Natural

Given the beauty of Minnesota’s landscape, planning an event in the great outdoors can be an easy feat. Although an adventure on the Queen of Excelsior gives guests a taste of lake life, there’s plenty to do onshore as well.

Thanks to venues that have ponds, marshes, and gardens rather than walls, decorating is a snap, since Mother Nature has done most of the work. The result is a party that has an organic, harmonious feel that blends natural wonders with manmade delights. An emphasis on simplicity with food, lighting, and music brings the elements of a nature-inspired event together, making every guest all too happy to bask in the sun or marvel at the stars.

At The Marsh in Minnetonka, an enormous deck looks out over the wetlands, making it a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and receptions, corporate seminars, and anniversary parties. Because the center has extensive spa services, there’s been an increasing trend of combining some massage, yoga, or facials with the event. And let’s face it, what party planner couldn’t do with a massage just before guests arrive?

In general, people are drawn toward the peaceful atmosphere of the natural setting, says Reiner Van Gordon, the center’s conference and catering manager.

“Often, the decorations are simple because it’s difficult to compete with the beauty of the wetlands,” she says. “When you have the changing light during the day and the sunset, it’s even more striking.”

The Marsh’s in-house catering extends the embrace of nature by whipping up creations from organic, regionally grown produce. “The chefs are dedicated to our mission, and we think guests appreciate that,” says Katherine Lutz, the center’s health program director.

Also within driving distance of the metro area, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen combines formal gardens, outdoor terraces, woodlands, and wetlands in 1,047 acres reminiscent of a European country estate. Especially popular for weddings and receptions is the dizzying array of gardens, each with its own feel. The Seisui Tei Japanese Garden, for instance, has a traditional-styled teahouse and waterfall, while the much larger Nelson Shrub Rose Garden boasts hundreds of continuous-bloom rose bushes.

Such a setting is ideal for one of the latest trends in catering: the bite-size morsel. Only about one ounce of food, these tiny but delicious pleasures often have an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, making them a nice fit for an outdoor event, says Benjamin McCallum, co-owner of Three Sons Signature Cuisine in Minneapolis.

“With these small plate options, there’s a great deal of room for creativity in harmonizing with the outdoor feel,” he says. “You could have a bit of crisp cucumber or a Bibb lettuce wrap, anything to emphasize fresh, natural ingredients.”

For any natural event—whether it’s at The Marsh, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Nicollet Island Pavilion, or just in a spacious backyard—conveying the initial feel of the event can be achieved through the invitation, much as a swanky invite gives guests to an elegant party a heads-up on the dress code. For natural events, though, the invitation is less about what to wear and more about extending the love of the outdoors, Harrison says.

“There’s a calmness in nature, so many people include flower or natural elements in their invitations for any kind of event,” she notes. “For a more nature-themed party, though, it fits especially nicely.”

Not all nature-themed gatherings are rife with a Zen vibe, though. Sometimes, outdoor celebrations can take the form of a nod toward the rustic Northwoods, says Pauline Hoogmoed, vice president of operations for Mintahoe Hospitality Group, which provides catering for and manages the Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis.

For the Pavilion, Mintahoe has a Northwoods buffet that gives the
gathering an “Up North” feel, with sizzling walleye on skillets, campfire hash, corn on the cob stands, and watermelon slices. To evoke a camping trip, Mintahoe provides small logs as decorative props.

“People love to feel that type of freedom that comes with being outside and just relaxing where there’s more space,” Hoogmoed says.

Music, too, can be chosen according to whether the event is a calm communion with nature or a feisty barbecue. One thing to keep in mind is how much the music should be in the background, Faber notes. Often at outdoor events, the music is used to set a tone, not for dancing, and if that’s the case, he recommends either strings or classic jazz without vocals. “Using a singer for mood music draws too much attention to who’s playing,” he says. “Or it’s confusing, because guests don’t know if they’re supposed to be listening. It feels like a conflict with the event’s tone.”

Whether opting for an earth-loving, organic tone or a flannel-and-Timberlands type of groove, taking advantage of Minnesota’s rich natural resources can be as simple as, well, gazing at the stars.

The Favors
If you’re throwing a natural, al fresco celebration, a great party favor is a packet of seeds. Smith & Hawken sells two different brands of seeds. Both brands include flowers, herbs and vegetables:
• Renee’s Garden offers a huge selection of seed packets for all your growing and gift-giving needs. The front of the packet is a cute watercolor picture, while the back provides useful information about your plant. $2.69 per packet.
• Seeds of Change specializes in organic seeds in beautiful packages adorned with the photograph of your soon-to-be plant. $2.49 per packet. If you prefer to give a plant instead, consider purchasing seeds and small pots and letting the plants grow on their own. Smith & Hawken, several locations, including 799 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-1140 

The Jewels
It can be difficult to dress for an outdoor celebration. So, what better way to dress for the occasion than with jewelry to match the environment? Hope Wixon of Wixon Jewelers recommends a rose-cut diamond necklace and earrings set. A rose cut leaves the diamond in a more natural state and is less formal than other cuts of diamonds. Wixon Jewelers, 9955 Lyndale Ave. S., Bloomington, 952-881-8862