Adrienne Bosh’s Tips for Hosting a Whimsical Summer Garden Party

Hello, it’s Haute Living’s newest Ambassador Adrienne Bosh here. School might be back in session soon, but it’s still summer in South Florida. The sun is strong and the days are long, it’s the perfect opportunity for an outdoor soiree, darling! My personal favorite warm-weather celebration is a glitz and glam garden get-together. Transforming your space into a whimsical world of flowers, trinkets and treasures is easier than you think. Here are my tips and tricks for socializing in style:

WHO: Your best girlfriends of course. My number one party rule is to be present in the moment. The best celebrations are the ones spent recounting stories and making new memories with your loved ones, not staring at a smartphone.

WHAT: Take in the glamorous tablescape, fresh air and great company as you clink teacups (or champagne flutes) and nosh on scrumptious finger food and decadent deserts. For a summer tea party, pick light flavors that compliment the season. Try something with fruit notes such as hibiscus tea and always have the option to serve over ice (see my favorite recipe below). Compliment your refreshing drinks with an array of sweet treats like colorful macaroons for guests to nibble on.

WHERE: The event should be planned with a garden venue in mind – a green space for playful decorations and flowers galore! Proud of your backyard landscape? Now is the perfect time to show it off. You can turn any existing outdoor space into a garden paradise in no time by arranging pastel petals into floral centerpieces or entrance and walkway accents and sprinkling the table-scape with delicate china, tea ware, trinkets and treasures (bonus points if they’re sparkly). As an added element, I like to outfit the space with blankets and floor pillows and set up a shaded canopy to create a sense of occasion.

DRESS CODE: Dress to impress! Channel the colors of your décor and create a unique look that exudes confidence. Present playful and chic dress recommendations to guests when sending out invitations. Your garden party theme will come to life with the arrival of guests dressed to the nines in festive attire. Pastel colors, frilly skirts and derby-worthy hats –the sky’s the limit! Add lively accessories, such as rings and sparkly shades for the perfect final touches.

RSVP: See you in the garden, darling!

Adrienne’s Hibiscus Tea Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 hibiscus tea pouch
• 3 qts. water
• 1 qt. lime juice
• Organic cane sugar
• Sliced lime
• Sliced lemon
• Berries for garnish

Directions:

1. In a saucepan heat three quarts (approximately three liters) of cold water. When the water comes to a boil, add the dried hibiscus. Immediately remove from heat and let the flowers steep for ten minutes
2. Pour the water mixture from the pot into your favorite pitcher using a strainer. Use a fine strainer to separate the flowers from the water. (Be sure not to pour any of the flower sediment into the pitcher)
3. Stir in the organic cane sugar
4. Add the lime juice or any other flavoring desired before
5. Add ice and chill completely
6. May be served over ice or hot

Sparkle Tip: For the sparkle darlings looking to get extra fancy, combine tea with seltzer water or other citrus sodas for a refreshing, summer cocktail.