Garden Party Checklist
Sunday brunch, afternoon tea or an evening affair-the garden is a lovely setting any time of day. Print this checklist and use it to make planning go smoothly.
Three weeks ahead
- Decide whether your theme will be elegant or casual
- Create your guest list
- Send invitations
- Order rental supplies
- Tents
- Chairs
- Glassware
- Dishes
- Flatware
- Linens
- Plan your menu (our recipe section is a good place to start)
- Visit a garden nursery for decorating ideas and party props
- Do any major clean-ups or repairs to the area of your home where the party will take place
- If you plan to use a caterer or serving help, hire them now
- Order any special foods or beverages
- Confirm hired help and rental orders
- If the party is outdoors, take care of the yard work on the weekend before the party
- Call any guests who haven't responded
- Buy all but the most perishable foods and beverages
- Prepare and freeze or refrigerate any recipes that can be made in advance
- Wash and polish the dishes, silverware and serving pieces
- Launder and iron linens
- Do your last-minute shopping for perishable foods
- Give the party site a thorough cleaning
- Tidy up plants and landscaping
- Thaw frozen party foods
- Put up decorations, outdoor lights, etc.
- Prepare the remainder of your recipes
- Give yourself plenty of time to dress and relax before the guests arrive
