Garden party decor ideas

Midsummer Garden party

A scattering of pink rose petals for a summer celebration softens the geometry of a London garden.

This garden has a strong graphic design, with its white stone steps, clipped topiary cubes and inner sanctum within a square of pleached lime trees. With the addition of simple cube stools in soft pink, fuchsia and white, some grouped on a zinc square in the centre, the view from an upstairs window resembles an abstract painting. For the party, hundreds of pink and red rose petals have been heaped on tables and scattered on the surface of the pond – a simple yet romantic and somehow exotic touch – pervading the air with their heady scent. Soft cushions for relaxing on the terrace are shaded by simple panels of pink-and-white fabric.

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Decorating with flowers.

“Flowers can sometimes be used as sculpture. This arrangement, a variety of individual flowers in plain test-tube style glasses along a shelf, allows the beauty of the pink and white blooms to stand out against the lime green backdrop. Consider the flowers themselves and think how they might look best – this is an entirely new way of seeing a rose bud, for instance.” Tricia Guild

Contemporary room idea.

A contemporary composition

However pleasing a calming, low-key space can be, you may wish to make it more lively and celebratory for a party. Be simple at the same time as being creative and add elegance and a sense of occasion to the room without destroying its peaceful mood. Compose the table as an artist might an abstract painting – your paints are the cloths, napkins, glasses and ceramics and, of course, the food itself.

“Create a table setting that is stimulating and adds to the air of enjoyment and anticipation. Here, four soups have been elegantly arranged in lines on strips of pale linen – each with a different fresh herb leaf. The wonderful rich colours of the soups are reflected in the poppy flowers. Allow the shapes and colours of the food to set the style.” Tricia Guild

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