HOW-TO CURATE A GARDEN PARTY
MAKE IT FLORAL, BEAUTIFUL, & SOPHISTICATED.
The arrival of a new season always sparks a desire to host. For me, entertaining is the ultimate creative outlet, it’s an excuse to invite friends into a thoughtfully curated world where every detail feels like an intentional gift, and every flavor leaves them completely wowed.
This summer, we are leaving the expected, over-the-top party kitsch behind. Instead, we are looking to the true beauty of the season: enveloping the table in fresh, wild blossoms, leaning into light, sun-drenched aesthetics, and celebrating the warmth with a deliberate, artfully styled menu. Whether you are hosting a breezy morning coffee hour or an elegant afternoon luncheon, here is how to effortlessly craft an open-air gathering that your guests will talk about long after the sun goes down.
Featured recipe: Honey Lavender Blondies
Total recipe time: 1 hour & 45 minutes
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY FLORALS.
Summer is a season for airy sun-drenched dresses and delicate floral flavors. When crafting your menu, define the vibe: are you curating an elegant coffee and tea time where gorgeous pastries mingle among fresh bouquets? Or are you hosting a sit-down, sun-dappled luncheon that feels entirely effortless?
Whichever path you choose, weaving subtle floral notes and aesthetics into your spread organically sets the scene, staying beautifully sophisticated without ever crossing into kitsch.
To the right, find a curated mini collection of my favorite floral-inspired recipes.
Featured recipe: Blueberry Thyme & Goat Cheese Scones
Total recipe time: 43 minutes
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY PASTRIES.
Summer events call for light, buttery layers and a touch of seasonal indulgence. When incorporating your pastries, consider the role they’ll play: are you showcasing these bakes as the absolute star of an intimate coffee and tea hour? Or are they serving as the necessary sweet moments woven into a larger, more savory lunch spread?
If you choose a coffee and tea hour, lean into these fruit- and herb-forward pastries—and depending on the size of your guest list, feel free to expand the table with seasonal banana breads, muffins, & cookies. Alternatively, if you are curating a full luncheon, weave a thoughtful selection of these bakes organically throughout your savory dishes. Either way, allow them to effortlessly command the table, keeping your gathering light, airy, and incredibly sophisticated without ever feeling stuffy.
To the left, find a curated mini collection of my favorite pastry recipes.
Featured recipe: Baked Brie Focaccia
Total recipe time: 51 hours & 40 minutes (includes 2 days of inactive proof timing in the refrigerator)
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY SNACKS.
I’m a grazer by nature; if there is a small bite on the table, my hands are always the first to find it. But incorporating savory, bite-sized snacks goes beyond our collective love of grazing; it plays directly into the artistry of your table design. Think of these smaller bites as the baby’s breath to your floral spread bouquet. They beautifully fill in the gaps, adding texture and layers that make your entire menu feel incredibly lush, effortless, and abundant.
To the right, find a curated mini collection of my favorite party-perfect snack recipes.
Featured recipe: Chive Flower Compound Butter
Total recipe time: 22 minutes
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY ELEVATED ADD- ONS.
True luxury is found in the details. When designing your menu, it’s often the thoughtful additions, the artisanal elements woven throughout, that turn a beautiful spread into an unforgettable experience. Think of these as your table’s secret weapons: a vibrant compound butter melting over warm bread, an herbaceous sauce draped over savory dishes, or a crunchy, spiced granola waiting beside a bowl of thick yogurt.
By introducing these elevated touches, you effortlessly tie the entire menu together. They bridge the gap between your main dishes, introducing unexpected depths of flavor that make your gathering feel intensely curated, intentional, and endlessly sophisticated.
To the left, find a curated mini collection of my favorite recipes that elevate spreads.
Featured recipe: Mushroom, Goat Cheese & Herb Strata
Total recipe time: 9 hours & 25 minutes (includes 8 hours of inactive refrigerating time)
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY SHARABLE DISHES.
Summer entertaining thrives on a spirit of abundance. When selecting your main, sharable dishes, think about how they will anchor the gathering: are you serving an elegant, seasonal galette or a savory Dutch baby that invites guests to slice and share right at the table? Or are you passing a zesty, herbaceous pasta salad that perfectly complements a breezy, open-air luncheon?
By centering your menu around these larger, family-style plates, you effortlessly create a focal point for the meal. They bring everyone together, offering rich, comforting flavors that make your garden party feel incredibly generous, warm, and beautifully sophisticated.
To the right, find a curated mini collection of my favorite sharable recipes.
Featured recipe: Spring Lemon Dill Chicken Meatballs With Whipped Greek Yogurt Sauce
Total recipe time: 30 minutes
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY MAINS.
A thoughtful main course grounds the entire afternoon. When styling your menu, look to clean, vibrant proteins that satisfy your guests without weighing down a warm summer day. Lean into dishes that celebrate fresh garden herbs and bright, citrus-forward profiles like an elegant roasted salmon finished with a flurry of fresh dill and parsley, or delicate portions of white fish steamed perfectly inside parchment with lemon and thyme.
By anchoring your table with these light yet substantial centerpieces, you effortlessly bridge the gap between your fresh sides and savory bites. They command the plate beautifully, ensuring your open-air gathering feels completely curated, refreshing, and sophisticated.
To the left, find a curated mini collection of my favorite main recipes.
Tender lavender white chocolate scones drizzled with vanilla lavender glaze and finished with dried lavender buds.