Summary

The short story “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield begins with the Sheridan family preparing to host a garden party. Mrs. Sheridan claims that she will let her children organize the party. One of her daughters, Laura, is sent to supervise the workers assigned with installing the marquee. Laura is ashamed of her superior position but soon feels more at ease in the presence of the four men. She starts to admire them and thinks she feels connected to them. 

Laura is called inside the house to talk to a friend on the telephone, while her brother, Laurie and Mr. Sheridan get ready for work. Later, Laura finds out that her mother has ordered too many lilies for the garden party, and she is amused by her impulsive behavior. 

Meg and Jose, Laura’s sisters, instruct one of the servants, Ha...