A Summer Garden Party

By: Bonnie Christine

Story Adapted From Pattern Magazine – Volume 5

In summertime, my backyard becomes my creative playground, a blank canvas for gatherings with family and friends.  

 The weather warms and the days lengthen, inviting me to create patterns of a different kind: patterns of hospitality, layered amidst dripping candlesticks, lace tablecloths, and a delicious scoop of Jeni’s ice cream. Brambleberry Crisp, please!

Two of the most delightful summer parties happened just last year in my garden. The first was a birthday party for my dear friend and the talented photographer behind this magazine, Callie. We strung lights through the garden, lined wooden tables with vases of Queen Anne’s lace and dinner plate dahlias, and savored conversation by candlelight long after the sun’s farewell.

I opened my garden gate a few weeks later for another special summer party, my daughter Ollie's birthday. Fairy crowns and floral dresses … the garden had never looked so darling. With shears in hand, each girl filled her own bud vase to the brim with fresh blooms to take home. Then we twirled and danced (and giggled), before topping waffles with marshmallows, sprinkles, and everything sweet. 

As I prepare my garden for this season’s gatherings, I want to share a few tips I’ve learned, patterns for hosting summer parties. I hope these invite you to see your own backyard (or front yard) as a creative canvas, a backdrop to create an unforgettable experience for the ones you love. 

Tips for Hosting This Summer:

1. The Purpose - Closing the Garden Gate 

For every gathering, I begin at the end. How do I want guests to feel as they walk through the garden gate and head home? 

Is the purpose of this event to fill their hearts with warm conversation? Do I want them to leave with a bouquet in hand and their creativity flowing? Or perhaps with cheeks sore from laughing for hours? 

The purpose of the gathering, the end outcome, determines the details from vision to flow. 

At the end of this gathering, I hope my guests feel _________. 

2. The Setting - Surrounded by Flowers 

With the purpose in mind, I set the scene. What do I want blooming around my guests? From floral arrangements to place settings, I layer my vision in a mood board. For summer gatherings, I keep decor minimal and let the garden be the focus. Creamy linens and lace, natural wood, mismatched glass, neutral candles, and a few floral trimmings … I use what I have on hand. 

3. The Menu - At the Table

When it comes to the menu, I choose simple dishes. Think picnic foods that are easy to hold and don’t require too much fuss. For Callie’s garden party, we fired up our outdoor pizza oven for fresh stone-fired pizzas, topped with all the summer veggies. Ollie's was a bit less seasonal and more sweet with a waffle bar.

Wanting More?

 Read the full story in Volume 5 of Pattern Magazine.

The complete garden party feature (with more photos, hosting tips, and menus) is in the latest issue.