Want to host a distinctive outdoor bash this season? Here are five ideas that will set your party apart, from food and drinks to decor and favors.

Garden Tea Party

Show off your hard work in the garden (and your green thumb) with an afternoon tea party outdoors. Guests can enjoy a light meal and a few sweets as they take in the greenery.

The menu: A typical tea party menu includes small, savory sandwiches as a first course, followed by a second course of scones, pastries and cookies. We're switching it up with a do-it-yourself, market-fresh salad bar as the main course and a cool green-tea cocktail for a refreshing tea party twist.

Salad Bar
Choose an assortment of prewashed fresh greens, then provide assorted toppings, such as:

• Candied nuts
  
• Fresh strawberries and raspberries
  
• Parmesan or blue cheese
  
• Green or red onions
  
• Grape or cherry tomatoes
  
• Grilled salmon or chicken
  
• Croutons or breadsticks
  
• Salad dressings such as Spago House Dressing or your favorite bottled variety

Dessert course:

• Coconut and Oatmeal Drop Cookies
  
• Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
  
• Lemon Bars

Signature cocktail: Spiked Strawberry Green Tea

The decor:

• Play up the tea party theme with a colorful arrangement of teacups and teapots. Raid thrift store shelves for quirky, affordable options.
  
• Draw inspiration from your garden: cut some of your yard’s brightest flowers the morning of the party and put them in a watering can or vase for a rustic centerpiece.
  
• Place benches and chairs in shady spots where guests can sit down and escape the afternoon sun.

The party favors:

• If you have an abundance of fruits or veggies in your garden, share them with the group. Can whole fruits or vegetables, or make small jars of jam for your guests.
  
• Centerpieces can do double duty: Put flowers in small vessels to decorate the tables, then send each guest home with her own bouquet.