when the hostess is happy, not perfectly prepared.