A Garden/Painting Party

 

The grand design: simple and fun

For several months I have wanted to throw a combination garden party/ painting party.  The timing had never been right for those I wished to invite but finally our schedules clicked! So began gathering all the things I would need to host a party such as this.

And let me tell ya, there are not many (if any) garden/painting parties.  I searched and searched and asked around and no one knew how to do this.  So I decided to be the "pioneer" and share what I did should you or someone you know desire to throw a similar party at your place.

Depending on the layout of the area you will actually be using, it might be good to have a serving tray that has wheels strong enough to travel grassy terrain.  Also, if your party will be outside such as mine, check a few days before how the shadows shift across your yard.  That way you will be confident as to where to set up.

If you find that gnats and mosquitoes might be a nuisance, invest in some good insect repellants ( that's what is burning in the pink candle buckets in the photo above).     

Most importantly of all, try to use what you already have.  I was sorely tempted to go out and buy all the "appropriate" things for garden parties but I found that with a little creativity I could make a pretty setting without spending a fortune.

One of the things I did early on was decide on a color scheme: reds, pinks, greens, and whites.  I also decided that since my home had plenty of crochet and lace that I would use them in my design.

Some of our pink Lilies

Since my home has gardens with plenty of flowers I just made arrangements for hanging flowers and pots to put on display.  (That's one of my paintings in the photo, a recreation of a Thomas Kinkade work. My first attempt painting oil on canvas.)

A cart of potted plants and flowers

Some of our purple Clematis

I decided that since my guests and I were going to be painting there should be professional paintings nearby to inspire us.  The center painting was created by an uncle of mine who has won many awards around the world and the smaller painting was created by a street painter I admired in Madrid, Spain a few years back.

To ease the financial burden that would otherwise be put on me I asked that each of my guests bring their own canvases, any size, and paints. We all shared brushes and spatulas.  

I decided to place rolled newspapers and paper towels in a strawberry wicker basket for easy access and I made certain everyone had enough cups to clean and hold brushes.

Painting inspirations

 

One of many rose bushes in our yard

Of course no garden party, or any party really, is complete without food!  The menu went as follows:

Appetizer:  

                 To drink: nectar of mango and peach

                 To eat:  cranberry pinwheels

 Salad:

                 five lettuce and spinach salad with cherry tomatos

                 lemon - olive oil - garlic dressing (home made)

 Main Entre:

                  To drink:  fresh, cool water

                   To eat:   vegetarian Fetuccine Alfredo with garlic bread

Desert:

                  strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream

The serving cart of goodies

The afternoon came and went.  My guests and I had a wonderful time catching up and sharing laughter and prayers.  And I learned that even though I may not own much, investing in relationships and serving others is its own reward.

The smiles and happiness I was able to give was worth all the effort and planning.  And its our attitudes that people will remember long after parties are over.  

I am a blessed daughter of the king!  Can you imagine that one day all who love Jesus Christ will be sitting with Him at royal, heavenly banquet to dine?  I can only imagine how amazing that menu will be!  And that's not even touching how incredible the company will be!

Yep.  I'm looking forward to that day.  Until then, let's live each day with love and forgiveness for others and for ourselves.  It's what God gives to us every moment we live.

" And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.' And he added, ' These are true words that come from God.'"

~ Revelation 19:9

A Passion Flower in the front yard