It’s not easy to meet face to face these days but if you are longing to see a few friends you might enjoy a fun girls-only get-together (given you are keeping the occasion to a minimum and and stay safe). Maybe someone in your close circle got engaged and you would love to celebrate the happy news? Or maybe you just want to create a pretty setting complete with easy summer treats just for you and your besties? Follow these simple ideas to bring a festive little setting to your backyard. Happy summer!
You can transform a shady garden into a memorable setting and create a truly magical spot by blending favorite colors with natural beauty. Here, a palette of white and turquoise imparts a vintage mood and red accents provide bursts of bright personality.
Bring out flea-market rescues and antique elements that are usually found indoors to instill charm and coziness. Define your serving area by setting up a table against a screen or an old door. The painted screen creates a sense of enclosure.
Biscuits, berries and toppings are displayed in milk-glass sugar bowls on this alfresco dessert bar.
Eliminate the need for formal chairs by using a legless tabletop supported on an ottoman with picnic-style on-ground seating, For ultimate comfort, the classic picnic cloth got an upgrade to a down-filled comforter. A bevy of plump pillows provides an inviting setting.
Even in a rustic open-air environment can be chic and classy. Pretty details spice up the ambience!
Pomander chandeliers call attention to the eating area. Crafting hanging pomanders from wire or grapevines is an easy DIY project:
*Begin each pomander by wrapping wire around a large balloon.
*After removing the balloon, decorate the sphere by gluing silk butterflies or flowers to the wire.
Create a one-of-a kind centerpiece by inserting flowers and leafy fillers in a water-soaked foam block set into a pretty, low container. Here white peonies, anemones, lysimachia, hellebores and greenery were used but you can go with your favorites or what is in season. Want to save money (who doesn’t)? Forage for flowers and herbs from your garden or a field of wide flowers.
A reclaimed garden cart is perfect for holding vintage-style beverage dispensers filled with minted watermelon, strawberry and lemon beverages. It also offers space for glassware and fruit. So pretty and convenient!
DETAILS MATTER:
Make it personal by sending out invitation that reflect each of your friends’ favorite color.
Encircle white on white napkins with red felt flowers.
Rather than a whole cake serve individual portions of scrumptious strawberry shortcake in vintage champagne glasses.
Tuck red anemones into little aqua glasses.
Put on your favorite dress and CELEBRATE YOUR BEST FRIENDS!!!
All photos by Ashley Seawell Photography