Occasionally I get garden requests that are out of the mainstream. The brother of one of my clients called and asked if I would be willing to host a birthday party for his sister at my store; so why not? She loves her garden, and anything flower-related, so it wasn’t hard to imagine this place dolled up and ready for party guests. Though he lives in California, he was able to plan with the local help of Fran Gross; her events are always well choreographed and beautiful. Arranging the store for guests, and doing the flowers would be my part. As the party was a surprise, we lined our iron gates with fabric. Douglas had told her he wanted her to look at something he was thinking of getting her for her birthday-little did she know. She had ten seconds to process that her initials were in fact on the gates, framed in gerbera daisies, before she walked into a crowd of guests. What fun for her-and her guests.
We did lots of flowers-all in variations of a her favorite color-pink. This vase placed outside the front door -a flowery ice cream cone with pink nerines, pink spray roses and a tutu of La Reve lilies. Yummy.
Pink and gold were the colors of the day. Table cloths, and napkins, the gold chairs and clear glass plates edged in gold set a very festive, and very feminine tone. I thought the flowers should be tall-in the airspace. This not only makes conversation easy at the table top level, it creates interest at eye level when people walk into a room. More than anything, a party should be designed such to put the idea of celebration in the air.
These party favors are the work of my client. He knew his sister not only as very feminine and vibrant woman, but also as a very successful and high powered business woman. She successfully balances being a woman, and a boss; this is not easy to do. The flower coated hammer is his wry and supportive gesture. The personal element celebrates the relationship of friends and family; the party is for everyone.
The flowers set on top of twig stands are primarily every version and form of pink I could find. But some contrasting color showcases that pink. The brown amaranthus, yellow freesia and roses are a nod to the gold table accessories.
The arrangements are shaped such that most of the blossoms are visible from a seated position; the oval overall shape is like a friendly umbrella over each table.
I I think the room looks lovely.
The flowers brought life to the room. All it needed was company-and company she got. What an incredibly thoughtful brother. What fun it was to be a part of what is such a good memory for her.
Garden spaces are at their best, filled with people.
Sometimes there is a call for a party in the garden. in this case, the Texas-born gentleman’s 60th birthday. He invited 60 friends to celebrate with him; getting the garden ready for this many guests was my job. As he particularly likes yellow, as in yellow cars, clothes and cowboy boots, and anything else, as long as it is yellow, yellow flowers it was. A late August date meant sunflowers were available at our farmer’s market; yellow gerbera daisies in the centers of these arrangements suggested a little fireworks-appropriate for such an occasion. The yellow food coloring in the water was pure fun.
The black and white cowhide patterned tablecloths on the buffet celebrated the beloved home state, and were a dramatic foil to all those yellow flowers. An overscaled buffet says welcome, Texas-style. 
A landscape should be designed to accomodate those once in a great while events-as those events can be so important in the scheme of things. Even a small garden can be outfitted to comfortably seat unusual numbers of guests. For this reason, I am fond of walls at seat height in gardens. They do a great job of providing a place to sit for numbers of guests when needed, in addition to providing beautiful structure to a landscape. 
The fountain, holding forth with its own refreshing rendition of fireworks, welcomes guests on a hot August night. A giant pot filled with Miscanthus “Zebrinus” adds to the festivity. Yes, that was planned in advance. Advance notice I do not always get, but when I do get it, there’s time for touches like this.
As guests arrive, and start out to the garden, one can’t help but think of all the things a beautiful landscape and garden can be. A setting for birthday celebration is one of many. As good lighting can set and sustain a mood, special party lighting was in order. 
A garden designed for good traffic flow, and different places to visit, encourages people to sit for a while, and then move around. The small tables encourage people of like mind and interests to congregate as they please.
Though we battled wind, votives in glass are such an inexpensive and festive way to light a party. the more, the better. It is an easy way to mark steps, as the natural light wanes. Garden torches are not the most elegant garden accessory, but they are a great party accessory.
Good friends and family, big water, a little fire, a breeze, a garden – all the makings of a great party.
Does Milo not look like he is having a grand time?