I live in a city that sees about 3 solid months of snow-less weather (seriously, snow in May is thing around here). So it should come as no surprise that every year, as soon as the thermometer stays above 50 degrees, something in my brain starts screaming for lemonade and bonfires. I look for any excuse to host a party (Bought new flip flops?! Yay - Let's party! Got the car washed?! Yay - Let's party!) and break out the graham crackers, marshmallows and Hershey bars.
Unfortunately, entertaining even a small crowd can take time, energy and money. People often tell me they don't even attempt most party details because they don't have the time or they're "not creative like that". Well, you don't need (much) time or creativity - you just need a little help!
Fortunately for us, these smart "hack"-ers listened to their mamas when they were told to Work Smarter, Not Harder!
Ditch the fuss, keep your moolah, and add some fun with 6 of my favorite Summer Party Hacks!
1. Fruit & Herb Ice Cubes
Make these beauties ahead of time by just dropping some lemon slices, blueberries or mint leaves into the water before you freeze it. Play around - there are SO many combinations! Or, just scoop and freeze some melon balls to drop in drinks later! Brilliant and beautiful! (p.s. if you boil your water before you freeze it, you'll get clear cubes instead of foggy cubes!)
2. Pre-Scoop Your Ice Cream
This was totally one of those hand-to-forehead DUH! moments for me. If you're serving ice cream at your next soiree, why not save yourself the party-time mess and hassle and scoop it BEFORE everyone arrives? Whether you serve it in jars or cupcake liners, everyone will be totally jealous of your party skills.
3. Protect That Drink
You know how it goes... you finally get a few seconds to sit down and chat or relax with a nice cool drink but when you go to take a sip, there's something floating in there :-( You're not sure what it is and you think to yourself, "do I just scoop it out or dump the whole thing and start all over?". Well, don't do either... cover it up with a cupcake liner!
4. No Burning, No Biting!
Having some extra sunscreen & bug spray on hand is always a great idea and here's a way to make sure everyone knows it's there to share. The cute signs are a bonus but in the spirit of saving time, energy and money, just throw 'em in a cute basket or bin and place it on a table or hang on shephard's hook where everyone will see them!
5. Game Time!
My family get-togethers have always included games (don't ask about the 2006 Monopoly debacle!) and outdoor, Summer shindigs are no exception. You've probably seen some of the backyard, oversized versions of some classic games that have become popular over the past several years. They can be pricey to buy and most aren't in my DIY skill set. Here are some that don't break the bank or require skills. Yay :-)
6. SHOW IT OFF
Three tips I give people when planning their event, no matter the time of year or type of event...
1) Think of the food and supplies as part of the decor - you have to buy/supply them anyway, let them do double-duty!
2) Look around your house for things you that can be re-purposed for serving and display.
3) If you decide to buy anything for serving and display, choose items that are neutral so they can be used for future events as well.
Here are some examples of what I mean...
FOOD/SUPPLIES AS DECOR: This is a super simple setup with some color coordinating tablecloths, flower vase, napkin dispenser and paper straws. They aren't all technically decor items but they become decor when displayed together.
RE-PURPOSING: Check out how she re-purposed votive holders as condiments jars and used craft sticks as labels that double as spreaders - voila! Even the condiments become part of the decor!
PURCHASING: Based on the blog post for this party, I'm guessing she re-purposed that beautiful cage-like server holding the hot dogs and hamburgers but it's a perfectly neutral piece that can be used over and over - cupcakes, burgers, favors, popcorn boxes, the list goes on!
Here's another great example of using food as decor and this one couldn't be more simple! Paper bags folded over and filled with s'mores fixings. Tilting them on their sides, they become a display instead of just a buffet. For a smaller crowd, try using berry baskets!
Re-purpose, re-purpose, re-purpose :-)
A beautiful and simple way to display some of those melon balls from Summer Party Hack #1!
HAPPY SUMMER HOSTING!!!!
We'd love you to hear your great Summer Party Hacks - share them with us in the comments section!
We'd love you to hear your great Summer Party Hacks - share them with us in the comments section!
Such cool ideas...and mostly easy, too
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