Your Simple Steps To Successful Spring Bank Holiday Hosting...
Oh yes, good people, ‘tis the season of the three-day weekend, and we couldn’t be happier about it.
If you’re anything like us, the onset of spring signals just one thing - the start of party season.
Bank holiday weekends are just made for socialising, but if it’s been a while since you entertained, particularly al fresco, there’s no shame in starting small – in fact, we’d recommend it.
‘Keep your first bash of the season to a select handful, just to get your eye in,’ says Rockett St George co-founder Jane Rockett. ‘You can always aspire to more Gatsby-esque gatherings as the season rolls on. I find my first party reminds me of what’s worked well (or not) in the past – plus, I want to enjoy it!’
With that in mind, here’s the Rockett St George playbook to spring party success...
1. The guestlist
To include friends, family – or both? It’s easy to get carried away on a summer vibe and invite literally everyone you know. As lovely as it can be to mix social groups, it can also lead to more numbers than you can comfortably cater for, which can send your stress levels through the roof. Keep your spring party small(ish), give people plenty of notice and politely request an RSVP so you know your numbers well before the day.
2. The food
If you love a BBQ and you’re never happier than when sweating over a hot sausage, fill your boots. Just don’t try to run the grill AND sort the canapes, sides and drinks. Pre-prep is your friend here – make as much as you can the night or morning before and store in the fridge, then delegate either the BBQ or the accompaniments to a willing helper or two. Grilled fish, a selection of meats, seared vegetables and bowls of refreshing salads are simple but tasty, especially when served up with lots of warm, fresh bread. Arrange platters, bowls, and trays of food on tables or buffet stations, along with plates, utensils, napkins, and condiments, and invite guests to help themselves.
3. The drinks
Beer, wine, fizz, water and a selection of soft drinks should give boozers and non-boozers alike plenty to choose from at your spring party.
Make up jugs of iced tea and garnish with mint and lemon slices. If you're serving cocktails (or mocktails), offer guests two or three options, otherwise you’ll spend the entire party hunting for obscure ingredients or involved in a five-step process that produces a thimble-sized drink.
If you have a mixologist in your crew who’s just itching to show off their skills, allow them to work their magic while you circulate.
4. The table
Another good reason for keeping it small(ish) is that you can get everyone around your outdoor table or parked on sun loungers to eat.
It’s amazing how far a well-thought-out tablescape can take you.
Lunch a little late? No-one will notice if they’re sipping chilled prosecco over luxurious table linens and fresh blooms.
5. The lighting
If your spring party goes on into the evening, twinkly lights are a must. Festoon lighting gives your outdoor space a festival feel that makes it feel perfectly OK to party on late into the night...warn (or invite) the neighbours!
6. The music
You could ask Spotify to take the strain...or you could ask each guest to suggest a couple of their favourite summertime songs and curate a playlist that’s as individual as they are. Create your very own chill out zone with cushions, rugs and snuggly throws, and listen at your leisure.
7. The timing
Will you be lunching or hosting an evening soiree? Even though this is a spring party, you’ll need to think about shade and suncream for the former - May can be a scorcher! It still gets chilly at night, though, but a basket full of cosy blankets will keep your guests warm as the sun goes down. Pretty parasols and / or a selection of warm woollies will do the trick nicely.
