Summer is officially upon us, and while that means twice the daily dose of deodorant and weather so hot your ice cream melts before you eat it, it also means the outdoors are now ours for entertaining. Of all the different types of shindigs and soirees, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate this sunny season than with a color-packed garden party. We’re bringing you 23 ways to throw a seriously awesome garden party, so grab your friends for some finger food, refreshing cocktails, floral decor and get ready to savor the season.
1. Succulent Flower Crown: You obviously need to wear a garden to throw a garden party ;) (via Brit + Co.)
2. Celery Rose Stamp: If you’re going to make your own invitations, what better way than to stamp them with something you actually picked from the garden? (via Glorious Minds)
3. Fruit Infused Water: Substitute soda for these refreshing fruit and herb-infused water recipes. All that’s required is some quick chopping, and a night in the fridge to let the water absorb some flavor. (via Eat Yourself Skinny)
4. Watering Can Planter: Tackle that whole effortlessly chic vibe by placing a pretty bouquet in a basic watering can. This centerpiece idea takes hardly any time to complete and will look right at home as a rustic, outdoor table decoration. (via Kara’s Party Ideas)
5. Strawberry Watermelon Cooler: Looking for a more adult beverage? Make something that looks as good as it tastes with some vodka and a handful of summer fruits. (via At the Table)
6. Summer Berry Salad: Hot weather can make you lose your appetite. Stick with lighter fare such as a walnut and goat cheese salad with an orange vinaigrette dressing. (via Neighbor Food)
7. Vegetable Centerpiece: This idea really gives a new meaning to the whole farm-to-table movement. Buy a large metal planter from a garden-supply center, line the bottom with sprouts and pour in enough water in to keep them moist. Throw in some cleaned and prepped veggies and this just became your new favorite serving platter. (via Martha Stewart)
8. Paper Ranunculus: We love ranunculi, but they can be hard to find when you want them. So, why not make some paper ones to add a little floral color to your scene? (via Brit + Co.)
9. Potted Parfait Cupcakes: Psych out your guests by serving them some potted soil for dessert. When they figure out that the pot actually consists of a chocolate cupcake, crushed Oreos, chocolate pudding and fresh mint, they’ll totally forgive you. (via Best Friends for Frosting)
10. Colorful Cookies: We’ll say it once, we’ll say it a thousand times. We lovecolor. Make your party pop with these ultra-vibrant garden themed sugar cookies. (via Brit + Co)
11. Pink Lemonade Swirl Bundt Cake: When we think of a summery celebration, we think of lemonade. Rather than serving it in its standard liquid state, mix things up a bit with this perfectly pink treat. (via Crazy for Crust)
12. Pom-Pom Vines: If you’re feeling crafty and have a little time to spare, these paper vines will quickly transform your party into an enchanted, flowery wonderland. (via Once Wed)
13. Flower Straws: Paper straws are pretty. But paper straws with flowers attached to them are amazing. All you need is some pretty paper and scissors to make this colorful craft come to life. (via Craft and Creativity)
14. Terra Cotta Pot Cake Stand: For a simple cake stand that stays true to an outdoor theme, grab a terra cotta pot and base, paint them your fave colors, flip them upside down and serve! (via Tara Dennis)
15. Garden Party Printables: Maybe you love a DIY as much as the next gal, but we know you don’t have time to do it all yourself. Print out these free templates on cardstock for a few sweet garden-themed decorations. (via Ever Mine)
16. Veggie Flowers: Pair these adorable carrot and cucumber flowers with some fresh yogurt dip for an updated take on the classic veggie platter. (via Anna the Red)
17. Updated Finger Sandwiches: Finger food is the way to go when throwing a summertime get-together. It’s easy to eat while socializing and it means less clean up for you! These unique finger sandwich recipes, such as carrot and cheddar, will give guests something to talk about long after the party’s over. (via Huffington Post)
18. Hanging Glass Vases: Tents are essential if Mother Nature decides to rain on your parade, but they can definitely add a clunky element to an otherwise perfectly curated garden party. Dress it up a little by attaching some flower-filled glass bottles to twine and tying them to the metal beams of the tent. (via Eat Drink Chic)
19. Painted Stone Place Cards: Go natural with these earthy place cards.You can create these with just a paint pen in ten minutes, and they can be used to help keep things from blowing away, too. (via BHG)
20. Baby’s Breath Floral Crown: Want your guests to feel floral from head to toe? Whip up some of these baby’s breath flower crowns for your favorite ladies to sport during the event. Turning these into simple brooches or corsages with a little bit of ribbon would also be a fun, slightly quicker option. (via Rustic Wedding Chic)
21. Floral Ice Cubes: Slip these pretty things into a cocktail or mix them up in an ice bucket. Anyway you use them, they’re bound to look great. (via The View From Great Island)
22. Plant Party Favors: Treat your guests with a simple party favor that will help them kick start a garden of their very own. (via BHG)
23. Edible Flower Cake: Finally, the real centerpiece of your party. An epic floral cake! (via Brit + Co.)
Are you planning a summer garden party? What ideas do you have in mind? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.