Miss Penny Saver: My Garden Party

I love to give parties, especially in the summer when the weather is warm and my yard is inviting. I planned this last soiree around the schedule of my two adult daughters so they both could be part of the fun. There were no upcoming holidays or events to celebrate, so I decided that a "garden party", to honor a mid-summer's afternoon, would be the perfect occasion. The planning was easy since flowers were the theme. When one of my friends asked "What does one do at a garden party?", I decided to include flower related crafts to the afternoon agenda. With instructions in hand from my daughters for flower crowns, I ventured up to the San Francisco Flower Market a few days before the party.

The selection was fabulous and I was able to purchase everything in one place for the flower related projects. I also spent a couple of afternoons scouring the local thrift stores to find $1-$2 vases that could be used for arrangements that would be additional "party favor" options.

The menu was simple and light since the party occurred around afternoon tea time. The offerings included homemade "American macaroni salad", a bountiful fruit platter, elegant cheeses with affordable gourmet crackers, hummus and homemade "toasted pita triangles". I bought a very reasonably priced drink dispenser, using a coupon of course, and added sliced lemons, ice and water for a refreshing and visually pleasing thirst quencher. In addition, I put out fun bottles of ice tea, sparkling water, French lemonade and Prosecco in a tub of ice. All the options were perfect for a warm afternoon and the frozen raspberries that could be dolloped into each glass were refreshing additions.

Of course we had to have a special order cake from Susie Cakes Bakery since it is the best bakery around- hands down! We also used our creative talents to decorate daisy-shaped sugar cookies in keeping with the flowery theme.

I bought a few paper goods to add a pop of color and provide some ease for the clean up after the party, but for the most part, I just did some sleuthing around my house for things that I already owned that fit the theme of flowers and garden. I was amazed by how many fun items I had that worked and I enjoyed the process of using them to create an atmosphere that would be inviting and festive for my guests.

This was one of the most relaxing parties I have given. My vision for the afternoon took shape and the atmosphere was festive and delightful. The food was set out and the drinks ready to serve when everyone arrived, so all I had to do was enjoy the unfolding of fun that occurred. I loved seeing my friends and family enjoy themselves while they visited, ate, and created beautiful flower inspired favors to take home. Since I made most of the food myself and used repurposed items to decorate, this party ranked high in success but low on cost.