The Laings Journal
Beneath the sun's comforting rays, the summer season is the perfect time to host a garden party and make the most of the lighter and brighter evenings. Discover our Laings Guide to hosting the perfect summer garden party this year.
PLANNING YOUR MENU
A garden party is the perfect time to make some of your favourite summer dishes. It’s always a good idea to make sure your menu includes food that you can make ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy spending more time with your guests. We recommend incorporating some delicious canapes and finger food into your menu, allowing guests to eat outside and continue mingling whilst the excitement of the evening begins. Shellfish appetisers are always a great option in the hot months, we love these seafood cocktail recipes perfect for hosting.
When it comes to the main event, a grill menu is always a well-loved option. Elevate your classic BBQ menu and delight your guests by subbing out burgers and sausages for sophisticated seasonal recipes, such as crispy barbecued salmon, succulent chicken skewers or braised beef. Serving a light summer salad is a zingy and refreshing accompaniment to any meal. We love a classic caprese, pomegranate, or Greek salad – a garden party favourite. Pair your menu with some refreshing cocktails and drinks to delight your guests.
COCKTAILS & DRINKS
When considering which cocktails and drinks to serve, it is a good idea to choose one of your favourite champagne or spirits to incorporate into a few recipes. This allows you to create different flavour combinations for your guests. Take our very own Laings family collection cocktail recipes for example, all created using our favourite champagne, Lanson. Our Lanson champagne cocktails are based on the personality of each lady in the Laings family collection – Wendy, Isabella, Suzanne, Esme and Anna. Each cocktail creation incorporates the essence of the collection by matching the colours and personality attributes of their muse. Enjoy our delightful recipes below.
ESME: Fluid. Delicate. Timeless.
Indulge in a sophisticated twist on the French 75. This elegant libation starts with a foundation of premium gin, balanced with the zest of fresh lemon juice. A touch of simple syrup adds a hint of sweetness, harmonising the flavours. Finally, a generous pour of Champagne crowns this delightful blend, a sparkling finish. Perfect for any celebration, the Esme captures the essence of elegance and tradition.
ANNA: Confident. Empowering. Glamorous.
Experience a refined take on the classic Champagne Cocktail, a timeless and glamorous drink. This exquisite concoction begins with a sugar cube, delicately infused with aromatic Angostura Bitters. A splash of rich Cognac adds depth and sophistication, while the effervescent Champagne tops off the Anna.
ISABELLA: Playful. Creative. Unique.
Indulge in the playful sophistication of the St. Germain Spritz. This whimsical twist on the classic Champagne Cocktail is a delightful dance of flavours and fizz. Topped with a splash of soda water, this refreshing concoction is as light-hearted as it is luxurious, inviting you to indulge in moments of pure enjoyment. Embrace the joy of the Isabella.
SUZANNE: Sophisticated. Striking. Refined.
The Kir Royale, a visually striking masterpiece that tantalises the senses. Embark on a journey of flavour with Crème de Cassis, its deep hue enticing the eye and enchanting the palate. As the velvety liqueur mingles with the Champagne, each sip becomes a symphony of indulgence. The Suzanne is finished with a fresh blackberry garnish.
WENDY: Contemporary. Charismatic. Alluring.
Experience a fearless classic with a bold, fiery appearance - Laings take on a classic mimosa. Crafted with the ingredients of the traditional mimosa, the Wendy ignites the palate with a dash of orange bitters. Infusing the cocktail with a tantalising depth of flavour, leaving a lingering warmth that entices and delights.
PREPARING YOUR TABLE
Elevate your tablescape into a memorable display by incorporating the natural beauty of your surroundings. We reached out to the incredible team at MUD Urban Flowers for their expertise on curating the perfect floral table arrangement to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
1. How should you choose a colour palette/theme for your table flower arrangement?
I always think it is best to play to the room or space you are hosting in. For example, if your home is very Scottish and traditional, I would suggest keeping to a neutral palette with touches of blues and burgundies. If your space is modern and neutral you could either match this or add a pop of colour through the florals.
2. What else can I add to my table décor to complement the florals?
I always love adding candles but if you are hosting in summer and it’s lovely and warm (fingers crossed) some other ideas would be fruit for example oranges and lemons spread randomly or if you are able to source shells, this could be a nice touch.
3. How should I position my florals on the table?
We would always recommend odd numbers for example 1, 3, 5 or 7 arrangements depending on the size of the table spread out evenly. It can be nice to use 2 larger arrangements and 3 small arrangements to mix and match.
4. How do I make a fresh flower or dried flower table arrangement at home?
Firstly find a good vessel, you are looking for something with a height of approx 10-20cm and a neck (the vase opening) of 5-10cm. I would always arrange in my hands and then cut to size (don’t be afraid to cut short so that flowers sit at a nice level on the vase). Alternatively, you can use a floral frog or sellotape to make a grid on top of the vessel and carefully add flowers into vessel in each of the slots to create a beautiful display.
CREATE AMBIENCE
Your garden will be the centrepiece of your party, so you want to make sure you have prepared a comfortable environment for your guests to enjoy. Ensure you’ve arranged your garden furniture for your guests to mingle and have set up additional seating if required. Providing blankets for your guests to enjoy later in the evening is a thoughtful touch.
Consider the acoustics of your garden when deciding where to set up your music or speakers. Position speakers to ensure your music fills the air without overpowering conversations. Create a playlist beforehand with you and your guests’ favourite songs to enjoy together. For a truly unforgettable experience or special occasion, why not hire a live musician or DJ to wow your guests and keep the fun atmosphere going all night.
As the sun goes down and the warm air begins to diminish, ensure the delight of the evening continues with a fire pit and candles. The inviting orange glow of a fire pit draws friends and loved ones closer, enjoy a circle of laughter and shared memories together as the party continues under the summer stars and balmy breeze.
SUMMER STYLING
After you’ve prepared to host the perfect garden party, it’s time to get yourself ready. Choose an outfit and accessories that you love and will feel great in. Light colours and airy fabrics always make for a great choice in the sun, incorporate floral patterns and textures to suit the dress code. A dress or jumpsuit is perfect for smart/casual garden party dress codes. Selecting your favourite jewellery will complete the look. Yellow diamonds emit an unparalleled glow, complemented perfectly by the summer sunshine. Experiment with coloured gemstones to make a plain outfit pop. If in doubt, diamond jewellery is always a dazzling choice. Timeless, classic and sophisticated, our fine diamond jewellery is designed to seamlessly take your look from daytime to evening.
Explore Laings collection of Fine Jewellery with Laings.
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