*This post is in partnership with LaCrema Wines. As always all opinions are my own*
Dining alfresco and hosting a party are some of my absolute favorite things to do. Living in Los Angeles we have some of the best weather year round, so why not take full advantage of it? I recently threw a Kentucky Derby Party with one of my favorite wine brands, LaCrema, in my friends backyard! From a sophisticated outfit to an elegant table setting, hat decorating party and the perfect festive drinks and snacks, keep reading to check out my favorite ways to make your next garden party one for the books.
1. The Table Setting
The key to a stylish garden party is the tabletop. Even if you’re working with limited furniture, a beautiful tablescape can make all the difference. Pro tip: fresh flowers are a must have (I often grab fresh affordable flowers at Trader Joes). They can turn into basic table into a beautiful one!
2. Create A Comfortable Ambiance
Whether you mix and match furniture for a more rustic vibe or utilize a matching table and chairs, create ambiance that your guests can feel relaxed in. Also focus on the comfort and safety of the garden, such as using a roofing contractor to ensure guttering is installed correctly and water runoff won’t affect you on wet days, or that the weeds are trimmed and garden is clean, even with pets there. Adding cozy touches like outdoor rugs or plush cushions can enhance the overall comfort, making the space feel more inviting for gatherings. Consider installing lighting options like string lights or lanterns to ensure your garden remains usable and appealing during the evening. Safety is equally important, so inspect your walkways for uneven surfaces and repair them if needed to prevent accidents. You could also install LeafFilter gutter guards to keep your gutters free from debris, ensuring proper water drainage and avoiding potential damage to your garden. Regularly tending to your plants and maintaining a clean environment will create a welcoming outdoor haven that both guests and pets can enjoy comfortably and safely.
3. Stock Your Bar
Luckily we were fully stocked with my favorite, La Crema wines! As an official wine sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, La Crema wines were perfect for our derby party. We opted for the sparkling rosé, chardonnay and pinot noir. And, don’t forget cute glasses and cutlery for the table!
4. Create The Menu
Depending on what type of event you’re hosting, the right dishes and wine pairings will make the party! This time we opted for a more traditional charcuterie and cheese platter with fruit, nuts and a variety of crackers.
5. Plan Activities For Your Party
I love to plan a little something whether it be flower arranging, croquet, or giant jenga games! But, it wouldn’t be a Kentucky Derby Party without hat making! La Crema wines partnered with Flea Style to send us these gorgeous hats to decorate for the party! And, Flea Style has great some great options for simply buying hats or creating your own like we did! You can check out our hat decorating and unboxing session here!
6. Don’t Forget the Cute Outfit!
Yes! This is something you definitely don’t want to forget about! So, for starters, a stylish garden party means that you need to be stylish! So, what’s the cutest dress you have? Well, be sure to wear it! You don’t want anything basic, this is a garden party you’re planning after all, and the hostess needs to be the mostess! So, get something outlandish (or outlandish enough for a garden party), maybe look into elegant gold necklaces from Kendra Scott to help elevate the outfit, and it might be a good idea to skip heels if you’re going to be walking in grass. Oh, and a sun hat will make the outfit extra cute!
So, what did you think? Can’t wait to host my next party with LaCrema wines! xo ~ Lovely in LA
For more lifestyle tips and styling ideas, check out this section.
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