Summer is zipping by so quickly! We really have to make the most of every day of the warm weather.  What better way than bringing together friends and family for an outdoor party. It’s easy, breezy and fun!  Keep it light and casual, of course, but don’t skimp on style – or ice cubes. (You’ll thank me for that reminder later. Nothing is worse than running out of ice!)

Practical and Pretty Ideas

Here are a few ideas to add some magic to your outdoor event:

1. Light it up. Lots of candles please. Buy plenty and scatter everywhere. Or string twinkly Christmas lights in your trees or maybe in your trellis. Be creative!
2. Theme your music to your meal. Maybe you’re serving salsa and sangria? Bring on the Latin music. Or maybe you’ve made a jerk marinade? Reggae is a perfect accompaniment.
3. Grab those garnishes. Put olives, lemons and limes at easy reach for guests to help themselves.
4. The Plate Debate. Many people think paper plates are fine – but there are some gorgeous melamine options available at amazing prices. You’ll use them again and again, I promise.
5. Decorations. You don’t need a lot. Nature takes care of it for you!  But some bright balloons or lanterns are nice – tip – go for primary colours over pastels – they look more “adult”. Maybe drape some sheer fabric over a doorway. Keep it simple. 
6. Ouch! Not all outdoor furniture is comfy. Scatter some extra cushions for guests to grab when needed.
7. Flower power. Lots of posies will add scent and ambiance. Many garden centres are winding down for the season already and you can get gorgeous annuals for next to nothing! Make some displays and groupings. If you don’t want to keep all the flowers after, send them home with guests.
8. Sweet idea! Buy some tiny terra cotta pots and put little bags of jelly beans in them. A great take away for guests.
9. Creative serving. Speaking of terra cotta pots, bigger sizes can be used to hold cutlery or rolled napkins. If you have time, paint on a little flower.
10. Bug off! Citronella is a must, but get some extra protection with marigolds. When you’re at that annual sale, pick up lots of marigolds and put them around the perimeter of your party. They are a natural bug repellant.
11. And if that’s not enough… Put some serious bug repellant sprays out for guests to use if needed.
12. Light my fire. If you’ve ever thought of buying a chiminea or putting in a fire pit, do it! Guests throng to the fire and you’ll enjoy it over and over and over. . .
13. Meatless menu. Many people are vegetarian today. Always have a meatless option on your menu.
14. Yummy fun!  You want to enjoy the evening too so prepare food ahead of time and make the bbq part of the entertainment. For example, have a bbq apron contest. The guy who wears the best apron wins a prize!

Enjoy your summertime parties!  See you next time!

Tags: entertaining