The sun is out, and you want to show off your outdoor space. Invite family or friends round, but not before following party planner Tara O’Connor’s tips on how to nail the look and make it all feel magical.
Party planner Tara O’Connor knows how to conjure up a party atmosphere that looks and feels magical and brings people together to enjoy themselves.
It looks like she puts a lot of effort into setting a mood, but really, she says it's about 9 key considerations.
Check the forecast
In Ireland, sunshine is a bonus, so pick a sheltered spot, like this corner of Tara's garden and her now sold-out check collection. Have a pergola or parasol handy to keep any showers off.
Check the forecast on Met Éireann before sending invites.
Dress the table
A tablecloth adds a sense of polish and brings colour in. For al fresco gatherings, Tara's a fan of florals.
This 100 per cent cotton round, 180 in diameter, is currently reduced on The Designed Table, down from €50110, to €50.
Inject colour
Bring in colour in your serveware choices.
These textured bowls from Dunnes Stores evoke Greek tavernas and Turkish Riviera cafes. Perfect for dips, snacks or sides, two sizes are available: small, €3 each and large, €6 each at Dunnes Stores.
Add low-lying bud vases
Fresh flowers set an al fresco mood. Use bud vases to disperse blooms down the table without blocking any of your guests’ sightlines.
This set of three ceramic reactive glaze bud vases costs €18 at Marks and Spencer.
Colourful candles
These two-tone candles form part of the broad range of richly hued candles at Sostrene Grene. They cost €4.50 for two.
Tara advises using LED candles outside, unless it’s a very still day.
JYSK sells a selection, starting from €6 for two.
Are you sitting comfortably?
Keep guests warm and comfortable when hosting.
That means seating that offers cushions and back support.
These water-repellent outdoor bolsters from H&MHome cost €29.99 each.
Set the tone with serveware
Serve tasty morsels that guests can help themselves to.
If the menu features antipasto or it’s a buffet-style meal, this Maxwell & William Capri stoneware platter, €45, conjures the vibrant hues of the Amalfi Coast, with its fruits and flower motifs, from Anthony Ryans.
Stay warm
Tara likes to pick up affordable fleeces like this chevron one at Penneys, €16, and keep them in a basket nearby so guests can pick one up as they need it.
She also has infrared heaters on standby to plug in as needed. You can pick up a Harrier 2000 w design on Amazon for €49, ex delivery.
Fancy something more impromptu?
If you’d like something less organised and more intimate, pick up a picnic basket for two, with cutlery, coordinated plates, and cups securely fastened with leather-look straps, keeping everything neatly in place, €20, from Flying Tiger
For more tips and tricks, catch Tara O’Connor at the ptsb Ideal Homes Show at 12.20 on Sunday, April 26th
