About New York
New York, the Empire State of America, is filled with history and character. The city's convenient location and vast transportation network make it an ideal place to hold meetings and events. New York has hosted scores of grand events throughout its history, and garden parties were popularized in the 18th century by aristocrats looking for an excuse to show off their wealth and spend time outdoors. These parties took the format of anything from intimate gatherings with family to lavish affairs that included live music, food, and games.
In the 19th century, when parks sprung across New York City following a massive urbanization effort spearheaded by then-mayor Fernando Wood, garden parties became a common way for people to celebrate and socialize. Then in recent times, garden parties remain a favorite gathering of choice for event planners organizing fundraisers and charity events.
Unlike strictly private garden parties in the past, anyone could spend time and gather in these beautiful public parks or wander around enjoying nature's beauty. This gave birth to a culture of outdoor celebrations, including jazz concerts, baseball tournaments, outdoor theater performances, and more!
Garden Party Options in New York
- Catering
For a memorable garden party, hire a reputable caterer who can provide delicious food and drinks for your guests. There are many great catering companies in New York City, so be sure to reach out to one that has a track record of supplying creatively delicious treats for your type of event.
- Entertainment
Live music always gets a crowd moving, and it is a lovely choice for a garden party. Hire a band or a Dj to play some of the latest tunes that are guaranteed to keep your guests on their toes. The entertainment options extend to hiring a contortionist, dance recital group, magician, or theater performance group, depending on your party theme or concept.
- Flowers
There is no better way to spruce up a garden venue in New York than adding more plants and flowers to the space. When they say, less is more, they definitely aren’t referring to a garden location! The local florists can come up with beautiful centerpieces, hanging flower baskets, and exotic tropical arrangements for your occasion.
- Event Planner
Not everyone has the gift to organize, and it might be a good idea to hire one of New York’s event planners. Professional planners know how to fuse creativity with their knowledge and expertise to curate beautifully unique occasions.
- Photography
When people gather, special moments happen, and everyone creates new memories. It is the best time to capture these cherished times, and a professional photographer can get the job done.
Garden Party Vendors in New York
- Esmé Flowers
Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or a celebratory appreciation gathering, Esme Flowers can assist with the floral arrangements. They believe that giving flowers is one of the best ways to express your emotions and reflect your sentiments. Their shop is stocked with only the freshest and most beautiful blooms, and their team is passionate about creating floral arrangements that speak to the heart.
- Five Spice Catering
Five Spice Catering takes a unique approach to the "exotic comfort foods" experience. Using fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers' markets, they create one-of-a-kind and delicious dishes for diverse occasions. Whether you are planning a small gathering or a large party, Five Spice Catering can be the caterer of your choice.
- Le Image Inc
Le Image Inc is a video production company that specializes in documenting weddings, producing fashion campaigns, and creating commercial videos. Their services also include high-end wedding photography and cinematography, corporate videos, promotional videos, and fashion shoots. The team of photographers and videographers at Le Image have fashion and documentary backgrounds, reflecting their unique perspective and stylish approach to the production process.
Pros and Cons of Garden Parties in New York
Garden parties in New York offer a unique atmosphere of fun and relaxation. From casual barbecues to formal garden dinners, the great outdoors offers numerous opportunities for people to enjoy each other's company. Here is a breakdown of some advantages and disadvantages of holding a garden party in New York City.
Advantages
- New York garden parties provide an ideal opportunity for guests to mingle and socialize in an outdoor setting, allowing for more interaction than might be possible indoors.
- Garden parties also benefit from NYC’s pleasant summer conditions. Guests can enjoy their festivities without worrying about extreme temperatures or inclement weather disrupting their plans.
- Outdoor gatherings can be incredibly affordable due to their ability to take advantage of budget-friendly options such as renting out decks or backyards rather than paying for expensive indoor venues or catering services.
Disadvantages
- While garden parties may seem like an idyllic event type, their outdoor nature means hosts must contend with factors such as pests and animals disturbing guests during their celebrations.
- Another potential downside is that gardens may not always have access to electrical outlets, which limits necessary amenities like music systems or sound equipment for large groups.
- While New York City has many public spaces open all year round, like parks or botanical gardens, these locations may come at additional costs depending on how long one wishes to use them for their event due to permits that need approval from authorities beforehand.
Tips on How to Organize Garden Parties in New York
Organizing a garden party in New York is an exciting yet challenging task. To ensure that your garden party is a success, planning and preparing ahead of time is essential. Here are some tips on organizing garden parties in New York worth considering for overall success:
- Choose a prime location: When selecting a venue for your garden party, you'll want to find a spot that offers plenty of space for everyone to move around and access amenities like restrooms or bathrooms if needed. You should also choose a location with lots of natural beauty or interesting features like waterfront views or landscaped gardens that will set the perfect scene for your event and enhance its atmosphere.
- Select your theme: Having a theme adds extra fun and anticipation to the occasion. From classic "garden tea parties" to vibrant "tropical paradise" vibes, pick one that matches your style and resonates with your guests. Research different themes online for inspiration or ask friends for ideas.
- Prepare decorations: Plan out what type of decorations you’ll need in advance, from table centerpieces to hanging decorations. Ensure everything looks cohesive so your party has an overall theme or motif that ties it all together nicely.
- Choose Your Menu: What types of food and drinks do you want to be served at your party? If you're looking for something special, hire a caterer who provides delicious homemade dishes made with local ingredients and seasonal produce. If you're going more low-key, opt for catering boxes with pre-prepared treats instead. Don't forget about beverages either—make sure there are enough beer, soda, and other refreshments available too!
Famous Locations in New York
- Bartow-Pell Mansion
The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is located in Pelham Bay Park. Dating back to 1836, Delano & Aldrich designed the formal gardens in 1916, and the property strives to educate and connect people from the past to the present. Visitors can learn about this area's historical, cultural, and natural aspects through diverse events held at the museum.
- Snug Harbor
Snug Harbor is a little-known treasure in New York City, tucked away within the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens. The Great Hall has dramatic architecture and ethereal floral gardens that are perfect for exploring on a sunny afternoon.
- Victorian Gardens
Victorian Gardens is a charming, family-oriented amusement park that takes design cues from Central Park's historic architecture. They have a safe and fun environment for the whole family to enjoy, with kiddie rides and carousels, thrilling roller coasters, and water rides. And don't forget about the food! Be sure to try one of their delicious hotdogs or freshly squeezed lemonades.