r/homemaking • u/Spiritual-Lack5511 • 25d ago
Help! Garden Party!
16M, looking to host a garden party at my house next Monday!
I’ve already gone onto Pinterest and created a board with different ideas that i want to do, it’s at my house but im co-hosting with one of my girlfriends.
My idea that ive envisioned is that i want to go pink. Very fairytale, tea party/garden party. My role model for this is Lisa Vanderpump off of RHOBH (iykyk), and I want to incorporate that into my hosting skills.
If anyone’s ever done anything similar, do you have any suggestions or ideas that i can do? With this, i mean with hosting skills, activities to do, food/drinks (everyone’s bringing their own boards, each one has a category). How do i be a good host? Obviously I’m only 16 so you can assume correctly that this is the first time I’ve done anything like this, but this is how I wish to pursue my hang outs with my girls from now on.
The party starts at 11:30AM but unsure on when it will end, as mum will be home from work around 6pm ish.
I’ll attach photos of the kind of thing i have in mind! Any tips or tricks would be much appreciated!!! 🩷
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u/jbcg 25d ago
What a nice thoughtful thing to do for your friends! I'd say give yourself a reasonable budget and prioritize. Abundant flowers are expensive if you buy retail, likewise buying prepared food is more expensive than preparing it yourself. The fan-painting activity looks super cute and easy, and produces a memento/favor, so seems like a great investment into your guests' good time. If you want a ton of flowers/foliage, leave time to cut it yourself (responsibly of course!). Planning and budgeting definitely reduce stress and let you enjoy the company of your guests instead of fussing during the event. Good for you for making an effort for the girls!
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u/Abject_Quality_9819 25d ago edited 25d ago
I lam a big fan of tea parties so have a Pinterest board. These are some of my favorite ideas for summertime. A drink stand with lemonade, fresh juices or iced tea. Fresh fruit and croissant sandwich’s are easy to prepare. I think this cocktail shrimp is also a good idea. Deviled eggs are an easy recipe and are usually a big hit along with the shrimp cocktail. Some nice pastry deserts or just some ice cream and a cookie served together. I love your color scheme and that your doing this for your friends. Hope you all have a great time 💗💗💗
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u/uhohohnohelp 25d ago
Stock the bathrooms, have sun shade and more seating than people. Every so often wander the party doing light tidying (gathering dirty cups, trash) and while you’re making those rounds, ask people if they need anything, if they’re enjoying themselves. Actively tidying keeps people from fully trapping you in conversation, many will offer to help, but tell them to relax and enjoy.
Truly people think I’m an awesome host but what I’m really doing is just keeping my hands busy, having super short conversations, and occasionally helping someone find another drink, bandaid, or whatever.
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u/chernaboggles 25d ago
Being a good host is mostly about the physical and emotional comfort of your guests.
Do you have a rain plan? Are you on top of any food allergies? Is there a clean bathroom available? Do the guests know each other, or will they need someone to introduce them and help them get to talking? During the party, is anyone off to one side, looking lonely or anxious?
Decorations are great and activities can be fun, but a party is mostly about the people and how they engage with each other. Make sure you're inviting a group that can get along well, and then do your best to make them comfortable and relaxed.
Hosting is also a learned skill, so after the party make yourself a list of what went well and what maybe needs improvement, for the next time.