In June, the ladies of our clan gathered for our 3rd annual garden party.  My dear mom hosted this year’s event.  Our garden lunch was light and refreshing, accompanied by mimosas and strawberry lemonade.  Featured foods included cucumber sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, scones, sugared grapes, fresh vegetables with dip, smoked salmon dip with crackers, and blueberry tart.

Part of the garden party adventure is discovering precious items and different varieties of plants and flowers at the hostess’ garden.  Of course, every garden party needs a garden fairy.

Or three!  Eva and Ruthie were happy to fill in with their fairy wings and sweet smiles.

Ladies brought perennials and a few annuals to share with other guests.

This year we also completed an innovative craft project.  Solar lanterns!

Boy, did we have fun with the wire and beads.  Aren’t they gorgeous?

One guest, who holds a fascination with toads, decided to hold her discovery captive inside her lantern.  She was eventually persuaded to release him.

We had such a good time at this year’s event!  We always enjoy a reason to don summer hats and sun dresses.

Special thanks to my sister-in-law Jolene for her craft idea.  We loved it!

Solar Lantern Project

Mason Jar with Band
Solar Light
E-6000 Craft Adhesive (use to secure solar light to jar band)
Wire (to form ring around neck and create lantern handle – we used 18 gauge galvanized steel and some used copper, which was found to be more pliable)
Needle Nose Pliers
Wire Cutter
Glass Beads for Inside Jar (reflect light at night)
Beads for Wire
Pencil to Twist Wire