We had a big backyard blow out for our son's graduation four years ago. We set up a big canopy tent, mostly for shade and a sense of enclosure. I didn't have half the gardens I do today. Buffet tables with BBQ and lots of talking. Don't forget a trash container for all the paper plates (if you are doing paper, that is.)

Remember people are coming to see you and your family, not the gardens. But I understand your desire to have a garden bursting with bloom. I'll say a prayer for good weather and a pop of early blooms.

The only other entertaining we do is a similar party at 4th of July, without a tent because of fireworks.

Other than that, lots of suppers at our outdoor dining table...my favorite place to eat out.

Remember to have fun!

We put out lots of citronella candles on tables and around the yard to discourage mosquitoes. It helped a little.

Well, yeah, that pretty much sucks. I hope the rain holds off for you guys. That being said, it's gonna be what it's gonna be. I've done my share of entertaining and it is stressful. But only so much is in your control. Rolling with the punches is the only sure-fired way to have a successful bash. Keep in mind, these are highschool graduates. They are going to have fun no matter what it takes. All my most memorable parties are the ones where something unexpected happened. You might end up with 20 graduates soaked to the bone and covered in mud asking you for a dry towel. (Great, now I've given you something else to worry about LOL)

Remind yourself to have fun. This is your son's graduation. The weather is the last thing on his mind. Congrats to the recent grad!

Steven

Yep and they are still going strong at almost 11PM ! It is our son's 30th b;day. He and about 50 friends are here for swimming and beer and pulled pork. I made peach pies and ice cream and DH did the salsas and the black beans and I made Mexican rice. We had tortillas and cheese etc. It has been a great night so far...I am takin/ a break , It is amazing how nice folks have been about the gardens...the pool area looks really good and the new brick looks great too. I have several offers to help with the rocks etc so that is a great +.

Everyone is right they will love what you are doing as it is a great celebration...try not to stress and let folks help. I find that most everyone really wants to put time in with the planning and expecially the cleanup. Congratulations and have a great time. Caroline

Some years ago at a family reunion in a state park, the weather was damp and drizzling, chilly for July. Little kids were running around wet and muddy and we grownups were huddled underneath a picnic shelter. I was sitting there thinking what a miserable day it was when an elderly cousin looked out over the Falls and said, "It's a beautiful view."

Suddenly my attitude changed. It WAS a beautiful view; we were with beloved cousins for the day and had lots of great food and fellowship.

Since then, I've tried to enjoy the view and not grouse even to myself about minor inconveniences.

Nell

I recently held a baby shower in my gardens and had nothing blooming but my annuals in pots....and they never look fabulous until about a week after the fourth....we also yearly have a large 4rth party and my pots then look decent tho not the best yet, but my gardens are always just green like yours with loads of buds..about a week or two after the fourth the garden and pots will be a blooming heaven....and it is disappointing, but that is the life of a garden I guess..I still enjoy it and as irritating as it is....I don't do it for anyone but my own family and myself...so I TRY to remind myself that when I wonder why it can't bloom earlier...tho I think this year there is a good chance it will be blooming on the fourth, things are a bit early this year and I have tons of buds that won't wait that long this year I think...We do many lunches and evening marshmellow roasts for just us that we enjoy the gardens and we often eat breakfast on weekends..in fact most...outside and enjoy the quiet mornings and the birds...so as long as we get enjoyment from the gardens I think it is all worth the work....just try to remember..that even the green and the texture is pretty and lush..not just blooms...if I had to quess I would venture that many guests will still tell you what a lovely yard you have.

WI Gardener, it's natural to work ourselves to death for events like these. Even those who entertain regularly strive for to have everything picture perfect. They have learned though that there is only so much that you can do and on the day of the event you just have say I can do no more so today I am going to relax and enjoy.

We held a garden party with two big tents for my oldest DD's graduation in 2000. And while my garden looked it's absolute best and the weather was picture perfect....with 70+ people in attendance...the kitchen plumbing decided to plug up! All I could do was laugh and everyone else laughed with me thank goodness. We were very artful in arranging all those dirty dishes into stacks and still finding room to put food away when the festivities were over.

My DD doesn't remember all of that mess. All she remembers is all the people that attended. How much fun it was. And how much it meant to her that her father and I would throw such a great party in her honor. I'm sure that's what your son will remember too. Take a deep breath....now relax. It'll all be fine!

Congrats to your DS!

MeMo

You guys have great pearls of wisdom/encouragement/good wishes and I appreciate those sentiments. Once the tent was up, food and drinks were put together and out I was able to sail through the rest of the afternoon and enjoy the celebration. I had great help from family (more seasoned with entertaining than I) in pulling it all together and most importantly I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Thankfully it didn't rain and to be honest was the perfect temperature - not too hot. As for my gardens I didn't give them a second thought - although you're right keesha I did get lots of compliments on them, blooms or not. All in all it was a great party and now I just need to have several more gatherings in the next couple days to consume all the left over food! Thanks again for your responses. jeanie

Bravo Jeanie! Success! You crossed my mind several times today. I was looking forward to hearing how it went. So glad that the weather held out for you. I always appreciate the fringe benefits of throwing a party. Once it's over and the pressure is off, you realize that the house is all clean, the gardens are tended, you have leftovers enough to last a week and you can sit down and take a load off. Good for you!

Steven