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Host a Summer Harvest Garden Party
Throw an end-of-summer backyard bash and share your harvest with friends.
The end of summer is approaching and gardens are starting to overflow with ripe fruits and vegetables. After a year of caring for the soil, planting seeds and tending growing plants, all the hard work comes to fruition—and chances are you can’t eat it all yourself.
If you find yourself with a few too many veggies, add your own twist to the long history of celebrating the harvest and throw an end-of-summer party in the middle of your backyard or garden. Throwing a party might sound a bit intimidating at first, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a few small details you can create a beautiful, polished party that won’t be stressful to plan.
The first step in planning a cohesive party is choosing a theme. This doesn't need to be a complicated or elaborate theme; after all, you already have one built in—harvest party! To really take advantage of this theme, include it in all aspects of your party, from the food to the decor. If you’d like to narrow it down even more, choose two items from your garden—a fruit and an herb work well—and include them in as many areas of your party as possible. We centered our party on figs and fresh mint, and included them in our centerpiece, drinks, food and desserts as often as possible.
Since harvest party is your theme, use as many items from your garden and as few items from the store as you can. If you think your garden isn't completely up to the task, consider asking your guests to share the harvest from their gardens to include in the festivities. If you have a backyard vine that’s getting out of control, use the trimmings in your decorations, or just go on a walk around your neighborhood and see what you can find. The beauty that’s growing outside your front door might surprise you.
If you have kids, they don’t need to be left out of the party prep. Recruit them to help pick fruits and veggies, or create fun backyard games for their friends who are joining the celebration. If you’re setting up a table for the adults but need a bit of extra space for the kids, consider setting up a picnic blanket nearby. The kids will love the freedom of being able to lounge in the yard during dinner.
Scroll through the attached gallery for photos and detailed descriptions of our end-of-summer backyard party, and get inspiration for your own.
