SUMMER OF LOVE GARDEN PARTY

Photos by Collin Love

My years tend to always have two celebratory high points, each coinciding with equinoxes. The winter equinox is obviously all about Christmas and my gingerbread masterpiece for me, but the summer equinox is equally as special. Scandinavian Midsummer and Pride Month all collide for a spectacular party in June, which I like to host outside in the garden, to celebrate friendship, blooms, and sunlight! We couldn’t have asked for better weather, June is usually gloomy in San Francisco, but instead of clouds, there were only butterflies in the sky!

This year, I decided to have a Hippie Flower Power Summer of Love theme for my annual garden party. Seemed fitting with everything going on in the world in 2024!

The Garden

I rolled out some large Turkish-styled rugs I got off Facebook Marketplace on the ground and threw some boho pillows and poofs on top of them. Above I hung paper lanterns, in round rainbow tie-dye and red polka-dotted mushroom shapes.

At the end of the garden path, I created a 7ft wide floral arrangement shaped like a peace symbol! I used real flowers that I got at the SF Flower Market in bulk and using florist wire, I essentially created a massive wreath with connections to form the peace sign. I specifically chose bigger flowers like sunflowers to more easily fill the enormous arrangement.

Outfits & Tie Dye Station

For my outfit, I got this beautiful sheer fabric with embroidered pants and created wide-leg palazzo style pants. I tie-dyed the tank top and styled the look with Kilim loafers I got off Etsy and a vintage daisy necklace my lovely boyfriend got me on a trip to Mexico City.

I really have to hand it to my friends who leaned into the theme! I always appreciate it so much!

We also had a little Tie-dye crafting station in case anyone wanted to make their own version right there on the spot!

Food & Drink

For treats, I did a bunch of Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cupcakes (another little nod to the 60s) and groovy sugar cookies. Canned drinks were served out of a vintage cherry red Colman cooler and in addition we made Sangria, Long Island Iced Tea, and Hard Strawberry Lemonade.

Photos by Collin Love