Nothing says summer more than an outdoor gathering, and if you’re looking for some tips for throwing a memorable bash of your own, this little cheat sheet from Kojo Designs has you covered!
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Hello Positively Splendid friends! I’m Kirstin, half of a sister team that blogs over at kojodesigns, and I am thrilled to be here today as a part of Amy’s Summer Survival Guide. See, I love summer. I love pool time and popsicles and sundresses and warm weather. And I especially love it that summer is the Season of Backyard Parties!
To help simplify your backyard party planning, today, I’m here to share a Simple Summer Soiree Cheatsheet! Here are a few tips for putting together fabulous (and simple) summer parties:
1. Keep the food simple!
Take advantage of the bounty of fresh produce summer has to offer. Pair fresh fruits and veggies with something grilled and you have yourself an easy, delicious party menu!
Our very favorite summer menu includes pizza on the grill with toppings from our garden (tomatoes, basil, squash, etc.). Yum! In fact, my sister Jordan put together a Pizza Part-ay last summer that was simple and fabulous!
2. Light it up!
Think twinkle lights, lanterns, candles, tiki torches. Position them throughout the yard so that when it gets dark, the party can keep on partying.
3. Throw in a few thoughtful touches.
-Keep a stack of quilts on hand to spread out in the grass.
-Station a little bucket of bug spray and sunscreen near the entrance so that guests don’t get sunburned or mosquito-bitten.
-Arrange lawn chairs in little semi-circles or groupings to encourage conversation.
-If your party is a family affair, make sure you have kid friendly food on hand (or even a kid’s table).
4. Make it special.
When the food and decor are relatively low-key, including one or two really amazing party features is a fantastic way to make your summer soiree extra special. Some of my favorite ideas?
Summer-y drinks (like agua fresco)
A lemonade bar (with fruit and other add-ins)
A s’more roasting station (idea and image via birthday girl). We’re totally trying this out this summer!
Get creative with your packaging (serve kettle corn in paper cones, for example!)
When all is said and done, parties are about PEOPLE, not about streamers or gourmet food or favors (though, all of those things can make your guests feel extra special, which is one of my goals in entertaining). You can’t go wrong in prioritizing the areas that are important to your guests!
Happy party hostessing, and happy summer, friends! We’d love it if you’d come say hi at the kojo blog sometime!
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Kirsten, this is such a terrific list of tips I’m sure to refer to as I plan our summer gatherings. Thank you so much for stopping in!
Don’t forget to check out the lineup of other projects that have been shared so far!
Idea #1 – Freshly Squeezed Pillows
Idea #2 – Summer Punch
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
oh, you have me wishing for summer!!!
thanks so much for stopping by & leaving a comment on my cupcake liner flowers ~ i really appreciate it!!
That pizza, the tiki torches, a lemonade table……aahhh so ready for it ALL! :]
Julie
http://www.julieannart.com (giveaway!)
So many great ideas!!! I am really looking forward to Summer. New follower to your blog, love it!
So many great ideas to throw an awesome summer party! I love the lemonade bar:)
LOVE LOVE LOVED… GREAT IDEAS for my summer soire at the end of the school year. Thank for sharing!
Hi Amy, I really like the summer survival guide idea. So many great ideas. You guest host are doing a great job.
Please stop by and visit me at Cotton Pickin Cute today (after daylight), I have a surprise for you.
Hugs…Tracy 🙂
P.S. I’m really craving that monkey bread on your side bar now.
Cute ideas! Love the paper cones!