Daryl and I have been thinking of having an outdoor fiesta this summer with family and friends. We are busy working on the yard at the moment, but once everything is looking great, we’ll be celebrating with a party. In the mean time, I thought I would share a fun article with you all from Quinn at Healthy Living With Quinn( see her blog Here.) She’s got some great tips on how to plan the perfect summer gathering! Check it out!
Fun Ideas for a Summer Backyard Bash
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I love summer – bright sun, green grass, and blue skies. My husband and I have a tradition of throwing an outdoor party every year when the weather warms up. It’s a great way to gather our family and friends to enjoy the change in season. Over the years, I’ve picked up a lot of tricks for transforming my backyard into a festive paradise.
Fresh Refreshments
On a warm day, there’s nothing quite like sipping a cool drink in the backyard. For my outdoor parties, I offer the standard wine and beer, but I also like to mix it up with some unique summer beverages. There are a lot of delicious cocktail recipes out there, and many of them don’t require the skill of an expert mixologist. This citrus pineapple sangria is one of my new favorites. It’s the perfect combination of light and flavorful, and it’s remarkably easy for a party setting. I love serving them in glasses my husband and I got from this site. No matter the recipe, distinctive drinks will definitely get your guests talking as they try something new!
Fun and Games
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Lawn games are a must for a backyard shindig. A little competition is sure to bring out laughter and the joy of inner childhood. Activities can range from silly (three-legged race) to sophisticated (croquet). Old staples like badminton, bocce or horseshoes are easy to setup and play. But don’t be afraid to try something a little different. I came across this fantastic outdoor Scrabble project, which was a huge hit with my guests last year. It also doesn’t hurt to award the winners with prizes, such as a bottle of wine or movie tickets. I’ll warn you, though – the competition can get fierce!
Fab Décor
Nothing sets the mood for an outdoor party like the decorations. This kind of festivity is easy to decorate, since nature has its own beauty. Simply set up a few tables and cover with summery tablecloths (tip: tape down the tablecloths in case of a breeze). I like to embellish the casual, natural environment with outdoorsy things. Red clay flowerpots make great vessels for centerpieces, which you can fill with fruits, flowers, or fresh vegetables. And don’t forget the music! Bust out the summer tunes, and the atmosphere will be perfect.
Fine Dining
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Of course, the party isn’t complete without the good eats. A backyard party is a marvelous opportunity for a good old cookout. Fire up the grill and serve delicious burgers and hotdogs. Or embrace the barbecue and present your guests with ribs and pulled pork. I love experimenting with different types of barbecue sauce, and my friends fell in love with this coffee-molasses variety last year. Mix it up and try something new – you’ll be amazed by the results! And when it comes to dessert, serve something fun and easy, like ice cream or fresh fruit. That way, you’ll finish off the party with sweet, summer simplicity.
The best part of an outdoor party is the breezy, casual fun. Remember to keep things simple and enjoy yourself. Before you know it, you’ll be having a blast with friends and family, right in your own backyard.
*Article by Quinn McAdams- http://healthylivingbyquinn.blogspot.com/
