Host a Farmer's Market-Inspired Porch Party

Freshen up your next outdoor gathering using your local farmer's market as inspiration, from sweet, seasonal appetizers and aromatic cocktails to clever decorating ideas.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Create a Party-Ready Outdoor Buffet

Before you haul that beat-up dresser to the curb, consider putting it to work in your outdoor space. A coat of mint green paint and pegboard give this vintage dresser new life as a gorgeous party-perfect buffet with loads of storage. Make Your Own >>

Put Fruits On Display

Use buckets, bins or trays to display colorful fruits for farm-fresh cocktails.

Jugs + Jars

Pop freshly cut flowers into vintage jugs and jars for a sweet, simple look.

Reimagine Basic Crates

This clever coffee table features extra storage by using four basic wood crates fastened together on a plywood base. Bright shades of blue paint were added to create an ombre effect across the top, and casters were installed on the bottom for mobility. Make Your Own >>

Make Your Own Vintage Signage

What's for lunch? This hand-lettered chalkboard menu adds the perfect vintage vibe to your next soiree and frees up the hostess for more sparkling conversation. Make Your Own >>

Arrange Veggies + Flowers

Add some farmhouse charm to your floral arrangements by adding veggies into the mix. These classic white tulips play well with green onions and leafy rapini.

Repurpose Garden Tools Into Barware

The next time you’re at the hardware store, pick up a few garden tools to use as serveware. This planter bucket and garden spade are a fun way to scoop ice into cocktails. (Just make sure your guests know they’re from the kitchen, not the potting shed.)

Serve Aromatic Cocktails

Nothing says spring like freshly snipped herbs. Serve up pretty cocktails garnished with aromatic rosemary, lavender and mint; they’ll appeal to all the senses. Make a Rosemary Greyhound and Lavender Collins >>

Fresh Florals Make the Perfect Topping

Everyone loves dessert, but this one is a showstopper. These mini naked cakes topped with fresh flowers look super high end, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. Get the Recipe >>

Get Creative With Seasonal Fruits

Serve fresh seasonal fruit in clever ways like these delicious Key Lime cheesecake sugar cookie cups made from Greek yogurt and topped with a mix of fresh berries.

Give Guests Fresh Herbs

Send guests home with adorable, personalized herb planters. The next time your friend pinches off a bit of parsley or rosemary, they’ll think of you. Make Your Own >>