The Art of Hosting Parties. Garden Edition

Aperitif, the Italian tradition of serving drinks to whet the appetite, is a brilliant way to start a summer party. Prosecco with rosemary and raspberry, or a non-alcoholic version with tonic, grapefruit, and mint leaves, would be perfect. Serve drinks in elegant wine glasses made of thin glass, decanters of colored glass, and present everything on a serving tray. If children will be at the party, don't forget pitchers full of homemade lemonade. Also, prepare small snacks – olives, nuts, or cheeses. An aperitif isn't just a drink; it's an invitation to a summer mood.

Before the party, choose a theme for the evening and make sure all elements of the table setting complement each other. How about an Adriatic evening vibe this time? Lay a snow-white tablecloth, which will pair beautifully with porcelain plates and gold cutlery. Of course, you can't forget vases with fresh flowers and stylish appetizers to satisfy hunger before the main course – Italian dolce vita-inspired mini sandwiches with burrata, olives in three variations, and tomato bruschettas, which usually disappear in a flash.

Preparing meals outdoors is one of the greatest pleasures on warm days. To ensure everything turns out perfectly, you'll need a tried-and-true grill, a side table with shelves, a linen apron, and grilling accessories. And for serving, serving boards made of acacia wood and plastic dishes – lightweight, yet much more stylish than paper ones. A rolling bar cart with cold drinks and sauces can be placed next to the table, so everything is within arm's reach.

For the party to last all night, it's time for a little relaxation. Sun loungers with cushions, a hammock strung between trees, or comfortable bean bag chairs arranged under a pergola will come in handy. This is also the perfect moment for something sweet – homemade ice cream in dessert bowls that are works of art in themselves, mini tartlets arranged on cake stands, or a fruit table with melon, watermelon, and blueberries. Serve desserts on a large tray with handles, preferably made of a material that isn't afraid of the outdoors – like durable wood. Use the golden hour to catch your breath and let the last rays of the setting sun kiss your face. How delightful!

As the sun dips below the horizon, it's time for everything in the garden to light up. String lights, stretched between trees, will create an atmosphere straight out of an Italian trattoria. On the table, lanterns or tall candles can take center stage. Cordless lamps – ones you can pick up and move anywhere – will also be a hit. Their glow will make the party truly magical, and conversations will become even deeper.

Even the most beautiful summer evening can surprise you with a gentle chill. Instead of calling it a night – let's wrap ourselves in warmth. Soft throws with fringes, wool blankets in a basket by the table – all of this will ensure the party can continue (and, incidentally, become even more stylish). Make sure you have soft, fluffy textiles, and no one will want to leave.

This is the hour when only wine and grapes are left on the table, and conversations start to get really interesting. A garden party is all about absolute freedom – favorite music plays from a speaker, someone pulls out games they usually don't have time for, and the rest of the guests sit on blankets, searching for the Milky Way in the sky. If you have a projector – display a movie on a white building wall or a fabric hung between trees. And if not – a lantern with soft light and conversations with friends will suffice. This is a moment of ease and laughter; it's that last hour you remember best.

Outdoor parties are the quintessence of spring and summer. Every moment spent in the garden or on the balcony can become a unique memory – full of laughter, conversations, and the scent of blooming plants. With a little creativity (and thanks to accessories and garden furniture from FormAdore), you'll create a truly fairytale atmosphere, where lanterns dance in the wind, and the table groans under the weight of seasonal delicacies. It's in such moments that warm days taste best.

The party was a success, now you just need to figure out what to do with that amazing pesto pasta left in the bowl and if you can save the leftover raspberry dessert? We guarantee: you can, and in style. Pull out plastic kitchen containers, reusable silicone bags, and mini bowls with lids that you can put straight into the fridge. Thanks to this, your work lunch made itself! Pack it in a thermal bag, add a bottle of warm lemon water, and start reminiscing about the beautiful garden party you hosted.