I love hosting events for almost any occasion, but summertime events are by far my favorite. Summer is the perfect time to host a multitude of events. From an outdoor BBQ to a sit-down reception and everything in between, the options are endless. Just like with any other party you may be hosting it is always important to make sure that you have everything covered when hosting an event outdoors. The other day at the gym I read this great article by Mindy Weiss, event planner extraordinaire, where she shares some great tips to help you plan the perfect summer party. - Even if you are expecting warm, wonderful weather, ALWAYS have a rain plan! And, if you plan for your party to go on into the night, you may also need heaters. You never know what the weather is going to be like so be prepared for everything.
- Always greet your guests with the offering of a drink, preferably something crisp and cool. A nice cool drink is the perfect thing to enjoy during a hot summer evening.
- It's wonderful to provide a parasol, shade, or even a fan when having an outdoor summer party. At the end of the day you want your guests to remember how amazing the day was and not how they were hot.
- If you're planning a sit down dinner, set your table the evening before (unless you are eating outside). You don’t want to be running around at the last minute and taking this off your list will allow you to be able to relax when your guests start to arrive.
- Remember to place your flowers out last, so that the sun and humidity does not drain them of their natural beauty.
- Your music choice should not be over-powering: soft enough so your guests can hear their conversation and enjoying to all.
- You should open your door to welcome your guests looking like you didn't lift a finger all day. If you time things right then you should be able to offer your guests a cocktail and conversation as you invite them in.
- If you don't have a table large enough for everyone to sit at, then make sure you do have enough seating for your guests. Depending on your menu, most guests do not like to eat dinner standing up.
- Don't forget to stock the guest bathroom before the party. Place flowers or a fragrant candle in the guest bathroom as well as hand towels and extra toilet paper. Details will be noticed and remembered.
Now you are ready to host the perfect summer party! What other tips do you have for hosting a party during the summer?
xoxo
Megan
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Moving into a new house? Need a bachelorette or bachelor party idea? Are a soon to be bride and groom hosting a joint shower? If so this is the perfect party theme! This is a great way to have fun, show off a new home and of course celebrate with all your friends while stocking the bar for the next party you will soon be hosting.
No matter the occasion, as the host of a stock the bar party there are a few things that you will need.
Drinks
Even though this is a stock the bar party you still want to make sure to have plenty of drinks available for your guests during the party. Your guests may bring nice bottles of wine or other drinks that you will want to save for later and not open during the party.
Snacks
What party would be complete without something to eat? You can go heavy on the snack foods and dips as most guests will be socializing and/or checking out your new home during the party and not want to sit down to eat. I love all these mini snacks which are perfect for an event like this.
Invitations
Don't be shy when it comes to stating on the invitation that this is a stock the bar party. If you are getting married make sure to register for a good amount of bar accessories and for those celebrating a new home be prepared for all kinds of silly bar accessories. This is a theme that everyone enjoys shopping for and you never know what your guests are going to bring. Maybe something like this gift basket below? Favors
A nice way to say thank you to all your guests for helping you stock your bar is with a nice favor. A great go-to gift idea is to make custom koozies that your guests can use during the event and take home with them.
The great thing about this party? You don't need any major decorations. If this doesn't sound like a party to you without decorations you can always buy some festive tablecloths, plates, napkins and utensils. For the centerpiece you could use empty liquor and wine bottles as vases.
What is your favorite thing to give when attending a stock the bar party?
xoxo
Megan
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In keeping with the colorful events theme I shared with you on Tuesday I have a great paint party idea to share with you today. Originally I drew inspiration for a paint party theme from this Art Party by Kate P. but then I read about this amazing painting party that was hosted in promotion of the new Stoli campaign. I still love the classic idea of having all these bright Crayola colored tablecloths, crafts, and food but felt that this Paint Mixer was a more grown up version of the paint party. To start the evening at this paint mixer everything was white. All the guests were asked to wear white, the room was white, even the food was white. This created the perfect blank canvas for an evening of creativity. A table of paint brushes, pallets and paints were provided for all the guests to decorate the framed canvases on the walls as well as each other (protective lab coats and goggles were supplied for those that wanted them). As the evening progressed color was gradually introduced into the paint mixer by the guest’s newly designed pieces of artwork, a transition to colorful foods and colorful event lighting. Each guest could also create their own masterpiece to take home using paint and a spin art machine. Check out some of the pictures from this adult styled paint party. Here are some guests who are all decked out in white and ready to start painting! Of course every painter needs their painting supplies. These guests couldn't wait to add their creative mark to the venue's white canvas. Colorful lights were introduced on the walls later in the evening to add even more colors. Every party has to have a favor for their guests and these DIY spin art masterpieces were the perfect idea! Now I know that creating an entire white room for a party may be hard, but you can still take inspiration from an upscale evening like this and let your creativity be your guide. Maybe you can host a similar event outdoors with blank canvases hung on easels and have everyone come in a white t-shirt that they would not mind having painted. What other paint inspired party ideas do you have?
