Outdoor party: Garden Touches

As soon as we got back from Maine, the summer weather came back - ugh! But trying to look on the bright side - still plenty of time for summer themed parties!

 Today's inspiration is how to Frost your party with simple things you have from the garden (especially if you didn't keep up with the watering heehee)

Flowers don't have to take up the table... put them UNDER the glass table! Great way to add color and interest to your buffet.  Source

Planters hold ice perfectly! Use pots as serving bowls! Source

Serve up appetizers on terracotta planter bottoms! Use garden bricks for height and texture and don't forget to decorate with clippings or plants, too! Source

Make a fun, edible favor and package in simple kraft boxes.  Use chalk for names and a simple clipping of on of your bushes or herb plants for a dab of Frosting! Source




















 

BBQ: Simple styling

Still trying to settle back into life after vaca - and of course, still not fully unpacked! I am making my to do list for the backyard for the weekend so that we can be prepared to throw an end of summer BBQ or brunch. Are you throwing one?

Today's inspiration is for a simple styled BBQ/Cookout party. Don't forget about older, but still fresh!, Frosting for BBQs here (link)

Using neutral tones and block lettering, you can create a party that will be simple, chic and fit for both women and men!  Source

Use a lined wire basket to hold your plates.   Look around the house for boxes, bins and other baskets to help you serve, as well.  Source: Pottery Barn

Create simple utensil/napkin combos using brown bags! Use parchment to create little salt & pepper, too! Source

You could also add a dab of Frosting to your napkins with a custom sticker, iron on or stamp... simple doesn't have to mean plain! Source and tutorial









 

BBQ - Mason Jars ideas

WOOHOO!!!! I HAVE A WORKING COMPUTER!!! Man, that was a couple hundred dollar dodged bullet! Sorry I have been so restricted in my posting!

Mason jars have always been a staple in my home for drinking juice and storing food in the fridge... but they have become so hot lately on the party scene! Here are a few ways to incorporate them into your next BBQ!

Pre-make drinks for your guests in mason jars - these Sangria single serves would please any guest! Source and recipe

Mason jars can be used in so many simple ways... use them to hold your utensils! Source

Salad on the go! Pre-make salads and serve them up in a mason jar so your guests and grab and much away! For an extra dab of Frosting, tie a fork with some twine around the lid! Source

Super fantastic idea (besides the great table cloth layering!) is hanging mason jars down the front of your table with fresh flowers! great way to add color, texture and smell without taking up valuable table space! Source










 

More BBQ ideas and inspiration! - Farm style!

It's too hot to even think about a BBQ here, but I have been missing cooking out the past 2 days! We got a new grill - half charcoal, half gas and have been using it almost every day! Yesterday, though was lights out - horrible migraine totally robbed my evening! but all better now!

If it isn't burn your face off hot there... then here's some ideas and inspiration to Frost your next bbq... don't forget about older, but still fresh!, Frosting for a BBQ here (link)

I love farm style setups - this one is so rustic and pretty - look i the background - hanging open picture frames with fresh foliage! What a clever way to create separation in your party space.  Source

Set up your salad bar farm style too! Farmers baskets lined up, each with a different ingredient will be a feast for your guests eyes! (and something you can prepare ahead of time).  Source

Wrap your serving jars with a cut of fabric and tie off with a rubber band, ribbon or twine - you can leave all your condiments in the original jars AND have them look pretty! Source

Use an old wagon to set up a refreshing lemonade station! ...great tip to find more buffet table room if the wagon is stationed somewhere else!  Source

...what's farm style without pie!? These adorable mini pies make a mouthwatering icecream sandwich! so clever! Source and tutorial
















 

BBQ/Cookout party ideas and inspiration

This week is flying by quickly! I hope you all are being way more productive then I have been! I am planning my next get together and thought I would share some of my inspiration stash!

Don't forget about older, but still fresh!, Frosting for a BBQ here (link)

Send a fun apron invite complete with "spatula".  Source and tutorial

Use plants, fresh veggies and herbs to add lots of texture, color and smell! to your table top.  Source

Use your plant shepard's hook to hang a bucket full of bug spray and suntan lotion for your guests... a little ribbon and you have a helpful, festive station! Source

No doubt do you need to make sun tea for the guests! Make sure to add lace, burlap, ribbon or some adornment to Frost your mason jars.  Source

I have seen "Corn on the cob" cupcakes... but these cake "logs" are just too genius! Surprise your guests with cake and jelly belly (popcorn flavor) "corn on the cob" desserts! Source and tutorial









 

Watermelon party ideas!

I don't know about where you guys are from but OMG it's been OVER a hundred degrees here and we are melting!!! I thought it might be refreshing to do a post about watermelon ideas!

Use a watermelon and a keg spout to setup a fun drink station! Source

Cut off top half of the watermelon, scoop out and then and fill with fruit salad - I love the extra Frosting touch of cutting off a bit of the rind around the rim! Source and tutorial

How pretty are these watermelon squares?!? They have balsamic in them - not sure if I am too scared for that! ...so how about filling with a little fruit dip! Source

Ok, not REAL watermelon, but cake pops are still IN and these are super clever! Source found via cupcakestakethecake blog

...while we are on just looking like watermelon - this sherbert "pie" would be seriously refreshing right now! Source and recipe

BBQ idea/inspiration: Fruit

Though we had an early 4th celebration to allow Douglas to participate, but I think we may do another one this weekend... can't have enough BBQ, right?

Here are a few ways to add Frosting to your BBQ with fruit...

I've seen watermelon done SO many ways, but somehow this simple "fry" style is one of my favs! Source found via bedifferentactnormal blog

 How cute is this!? Fruit stuffed fruit! I guess you could do this with a peach or apple or whatever... dice up other fruit and stuff away! Great alternative to a bowl full of fruit salad! Source found via ediblecrafts blog

Waffles aren't just good for icecream (though I argue you should have some with both ;o)  ... fill them with fresh fruits for an easy serving idea (just don't put in too ahead of time or risk getting a little soggy).  Source

Frozen fresh fruit cups are a great way to cool the kids down and make them healthy! 2 cups of chopped fruit, 1 tbsp of sugar, 1 tsp of lemon juice - throw in a blender, then freeze! Source: BJ's Journal 2011

BBQ Party Ideas

I can't wait to finish my dang backyard retaining wall/sitting area project so I can have a BBQ! BBQs are so much fun because you can keep the food simple and fast!  Here are a few fun ideas to frost your next BBQ!

 Why not do a silly invite! Cut out shapes of food and put them on a kabob skewer! You could also do one that looked like BBQ sauce or a BBQ grill - get creative! Source

Why not use cucumbers as vases?  Core out the insides and use a peeler to create a pattern on the outside! Add a ribbon or decorative touch and you have a unique centerpiece! Cut a few at different heights and cluster them for a more dramatic look or use squash, eggplant, etc to add some color! Source and tutorial found via accenttheparty blog.

Get a matching napkin weight! We all need something to hold them down! They come in so many different styles these days and make a great hostess gift!
Source

You could make this easy DIY plastic grill to use as a prop, extra serving or just for the kids to play on! Source and tutorial

Are these not fantastic?!? Little aprons for bottles with a little straw holder! I am not sure I have the patience, but these would be so cute! You could modify to do ballerina, princess, farmer (etc) ones to match your next party theme! Source and tutorial

These are CUPCAKES!!!! How fun are these?!? Topped with jellybeans these would make adorable desserts for your next BBQ!  From Hello, Cupcake book pg 24