A Summer Soiree with Flowers, Food and Friends

Who doesn't love those dreamy photos on Pinterest of those fabulous twilight party settings? Well, I have always dreamed of pulling off one of my own. And being that my birthday is in the summer, I love to use that as an excuse to get friends together for a relaxing evening. I have the location, a beautiful backyard and pool, but the idea of creating this party from start to finish by myself was just a bit much for me.

So, thankfully my good friend Sarah from Patchke Princess and Kosher Street shared the same dream. We're always so busy with life and the stresses sometimes just take over...we weren't going to let the summer pass by without making our dream come true. 

So just 24 hours before the party, I met Sarah at Starbucks and we planned the entire party from start to finish, including creating the menu, the shopping list and the to do list. Sarah, who's a professional chef and expert party maker was thrilled to do the cooking (the part I wanted nothing to do with) while I did the shopping and setting up. Sarah, who's also great with flowers, created the brilliant and vivid centerpieces for the table, and with no stress, we pulled off a dreamy soiree.

With citronella in the air, the sun went down, the candles glowed and friends started to arrive. We told everyone to wear something orange to match our decor and as each friend showed up, wearing something fun and bold, we delighted in the magical setting like a bunch of kids with no worries in the world.

The decor was dreamy, the food divine and the friendship perfect.

Use vibrant colored flowers bring your party to life:

Sarah working on her floral creations using bouquets from the grocery store and vases we already own:

  Set your table with items you already own and mix and match several colorful napkins for extra fun:

 Don't be afraid to use the included greenery to enhance your decor:

 You need not spend a lot to create gorgeous centerpieces.

 Hang inexpensive lanterns with pretty ribbon to hide your citronella candles:

Create a meal with easy make your own salads...

and add cut up meat and chicken to complete the menu.

 Here's some more of Sarah's fresh and fabulous food:

 Candles and string lights keep the party sparkling throughout the evening:

 Okay the chairs were kind of ugly, but imperfection is part of life!

 Proof that I DO have my cake...and eat it too!

 The best part? Friends, food and fun...never worry about the mess, even that has appeal.

Here are my tips for pulling off a fabulous and stressless party in no time:

1.  Sit down and make a list of exactly what you are serving.
2. Create a shopping list of all the ingredients you will need including ice, alcoholic beverages, drinks and papergoods.
3. Decide on a theme for you decor and make a list of everything you will need to implement your idea including tablecloths, runners, napkins (mine were found on a whim while shopping at Michaels, DO mix and match for visual interest), vases, flowers, candles, lighting and extension cords.
4. Think about what you will be using to serve your food on and where and how you will be serving your drinks.
5. When creating your lists always keep in mind what you already own. Use decorative items from you home. The less you have to buy the better. You would not believe what you can come up with if you just look around your house.
6. Get someone to help you with cooking, set up and clean up and give yourself extra time before the party to make sure everything is done so you can get yourself ready.
7. Make sure you have garbage bags on hand!
8. For an outdoor party make sure you use lots of citronella candles and have bug spray on hand.
9. Once your guests arrive, greet everyone with a smile and relax and enjoy your guests. Don't stress out about any messes. Let early guests help you.
10. Allow your guests to help you clean up. It makes them feel good!

And the most important thing? Don't be afraid to invite a wide variety of friends, everyone has something to add even if they're not all friends with each other or you're worried they won't all get along. You'll be surprised how the many types of people in your life will somehow combine beautifully and keep the party interesting.

To learn more about the food and recipes from this party stop by The Patchke Princess for Sarah's post.

Until next time,

xo

Sharon

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