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Don’t let spring blow by without taking time to stop, smell the flowers and throw a lovely soiree. Whether your tastes run funky or fancy, indoors or al fresco, there’s a festive way to celebrate the season. We found three pros with fresh ideas to gather friends and embrace spring (we promise - no tired, same old tips here).
May Fiesta
Dust off your most colorful serving platters, bowls and your blender — it’s time to create a fiesta to remember. And while you could enjoy a spirited debate on the merits of salsa vs. queso, Cathy Roma of What Should I Make For opens in a new tab has come up with something even more delicious — Grilled Guacamole opens in a new tab (shown above). Grilling the avocado, onion, jalapeno and even the lime create a smoky, spicy condiment that’s perfect for salty chip dipping for guests or smeared in a tortilla for lunch the next day (if you have any leftovers!).
Photo Jennifer Daigle for @ErikaBrechtel opens in a new tab
Backyard Rosé-tasting
Wine tasting parties are a good time any time of year, but a backyard Moroccan themed rosé tasting party opens in a new tab? Now that’s a hit! Erika Bretchtel’s opens in a new tab all-out birthday celebration is a picture perfect evening you can pick and choose elements from, or do it all for an unforgettable event. Start with an amazing lineup of rosé (check out Whole Foods Market’s Master Sommelier’s top picks opens in a new tab) and add string lights, poufs and stunning flower arrangements (try her DIY kale and artichoke opens in a new tab bouquet for a wow factor). And for an amazing menu, her stuffed grape leaves, Prosciutto-wrapped figs, couscous with currants and pine nuts and lamb tagine round out a jaw-dropping evening.
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Garden Party
A garden party is the iconic way to celebrate spring. But you don’t need to follow any stuffy rules about food or decor — no doilies or cucumber sandwiches necessary. In fact, you don’t even need a garden! Bre and Christian of Hungry Hipsters opens in a new tab created a stunning flower wall opens in a new tabthat can serve as the backdrop for a delightful party indoors or out. Here’s how to capture the look:
Purchase a variety of fresh blooms from Whole Foods Market, and don’t forget leafy green fillers. Cut the stems into different lengths.
Tip: Dainty stems will hang on the wall best, try to avoid anything that's too thick (like Sunflowers).
Find a plain, painted wall and grab a roll of clear, regular tape (not double-sided).
Start at the bottom and work your way across and up, remembering not to mount the flowers right next to each other.
Remember to alternate flower style and color as you go across and up. If you any weird gaps or the same color is too close together, use the leafy green filler!
Capture the fun and flirtatious garden party vibe with a bubbles and dessert menu. Serve up macarons, mini doughnuts, strawberries and cupcakes decorated with flowers on top (check out the Whole Foods Market bakery for beautiful options, like our Berry Chantilly Cake opens in a new tab!). And of course, serve up your favorite Champagne or sparkling wine. For an added touch of whimsy, create flower crowns for you and your guests — Christy Doramus of Crowns By Christy opens in a new tab has a step-by-step tutorial opens in a new tabfor this pretty accessory.
