How to Throw a Garden Party

What better way to enjoy a beautiful day or the changing of the seasons than by throwing a garden party! Not only will your guests enjoy getting to spend time outside, they will also appreciate the novelty of a garden party and you will be able to showcase your patio or backyard that you have taken great pains to make perfect.

Furnish the Party

A party in your backyard will only succeed if furnished properly. Be sure you provide your guests with places to sit and a table or two to serve food and place plates and drinks. You can use patio furniture with matching chairs, or just pull out a folding table and cover it with a decorative tablecloth and invite guests to bring their own lawn chairs. Whether formal or casual, your party will center around the furniture.

Choose Your Decorations

To differentiate between a casual backyard gathering and a marvelous garden party, decorate! You can select a theme, such as a Victorian gala with frilly lace and tea and scones to a Chinese celebration with paper lanterns hanging from your trees. Cover your table with a festive tablecloth, use garden flags to add some color, fill terra cotta pots with brilliantly colored flowers, or set candles afloat in a pool. When your guests arrive, the stage will be set for a fantastic time!

Send the Invitations

Without guests, your party wouldn’t be a party at all. You can incorporate your theme into your invitations, but be sure it is clear to your guests that the party will be outside so they can dress accordingly. If there is a dress code or a theme you want your guests to participate in, be sure to let them know that information as well. To ensure you have a good idea of how many guests to prepare for, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to include an RSVP request.

Prepare the Food

For a garden party, your cuisine can match the theme, or you can assemble your favorite finger foods. Be sure you have plenty of cold drinks, especially if your party is on a warm day. Since your guests will be enjoying the outdoors, incorporate fresh food into your banquet, offering an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Have a Back-Up Plan

As with any out-of-doors event, you can’t control everything, and bad weather could send you scurrying. Be sure you have a back-up plan in case it rains on your parade. Be ready to move inside, to a covered porch or gazebo, or provide awnings or tents to keep your guests dry and comfortable. If the weather doesn’t cooperate with your plan, don’t despair! Your party will be a success if you keep a positive attitude and are flexible.

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How to Make a Black Currant Liqueur

Specialized liqueurs are a treat, and the price tag on a bottle can be high. But there is another solution. You can make your very own liqueurs to be given as gifts or to be enjoyed with a fine dessert or alone.

How to Make a Black Currant Liqueur

Black currants have an earthy rich flavor that is perfect for liqueurs or sauces. This special flavor and the ease of the recipe make black currants perfect for our homemade liqueur.

Assemble the Ingredients

To make black current liqueur, you will need the following ingredients, although some you won’t need for a long time after beginning the recipe.

• 3 pounds of clean black currants
• A pinch of cinnamon
• 1 clove
• 2-3 black currant leaves
• 1 quart of Brandy
• 1 pound of sugar
• 1 cup of raspberries (optional)

Make the Liqueur

In a large bowl that you do not use frequently in the kitchen, combine all ingredients except the sugar. Cover the bowl tightly and keep refrigerated or otherwise chilled for forty-five (45) days.

At the end of the forty-five days, remove the bowl and drain the contents to separate the fruit. Discard the fruit.

Add one cup of water and the pound of sugar the remaining liquid. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar.

Pour the juice into waiting bottles and seal or close the lids of the bottles very tightly. The bottles should be stored for at least two months before serving.

Liqueur is a very sweet spirit that is served in small portions in a brandy snifter or cordial glass. The black currant liqueur can be chilled to bring out the fruit flavor or at room temperature to enjoy the aroma and sweetness. It is best served with dessert or in lieu of a dessert following a meal.

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