Traditional and Unique Garden Party Planning

Planning a garden party is a perfect way to spend a sunny day with friends, but the tradition of garden parties has gradually fallen out of practice. You may find it hard to track down ideas for your party food, themes or drinks - but do not fear. You can revive this elegant occasion by adding your own unique touches.

First of all, you need to review the materials you have to hand - and the most important of all these is your garden itself. Do you have a lush lawn, or a classy courtyard? This will not only help you to determine whether to have a standing-room-only event, a sit-down garden tea or a picnic; it can give you a base from which to build your menu.

Next, examine the plants in your garden, paying particular attention to the flowers. Note their shapes, colors and scents. Working these into your menu can be the difference between a smooth and elegant garden party and an out-of-control disaster.

Once you have a list of the various elements of your garden, you can begin to plan your menu. If you have a garden that is lush and full of scents, you have a sensory advantage that you can use; plan drinks that are refreshing but not too powerful, such as gin-and-tonic, or lightly flavored iced tea, and foods that are delicately flavored rather than rich. Some options include cream cheese and carrot sandwiches, vanilla cupcakes with a light icing, and shaved ices with a light dash of lime cordial. The traditional British party snack, the cucumber sandwich, is another wonderful snack when you want the setting to speak for itself.

If your garden has few heavy scents of its own, you can use your food and drinks to enrich the experience. Choose richer flavors for your foods: moist chocolate cake with chocolate icing or banana cake for sweet snacks, and quiches or chicken salad sandwiches for savories.