Garden Parties

Published September 03, 2014

garden-partyIt seems we are having some of the nicest late summer weather in years.

Traditionally September is a beautiful month here in Vancouver, so why not extend the summer by hosting a few dinner parties outside? Whether you have a patio, terrace or garden, setting up a few collapsible tables outdoors is very easy.

There are a couple of options here for entertaining outside. You can purchase a 48-inch, 72-inch or 96-inch resin, folding table at many large department stores like Staples. Or, alternatively you can rent a series of lengths of tables from Lonsdale Rentals very economically. I rented a four foot x 30 inch table for $7.40 for the weekend.

Choose an area that is fairly stable and can accommodate the folding tables end to end. If you have linens that will be large enough to lie over the tables to the floor, or at least halfway, use these as they work the best. Linens may also be rented from the rental store.

When you set up these long tables it’s nice to have a runner that runs down the center of all of the tables. Choose a theme and use it consistently for your runner, napkins and centerpieces.

One idea is to purchase some burlap for a more casual, easy-going theme. I saw this idea recently at a party and thought it was beautiful.

HomeTex.ca is a website that you can order an 80-foot burlap runner for approximately $49.99 tax and shipping included.

Smaller tables will not require this much fabric but you can order whatever length you require on the website.

Other websites such as fabric.com have a wide variety of fabrics to choose from to make your own custom runner. Just go online and choose your fabric style and length and it will be shipped directly to your door.

Mason jars work beautifully for votive candles placed in a little sand. Or alternatively, choose some pea gravel or small rocks to place the candle on inside the Mason jar. Wrap the Mason jar with garden twine for an added effect.

If you are fortunate enough to have a few hydrangeas still in your garden these would work wonderfully as floral centerpieces. Fresh herbs also work well for this idea placed in a little water.

Finish the table off with your plates and cutlery and tie each napkin with a fresh herb or a piece of garden twine.

Barb Lunter is a freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. barb@lunter.ca