Ava's Garden Party

A relaxed late-afternoon garden party celebrating Ava's 30th — string lights, a long communal table, and a menu of fresh seasonal small plates.

Date

Saturday, May 16

Time

4:00 – 9:00 PM

Guests

24 guests

Budget

$600

Honoree

Ava, turning 30

Location

Backyard, Covington

Vibe

Garden & botanical

1. 6 weeks before

   • ☐Set the date and guest list
   • ☐Decide on theme and palette

2. 4 weeks before

   • ☐Send invitations
   • ☐Order rentals: table, chairs, linens

3. 2 weeks before

   • ☐Order the cake
   • ☐Plan the playlist

4. 1 week before

   • ☐Confirm RSVPs and dietary needs
   • ☐Buy non-perishables

5. 2 days before

   • ☐Shop for fresh produce
   • ☐Prep sauces and dips

6. Day before

   • ☐Hang string lights
   • ☐Arrange flowers

7. Day of

   • ☐Set the table by 2 PM
   • ☐Chill drinks
   • ☐Welcome guests at 4

An English-garden table: trailing greenery, mismatched bud vases and warm string lights.

• ☐Eucalyptus runner
• ☐12 bud vases
• ☐Linen napkins
• ☐Taper candles

Grazing-style small plates with clear vegetarian labels.

• Starter

  Whipped feta with honey & crostini

  Vegetarian

  3 bowls
• Main

  Herb grilled chicken skewers

  Gluten-free

  48 skewers
• Dessert

  Lemon olive oil cake

  2 tiers, 30 slices

Drinks

• Elderflower spritz3 pitchers
• Sparkling water24 bottles

• Polaroid guest book · All evening

  Guests snap and sign a photo.

• Birthday toast · 7:30 PM

  A short toast before cake.

• • ☐Book: Bakery — Custom cake
  • Lead time?
  • Delivery fee?
• • ☐Book: Rentals — Long table & linens
  • Setup included?
  • Rain policy?

1. 2:00 PMSet table and décor
2. 4:00 PMGuests arrive — spritz station opens
3. 7:30 PMToast and cake
4. 9:00 PMFarewells