xoxo
Megan
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I cannot wait for all the summertime parties and events to get started! No matter if it is a pool party or a night under the stars in your own backyard you can’t go wrong with these party essentials. As always the amazing Martha Stewart knows what to do when it comes to party crafting. I have four DIY crafting ideas that will prepare you for any summertime get together. So grab your crafting essentials and get ready to craft your way to a summer of fun!  Preppy Napkin RingsMaterials:Stitched grosgrain Imported Chromspun grosgrain Nickel D rings, 1 inch wide Fabric glue Instructions:Step 1: Cut 9-inch lengths of grosgrain ribbon or twill tape. Notch 1 end, or cut it at an angle. Loop the other end through 2 D rings, wrapping ribbon around the rings' straight edges, and glue it to itself with fabric glue. Step 2: Center a rolled napkin on the ribbon; thread the ribbon's free end through the rings as you would a belt, and pull it snug.
 Drink UmbrellasMaterials:Paper Pinking shears or scallop scissors Glue stick or double-sided tape Craft glue Wooden skewer Scissors Instructions:Step 1: Cut paper with pinking shears or scallop scissors for a decorative edge. Step 2: From each circle, remove a pie-slice shape measuring about 1/8 of the circumference. Fashion into a cone, slightly overlapping straight ends; use a glue stick or double-sided tape to secure. Step 3: Dab white craft glue inside nose of cone, and pierce tip with a wooden skewer (snip skewer for a custom fit); allow to dry.
 Metal Bucket CenterpieceMaterials:Metal beach buckets Sandpaper Primer Water-based enamel paint Masking tape or stencils Pencil Instructions:Step 1: Sand and prime each bucket, then coat with water-based enamel; let dry overnight. Step 2: Once dried decorate with stripes, dots or other fun summertime pattern. Step 3: Fill the buckets with plants, souvenirs, shells or other summertime goody to complete your centerpiece.
 Decorative Tray Materials: 1 yard decorative fabric Aluminum rimmed baking sheet Spray adhesive Scissors Fabric glue Synthetic felt 1/4-inch-thick acrylic sheet cut to fit inside of tray Instructions: Step 1: Cut fabric large enough to cover the front and wrap around the back of the baking tray. Cover the front of the tray with spray adhesive. Step 2: Place fabric on tray so pattern is aligned, leaving enough room to wrap fabric around all sides to the back. Smooth fabric onto tray, pressing out any bubbles. Step 3: Pull any extra material into corner and push around the edge. Turn tray over. Cover the back of the tray with spray adhesive. Step 4: Press the fabric over two edges of the tray first, then fold in on each remaining side, as if wrapping a gift. Trim any excess fabric with scissors. Use fabric glue to secure, if needed. Step 5: Cut a piece of felt to fit the back of the tray and conceal fabric edges. Smooth felt on the back the tray. Step 6: Place acrylic sheet in center of tray.
Now you are ready for any celebration that may come your way this summer! Do you have any other great DIY ideas that would be great for a summer party? Share your ideas below!
xoxo
Megan
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High School Graduation season is just around the corner for my family with my little brother graduating. *sappy moment here* I can’t believe my little brother is graduating!! Ok, all done! With the graduation season comes the plethora of pre-graduation ceremonies and graduation parties to attend. I remember when I graduated high school it seemed like everyone was having some kind of party whether it was just with family or with half the graduating class. Today I have put together some helpful tips and ideas for putting together your own graduation party.
