Summer Party Tips & Tricks
The heat is on and so are the summer soirees. The truth is that like any party, a summer event, requires work and great pre-planning. The nice thing about hosting an outdoor event is that it is naturally more casual. We are going to take a cue from the current boho trend and relax. Here are some ideas we want to try that are both creative and easy.
1. Flea Market Finds
– mix and match, use multiple patterns and keep it low key. Linens, china, and flatware don’t have to match to look great. The same goes for flower arrangements. Use vases of different sizes and shapes and easy seasonal cut flowers. Herbs make great centrepieces and smell wonderful.
Image source: Anna Delores
Image source: Style Inspiration & Design
2. Repurpose
bottles or jars as glasses and use chalk paint to add guest’s names. Cute paper straws always win the crowd too!
Image source: Skimbaco Lifestyle
3. Utilize Open Space.
Try and place your food table in the center of the space to allow guests to come from all sides. Make it easy for guests to gather supplies and move on.
Image source: Better Homes and Gardens
Image source: Refinery 29
4. Serve bits and bites in simple containers.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Image source: Cool Mom PIcks
Image source: Better Homes and Gardens
5. Use cupcake liners for everything.
It seems a must for any summer party; they are an attractive way to keep bugs out of your drinks and a great way to avoid a popsicle mess.
Image source: Style Me Pretty
Image source: Real Simple
6. A smart way to serve salad outdoors.
Tori Tait at Thoughtfully Simple came up with the best way to serve the salad at a picnic. She uses berry containers and pre-portions the salad for her guests. It’s easier to eat and beautifully presented.
7. Take advantage of the season and what it offers your buffet table.
Guests always appreciate fresh, local produce. Fruit and vegetables, simple dips and easy grilling. This is not the time to break out the new cookbook. Stick to basics and simple recipes.
Image source: The Lemon Bowl
Image source: Camille Styles
8. Create a special drink using seasonal ingredients.
If you don’t have time to hit up the local farmers market just use that mint plant going wild in your backyard. Mojito’s are so easy and can be prepared ahead of time and served in pitchers. Add seasonal local blueberries to shake things up.
9. Self serve beer and pop.
Who wants to bartend all day? Consider serving a local craft beer. Have someone on refill duty and make time to mingle.
Image source: Martha Stewart Weddings
Image source: Brew Spotting
10. Have a great non-alcoholic adult drink.
Ice tea is so easy and people are always impressed you made it yourself. Add mint, blueberries or another garnish you already have on hand at the bar.
There is a lot to planning a party, even a BBQ requires some thoughtful preparation. We hope at least a few of these ideas spark your creativity and make the thought of planning a summer get together a little more fun! Enjoy, we’d love to see some picture of your summer gathering.
Click here if you’d like to learn how to Create A Cute and Colourful Patio.
