Twilight Garden Party
The on-again/off-again sunny weather has me craving spring and both looking forward to and reminiscing about having friends over for outdoor gatherings (both tediously planned and impromptu). I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to share some pictures of the backyard party we hosted last fall for Greg's company.
With rented picnic-style tables, borrowed adirondack chairs, professional catering, and lots of help with the details (like following these thorough directions on how to string your own lights), the party was a huge success.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMJd1tAyar8ESLl7Se4siAiIuDkbTqvgVfZPiT1Zm9OHK6hS-s8z54rnmRhDv4YMM4tDz_E-HxVeeDKuPFZyN1KCdYUAIZf3Oo46_T-c41s4XBp72v_KNocAX-7cZ9E-LPDs4wntNQT0/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG) |
The dinner buffet was set up overlooking the picnic area under the lights. |
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Burlap table runners, gourds, Ikea lanterns, and tins stuffed with wrapped cutlery decorated the tables. |
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We squeezed nuts around the votive base inside the lanterns to add an autumnal touch. |
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Standing cocktail tables and corn hole games were set up for after-dinner socializing. |
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The caterers came equipped with a bar (beer on tap + wine) and sound system. (Not to mention, fantastic help!) |
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Cardstock, popsicle sticks, chalk marker, nuts, and little terracotta pots were used to make the menu tents. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoZAdW3aIvUSuEpd-CaSFLYGwye4ZyEHnArNmt7oC56ofbyaI-K_uusPG8HojyVj-LwrG2oZC84hKrAxL8-KbDLide7-Nv1rUlc_wzXoe-NOuZmJQxQnabcrl7Bvr4t60G87N9iiWCPs/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG) |
I went a little nuts on Pinterest and had the best time setting up the S'mores bar! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYgSk6apkKOk3F9yJylg0_Bz7LQhh6tKrxjgpVvGLyOVcyIxzAyF485RQ0UZZYcnozQk2rJi0ZCjQOZy0g51xZfY2rozpJTCLoYet_93CfkNFry0hsD32Qv88YHkJFyN2BtlUbEDlcDk/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG) |
We filled mason jars, baskets and decorative canning jars with the typical goodies + lots of extras. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMF1eIR6EKPqNVOWeGLazJG7MRsF__c6hO6HCIVZ1y4jCndMcvTamL3CFegQNUhdwv25zli8FyflhNHgZEy2b0j7z_LfzqIn5AZiuME5YP_2OYrSlBtENmxVkgkBMIopsqD_n0YUwz9U/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG) |
I found chalkboard-sided wooden boxes (used upside-down as stands) at TJMaxx and the chalkboard menu tent at Michael's. |
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It was hard to limit our featured flavors to just these four. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1ljzyTjBW-dtVdltON58_MczMJrqygU9WXTdQbjBNTDYpWq6jwGsohUtL51LBRNSJTLnaLMMES9y_3P5yZeD_YDJLW2vUis4LPUCBOrmKAg4A8x7ZYp4oK10sCSQYawukpfIUJo9thg/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG) |
I made the banner from card stock, twine, wooden clothes pins, and my handy chalk marker. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhZHQ4_qT50emAGX2cPCiudm7WloqL2aTXTxUlEBBLwFEVpnomqFykpb-grpoM_3wUFxNmO-x4L3z0gbu_s1O-Oveq5F-iKaMupYHHcRusl_eSf9pNn9Ay6gSz-yRhuhMm1bRpfhifag/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG) |
We set up the fire pit/roasting station beside the s'mores table and added a little pile of blankets in case it got chilly. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oKEU3i8wMSCt2VwBSTmK-NEz-BpfnyqWoZQogyvTrYXaIZzqmOlpysqkLxkngd0IdLnvIhTGCZAGzgAYpm40DEQc2-9ljmiE0lYHNEnJgsr_m7Wl7Egi-wMxHNFmq_6YcVkGT3NJj44/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG) |
After things were mostly set up and before our guests arrived, the girls and I sampled the food and beverages.
(BTW, I do have full eyebrows. Not sure why only half of them showed up in this picture.) |
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As the sun set, the guests arrived to our glowing backyard shindig. |
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In hindsight, we could have used another table. It was a cozy dinner! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPadsiycKDB6fdZV3eSgjjQVyMnaoutDSvPWBTqqFdssNXEOjREzxxW3pUX9x8bmDG0zEks1DjgV_1cTl_d-yZ0XCKLpiZujLCJnKSVVaFkjpqvEejnjg2rR2P6CPlUI7Ft6n0B0UqFsc/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG) |
Post-dinner s'more making. |
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I couldn't have pulled it off without my partner-party-planner, Emma! |
Cheers!
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I agree that garden parties are really popular, and you know I also celebrated my anniversary party in our garden last year. What a great day it was, but in preparations I had spent great time and I was nervous of thinking that everyone will love the arrangements? This year I have made up my mind to book party halls in Boston MA. This way I can enjoy my day more beautifully.
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