Group Graduation Party
When it comes to graduation “season” there will be a lot of social events to attend. When planning a grad party a great idea is to coordinate the celebration with one, two or a small group of your friends. Instead of each person trying to plan their own party (and inviting all the same people), have all the families go in on one party. Everyone will still get to see each other and (your parents will love this!) the cost will be split multiple ways.
Color Coordination
The best thing about hosting a graduation party? The theme and colors are already picked out for you. If you have a group party you can decorate in the high school colors. You can purchase all the party accessories and decorations in the school’s colors and add basic customization with the grad’s names or just their graduating year.
Food & Drinks The best kind of graduation parties are ones that are considered “open houses” that will allow people to come and go as their schedules permits. So when it comes to planning the food it is best to have a good variety of foods that are easy to replenish and eat. Some fun graduation food and drink ideas include drink graduation caps, diploma and graduation cap sandwiches, graduation cookies, graduation cap cupcakes and other foods decorated in your school colors. Congratulations to all those who are graduating this spring and good luck with your future college/work plans! What did you do to celebrate your graduation? xoxo Megan
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I cannot wait for this weekend as Memorial Day weekend is my kickoff to summer. This weekend I will be heading down to the beach for the weekend with friends and family for some fun times in the sun, hanging out at the beach, grilling out and just having a great time! When planning a fun Memorial Day Weekend event don’t worry about over buying/crafting as everything can be reused for 4th of July and Labor Day. I love how all these holidays share common themes and make summer entertaining so easy! To help you get ready for the first of these American summer holidays I have some great party tips and ideas for you. Summer Soundtracks. Last year I put together some great summer sound tracks for you. Check out the 4th of July and Beach Party Mixes to help get this summer bash started. Red, White and Blue Treats. Theming your food is a great way to get creative at your event and go along perfectly with the rest of your cookout menu. These red, white and blue holidays are easy to coordinate with as summertime is filled with bright colored fruits and food coloring that can turn any dish into a patriotic one like these red, white and blue cupcakes. You can also create great red, white and blue themed drinks for all your guests to enjoy. I am making so amazing Memorial Day treats for this weekend so make sure to check back tomorrow to see what I made! What are you doing this Memorial Day weekend?
xoxo
Megan
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I love all kinds of parties, but birthday parties are probably my favorite. Everyone has their birthday traditions, which usually include a combination of all their favorites, but no matter what there are always the staples of fun times with friends, family and of course a cake. Check out some of my favorite birthday party ideas and traditions below! Party Guests I love having a fun reason like a birthday to bring everyone together to celebrate. Not that I ever need an excuse but a birthday celebration just would not be a celebration if you didn’t have your family and friends by your side. One of our family birthday traditions is to go over to my grandparent’s house for a birthday meal. I have pictures as far back as I can remember of us going over to celebrate with everyone. Creative Dishes Though I may be a little OCD when it comes to planning events, food is not one area that I shy over. I am a huge fan of using fresh ingredients, making dishes yourself and having food displayed in creative ways. This could include making the person’s favorite kind of birthday cake from scratch, serving the dishes and in their mini form, on creative displays or even thinking about serving foods that are not a standard “party menu” dish. A homemade cake, like the ice cream cake my grandmother made for my brother, or mini food favorites are the perfect example of a creative food idea! DIY Decorations I will be the first to admit that yes, I have a crafting problem. If I see something I would rather make it than buy it, and that definitely applies to party decorations. I love personalized details and customizing decorations to include a person’s favorite color(s), pattern choice, monograms or picture. Simple DIY birthday decorations like banners, food toppers, and place cards are the perfect personalized party accessories. If I had all the time in the world I would probably never buy a premade party decoration ever again. What is your favorite thing to do when you celebrate your birthday?
Don’t forget as part of this week I am giving away a wonderful party prize pack filled with great party goodies that are perfect for any occasion! Make sure you enter before midnight on May 21st for your chance to win! Here is how you can enter to win…
Good Luck!! I will announce the winner on Friday, May 24th!
xoxo
Megan
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Mother’s Day is a great day to let mom know that you care. On Tuesday I shared with you ten great ideas for things that you can do with/for mom this Sunday. One more great idea is to fix mom a wonderful brunch. Let mom take a break from preparing the meal and have a relaxed and stress-free morning by creating a stunning brunch fit for a queen (mom did raise a princess so that must make her the queen) like this one below. Decorations No brunch is complete without a bouquet of mom’s favorite flowers. Make these your centerpiece as you create your table setting or your buffet if you have a large group dinning together. You can also dress up the area with a cute homemade Mother’s Day banner like this one from etsy store Say It With Burlap. Table Setting Carrying over the beautiful floral patterns into the rest of your decorations you can have wonderfully decorated china and linens to create the perfect Mother’s Day brunch table setting like this one from Camille Styles. Gift
Don’t forget mom’s Mother’s Day gift. If you are putting together the entire brunch yourself a small token or card placed at mom’s seat is the perfect topper to this Mother’s day brunch.
