The buds are blooming, the sun is shining and your newsfeed is bursting with summer recipe ideas. If tiny teacups and cucumber sandwiches are dancing through your dreams, it’s time to start planning for that classic summer tradition: your very own garden party.

1. Start with a vision

Every good garden party is built around a theme—“vintage charm,” for example, is a popular choice. But you can personalize your theme, too. “Pretty in Pink” might show off your brilliant pink planters while you sip pink lemonade. Invite your guests to “Celebrate the Sun” by wearing their best sun hat or sharing their favorite recipe with the color yellow in it. Show off a new addition to your garden by featuring its flowers in your invitations and decorations.

2. Serve up a smörgåsbord

A buffet menu at your party will save you time and space. Keep the menu light and refreshing, incorporating any fruits, veggies or herbs you’ve grown for good measure. Organize a few tables around the perimeter to create food and drink stations. Offer a variety of finger foods and plenty of simple desserts; the fewer forks involved, the better.

3. Table or chairs?

Arrange your seating depending on the number of guests attending. A smaller party can fit around a single table or fill a circle of chairs near your garden. If the party will be large, arrange for standing tables that take up less space and allow guests to mingle. Your ultimate goal for seating is to create a fun atmosphere that encourages interaction between guests.

4. DIY decorations

Keep your design costs low by shopping for charming tableware and supplies at thrift stores, or ask guests to bring their own special teacup (you can make that part of the theme!) Use colorful old sheets as tablecloths and break out the Christmas bulbs to light up your space. Finally, incorporate some of your own flowers into the centerpieces and place settings.

5. Party favors

As the party starts to wind down, bid your guests farewell with a favor from your garden: a small bag of seeds wrapped in ribbon and garnished with a flower. You can also give out a recipe for a menu item your guests enjoyed or anything else that fits your party theme.

Final tip: Be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more growing, decorating and designing inspiration.