Party Ideas

B.Y.O. Lobster Party

by Susan on August 4, 2009

in Entertaining,Party Ideas

plateIt’s “Lobster Loop” time here in our town.  Every year there is a 5K race through town with a big party put on by the middle school’s PTO.

The best part (for me, at least) is the lobster dinner served at the local fire station.  A huge crowd shows up!

Tables are lined up cafeteria style inside the (very clean) firehouse garage.

lunchcrowd

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Light up your patio party!

by Susan on May 12, 2009

in Entertaining,Outdoor Spaces,Party Ideas

Entertaining outdoors?  Party on into the night with clever outdoor lighting!  You’ve got lots to chose from…candles, torches, solar, lanterns, outdoor fireplace, and more!  Here are a couple quick (and easy) ideas using planters.

For a splash of ambiance, add up-lighting to the base of potted plants on your deck.  It creates a warm glow and really sets a dramatic stage for entertaining.  Use solar powered spot lights to keep it easy.

Don’t have any presentable plants to light up?  How about “planting” decorative torch lighting in the pots, and placing small pots of flowers around the base.  Picture a tiki torch in a meadow of flowers!

FlowerTorch

Still too much work?  How about a row of pots with potting soil or rocks in them, and plant solar lights along the edge of your deck or walkway?

Ok, here’s a super easy lighting solution…just plop some candles in terracotta pots (I recently did this and am still lovin’ it).

candles

Of course the BEST party time nightlight has to be an illuminated pool!  And let’s not forget the customary evening mood enhancer…hang white Christmas lights in select trees year round.

So when is your next outdoor entertaining event?  Tell me about how you’re planning it!  I’m always looking for new ideas!

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Take it outside! (the party, that is)

by Susan on March 26, 2009

in Entertaining,Outdoor Spaces,Party Ideas

bounce house castleIt’s finally time to plan our annual neighborhood spring party! (Woo Hoo!) We’ve been stuck inside all winter long and I’ve missed hanging out with our neighbors. While our spring party is totally kid-friendly (complete with a bounce house castle), sometimes I like to dream about planning a grown up party. But for now, we’re just thrilled to get the kids (and parents) outside and jumping!

When decorating for your patio party, less is more! Pick one or two splashy ideas, but let the food and guests take center stage. This is not a time for clutter

(remember, you have to clean up at the end). Here are three approaches:

This first one is a classic with a cream tablecloth, white dishes and fabulous hurricane lantern. With such a neutral palate, the food is sure to take center stage. It’s a bit formal, but relaxed at the same time. Just make sure you serve food that is colorful! LOL

white tablecloth

I love the rustic ambiance of this natural setting.  The weathered wood makes a nice earthy contrast to the traditional white napkins.  The simple white flowers soften the look, and no one needs to worry about spilling the red wine on a white tablecloth.  This is great for a casual setting.  Lobster anyone?

the table is set for outdoor dining

Looking for something more colorful?  Go crazy with layered placemats and plates!  The centerpieces are adorable (although I can’t help but think they resemble the artichoke appetizer a little too much!) This is a great example of how even with plastic ware, you can make an impact!

Blue Table Setting

And finally, here are a few random tips for outdoor entertaining with kids:

  • summer bucketGet out your “summer bucket” (wipes, tissues, band aids, bug spray, etc) so guests can take care of their kids quickly.
  • Have a piñata.  You don’t need to have a reason; you just need to have a fun activity for kids that involves candy and a big stick.  It’s all good!
  • Balloons are an inexpensive way to infuse color, just make sure there is at least one per kid to take home.

Bottom line – keep it simple and have fun (your guests will follow your lead).

So when is your next outdoor entertaining event?  Tell me about how your planning it!  I’m always looking for new ideas!

Update: I just now realized that our party is on Kentucky Derby day!  Any suggestions for incorporating that theme into it?

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Hosting a dinner party without the stress

by Susan on October 17, 2008

in Christmas,Entertaining,Holiday,Kitchen & Dining,Party Ideas,Thanksgiving

If you’re like me, sometimes the thought of throwing a formal dinner party for friends is overwhelming when you consider how hard it is just to get dinner on the table every night for your own family. But with the economy being what it is, dining in is becoming a much more attractive option to making a reservation!

It’s time to check those insecurities at the door, and get busy! Even if you are not a seasoned chef (pardon the pun), you can create a fun, warm evening for you and your friends. All you need is food, friends, and ambiance. In other words, if I can do it, so can you! It doesn’t have to be perfect, just sincere. So let’s take the stress out of it, and HAVE FUN!

Tips to defuse dinner party stress

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Concerned about the economy? Have a party!

by Susan on October 11, 2008

in Entertaining,Party Ideas

Decor Exchange PartyNot just any party, but a Décor Exchange Party, where each guest brings an unused accessory to auction for charity.

Here’s how it works. Ask each guest bring an accessory that they just don’t use anymore (such as a vase, picture, sculpture, wine rack, serving platter…you get the idea). Set them up in good retail fashion on table(s) so everyone can view them. Then hold an auction for each item. Keep the mood light and fun, and then donate all proceeds to a favorite charity.

Want to make it interesting? Have each person give a sales pitch for their item, then award a prize for the person whose donated accessory brings in the most money for charity (perhaps a HomeGoods gift card?). That will help limit the number of plastic garden gnomes you get.

Why?:

  • Helps purge stuff in the basement or attic
  • Brings fresh decorating ideas
  • Going to a party costs less than dinner and a show
  • Laughter is the best medicine in uncertain times
  • Helping others less fortunate than you puts things in proper perspective

Want to take is up a notch? Invite a professional Interior Redesigner or Home Stager to the party, and encourage each person to bring a picture of a room they would like to update (from several angles), and everyone can brainstorm ideas for that room.

Ok, now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s make it fabulous:

  • Food/Drink: keep it simple and finger friendly. Serve a signature drink, but also have wine, beer and soda available. You can also ask guests to bring an appetizer to share to keep the costs down.
  • Ambiance: Think like a retailer. Play Pottery Barn CD’s to get that shopping vibe. Brew a pot of java for that warm coffee-house smell. Light candles and put a fire in the fireplace.
  • Invitation idea – see image at top of article.

What other ideas do you have to make a Décor Exchange Party a success?

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