If you don’t live close enough to head home to celebrate with your mom you could always make reservations at her favorite restaurant or event hire someone to come over and cook for her. Just don’t forget to tell mom thank you for everything she has done for you! What are you doing for your mom this Mother’s Day?
xoxo
Megan
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After you and your guests have dressed to the nines and mixed their race day cocktail everyone will be ready for some Derby day fun. The final race won’t last much longer than 2 minutes so pre-race entertainment is a must! So, for this year’s derby include some fun derby themed games for all your guests to play while waiting for the big race. After all the entertainment is what people will remember long after the party has come and gone!
1. Place Your Bets/Game of Luck This is a pretty easy game that every guest young and old can enjoy. You can print out betting sheets for all your guests to fill out upon arrival or you can let each guest draw a horse’s name out of a hat to cheer for during the race. The guest(s) who chose the winning horse wins a fun derby themed prize. For all your race day information you can find it here on the Kentucky Derby’s Race Wagering Page. 2. Derby Pie Contest
This game will be fun for all your bakers. Let your friends know to make their best pie to be judged on the day of the party. You can have voting ballots for all your guests to fill out while sampling the pies. (A great plus to this party game is you don’t have to worry about the desserts!) The winner can be rewarded with their very own blue ribbon.
3. Derby Horse Race Game This one is by far my favorite and can be played many times. You can even make your own track if you can’t find the classic board game. For this game you have 6 horses, each numbered, and 6 dice. All those that are playing each are assigned a horse before the race starts and each will receive one of the dice. A turn consists of all the players rolling their die at the same time and then the horse with the corresponding number moves forward for every die that is showing its number. Ex: 352541 are rolled. The 1, 2, 3 & 4 horse each moves 1 space and the 5 horse moves 2. The first horse to cross the finish line is the winner. You can add a little betting each game to turn this game into a true track experience. For more Derby ideas check out some of my past Derby inspired posts like Tuesday Ten: Derby Essentials, Wedding Wednesday: Run for the Roses, Everyone Loves a Derby Party and A Derby Drink. What other Derby inspired party games do you like playing? xoxo Megan
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Anytime there is a holiday I am all about going above and beyond with the theme! After putting together Tuesday’s post I could not wait to share more ideas with you for today’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta post. (I always find too many great ideas when I start event browsing!) Anyways, get ready to be inspired by this Cinco de Mayo Fiesta celebration. So get out your sombrero and get ready to shout “ole!” in celebration of Cinco de Mayo! After you tackle those Cinco de Mayo Favorites you will already be on your way for setting up an amazing Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. The one thing that truly stands out with this party are the colors. When it comes to this Mexican-American celebrations there are no limits to the colors you can include. From the decorations, food, drinks, and more you should combine a wide variety of brightly colored hues. Here are some of my Cinco de Mayo brightly colored favorites. Create floral bouquets in either monochromatic shades or combine all your colors into one bouquet. Either way these colors will brighten up any party! These bright colored cookies, from Lily’s Cookies, will not be turned down by any guest. She has multiple fiesta themed designs to choose from too! An inexpensive way to decorate your Cinco de Mayo party is with crepe paper. You can purchase just about any color and create piñatas, streamers, DIY floral table displays or even a crepe paper wall like the one pictured here. And of course you can’t forget about all the colorful drinks to enjoy! From the margaritas, daiquiris, sangria and beer you are sure to have a colorful bar that will have guests unable to decide what they want. Just don’t forget the lime wedge!
With so many bright colors (which is undeniably in style right now) these ideas can be used for just about any party you plan to throw this summer. What other Cinco de Mayo Fiesta ideas do you have?
xoxo
Megan
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