Recently, along with the help of a friend, I conceptualized and transformed a quaint little Brooklyn backyard into a whimsical garden dinner party. Inspired by classic garden settings and storybooks, I incorporated rustic and vintage touches, along with handmade elements to achieve the setting I was aiming for.  I’ve highlighted some of the decor elements below to provide some inspiration for a backyard garden party of your own.

Burlap fabric was tied around each chair. Dried flower arrangements were secured in the burlap, making each chair unique and were also given to the guests as a takeaway at the end of the night. We weren’t able to move the backyard’s pre-existing hammock, so we placed a heavy garden flower arrangement on the hammock to secure it and avoid it from swinging during the dinner party.

For a delicate touch, the table was first covered with a vintage lace tablecloth and then the runner was placed on the center of the table. For the table runner, faux moss was glued to sturdy Kraft paper.

Mini bird nests and decorative little birds were affixed to napkins with wire. Vintage serveware was used throughout the table, with mismatched china plates adding another unique characteristic to each setting.

Candle-lit mason jars were hung from the trees with twine.  Globe lights were strung in the trees and candles were placed around the dinner table to fully illuminate each place setting. Vintage cloches and flower vases, a birdcage centerpiece and antique glass bowls were placed on the table to finalize the look.  It was such a lovely little dinner table and I plan to recreate it for a larger dinner setting next year.  More photos from this dinner, along with other events I have designed and styled, can be seen HERE.