cape elizabeth garden party

When I go home to Maine I really want to throw a lavish garden party for all of my best girlfriends.  I can't actually afford to do this at the moment, so instead, I have created some inspiration boards through which I plan to live vicariously.  Up first is the decor board.  I would fill the party with pretty pinks and whites and greens, with lots of soft flowers and both floral and graphic prints for pillows and table linens.   It would be lovely to eat off of delicate, mismatched antique plates and silver.  I can't get enough of striped straws.

Clockwise from top left: lavender herb ice, party banners, chevron invitation, ranuculus, pretty plates,
lemonade, tablescape, mason jar drink

A party wouldn't be a party without food and drinks! Aside from some sort of spiked lemonade, preferably with a gourmet touch like lavender, I think we should have other specialty cocktails too.  One of my favorites in the summertime is a Sangria filled with beautiful, fresh fruit.  An elaborate cheese platter would be required amongst my francophile friends, as would some gorgeous desserts.  All of the food would be fresh and light, flavorful and delicious.

top row (l-r): spiced marscapone stuffed strawberries, antipasto platter, caprese skewers

bottom row (l-r): tomato and basil quiche, summer sangria, raspberry rose soufflé, pancetta wrapped peaches

And finally, what to wear.  Such a dilemma! Well, when I raid my imaginary closet filled with designer clothes, it's not so bad.  I love the delicate-ness of the Lily dress, but the flowy maxi-dresses would be so much fun too.  I am currently obsessed the trend of wearing tons and tons of bangles, so if it worked with my dress, I would layer them on like there's no tomorrow.

top row (l-r): Lilly Pulitzer dress, bangles, Calypso St Barth dress
bottom row (l-r): dress (I can't actually find who made this dress...does anyone know?), shoes, Anthropologie dress