What Is The Philosophy Behind Victory Gardens

Garden Party

Greet the season with friends, flowers, and ice cream floats! Featuring pretty paper blooms and a blushing peach punch, this lovely garden gathering will have you celebrating summer in style.

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Garden Party 101

Garden Party

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Fake Calligraphy

Garden Party

Only the best for your lovely guests. Get fancy without breaking the bank by tracing your favorite fonts on invitations and place cards. All you need to fake calligraphy: a computer, Microsoft Word, and cardstock.

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Mimosa Station

Garden Party

Get the party rolling with a portable bar cart. This gold one is both fashionable and functional. Use it to create a self-serve drink bar complete with punch, champagne, and sparkling juice.

Bubbly Champagne Drinks

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Peachy Keen Bouquet

Garden Party

That's right: Blooms can't have all the fun. This gorgeous bouquet pays tribute to the peach patch, highlighting the fuzzy blushing fruits in a creative way. Slide them onto bamboo skewers and arrange away!

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Arrange a Flawless Bouquet

Creating a beautiful bouquet is easier than you think. Thanks to these quick tips, you'll be arranging like a florist in no time.

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Simple Centerpiece

Garden Party

Scatter in-season fresh fruit across the table for a gorgous centerpiece that celebrates the season. Stick to fruits in the same color family.

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Paper Peonies

Garden Party

No "love me nots" here. These peony-inspired flowers are made with only love … and stencils, crepe paper, and floral tape. Scatter them around the party site for a pop of color in every corner.

Cheap Party Tricks Under $8

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Rimmed Glasses

Garden Party

Add sparkle to every sip with a glittered glass. Squeeze a lemon around the rim then dunk into edible gold sprinkles.

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Sweet-Smelling Presentation

Garden Party

Scrounge up a few extra stems from your bouquet to scatter around. Pop them in vases or set them out alone -- either way, they'll add a fragrant touch.

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Set Up a Snack Table

Garden Party

A party without nibbles? We don't think so. Nosh on a table full of savory goods -- this one's filled with honey-drizzled crostini and fresh fruit. A simple neutral cloth and cheese box display allows the dishes to shine.

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Ricotta, Gorgonzola, and Honey Spread

Garden Party

Pick up a French baguette, pop it in the oven, then slice for your best party snack ever: crostini. This tray's smeared with two creamy cheeses and fresh garden herbs. Peach slices give it a sweet, seasonal finish.

Julie's Styling Tip: Serve crostini on a variety of platters for contrast. A cheese box gives them height.

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Ice Cream Glasses

Garden Party

One-up an ice bucket with an ice cream bucket. Scoop ice cream into glasses before the party to avoid a sticky mess. A copper bucket helps keep the frozen treat chilled.

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Pop, Fizz, Clink

Garden Party

I scream, you scream. This adorable little bar calls for three things: ice cream, fizzy fruit soda, and paper straws. Use a vintage key to crack open each bottle with charm.

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Ice Cream Sodas

Garden Party

There's nothing like homemade ice cream -- especially when it's made with real vanilla bean. Whip up a batch of your own the day before your party to help cut down on day-of prep time.

Irresistible Ice Cream Treats

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Homemade Frozen Yogurt

Give the ice cream bar a healthy spin with Greek frozen yogurt! This one's made with fresh berries and zippy lemons.

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DIY Party Punch

Garden Party

Give guests the option to add a little bubbly to their punch. Keep the two separate so you can indulge (or not!) in some champagne.

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Meet Julie

Garden Party

Julie Blanner is a lifestyle blogger and entertaining expert who began sharing her effortless style of entertaining through her blog in 2008. Prior to her career in blogging, she planned countless weddings, lavish events, and intimate parties for clients in the Midwest. After years in the events industry, Julie has honed her signature style into a blog full of captivating recipes, home design ideas, and entertaining advice. She was named Better Homes and Gardens Entertaining Blogger of the Year in 2014. Her approach is warm and simple -- entertaining and design that celebrates everyday life.

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