Summer Entertaining Tips

When warm weather arrives, move the party outdoors! Try these simple entertaining tips to host a sizzling party.

Create a Relaxing Vibe

Make sure there is plenty of seating for guests to relax. Create seating arrangements that encourage guests to talk to each other. Usually round seating arrangements work best since guests are facing each other. Play music at a low level where people can still hear each other talk, especially if they will be seated near the music. Details rents chairs for $1.20 each!

Provide Proper Coverage
Turn your backyard into your favorite new room! A canopy or umbrella provides shade while also helping to define your outdoor dining space. Choose one that is easy to attach, adjust and offers plenty of coverage.

Bug Off!
Keep the bugs away with fans and citronella candles. You can also provide bug spray for guests to put on if they forgot their own. Get food covers or lids to keep flies away from the food.



Serve Cool Food & Drinks
No one wants a stuffy sit down dinner in the summer. A buffet style serving line works best. Make sure to keep condiments cold. Try putting them on ice using simple dishes you have around the house. Make sure you have plenty of drinks available as well.

Dress Up a Casual Table
Lay an inexpensive sheet of butcher or craft paper across a table for a casual look. Don’t forget to get some table clips or weights to hold down the tablecloth since it tends to be windy in the summer. Try simple centerpieces such as these. These can be made with things you have around your house or can find easily at a local supermarket or craft store. Put plastic flatware in sand pails for a colorful, cute display.

Bouquet Beauties

Your bouquet is an essential part of the big day. Next to your lovely face, it is the things people will be looking at most- literally! It is important to characterize this bunch to represent YOU. Here are five flowers that frequent bouquets, and several other ideas to spruce up this handful of flowers!

Keep in mind that each flower blooms best in a specific season. Talk to your florist about availability as this may effect pricing.

1) Calla Lily. This structured beauty is a common bud in bouquets. It blooms best in summer and is available in a wide range of colors.


2) Rose. This classic stunner is regal distinguished. Consider the different varieties of size and count on the fullest bloom in autumn. Roses can be dyed to match almost any color.


3) Peony. Symmetrical, full and fun, this is my personal favorite! The flirtatious flower is a spring bud available in countless hues.

image courtesy of theknot.com

4) Hydrangea. Known for it's soft, cool hues, this bloom is surprisingly a summer bud! This is beautiful by itself or can be paired with another flower for size or texture variety.

image courtesy of theknot.com

5) Tulip. The tulip is a spring staple! Though there is little fluctuation in structure, the color options are endless.

image courtesy of wedding flowers

Whether it is classic, cascade, or pomander, there are several different ways to arrange the flowers in your bouquet. In addition, consider these options for a little extra decorative touch!

Classic Cascade Pomander


images courtesy of mondo floral designs and floral design events

Ask your florist to add a rhinestone or pearl to the center of each of your flowers if you're looking for that extra bling!

image courtesy of Sarah's Flowers

Recently, I had a friend come to me with a problem. She was next in line to wear her family's heirloom locket. As her wedding approached, she admitted there was no room for the GOLD locket in her SILVER wedding. What was a girl to do? I suggested having her florist wrap the keepsake around her bouquet. This way, the tradition was held dear, but didn't clash with the decor! I tied my late grandmother's wedding ring into my bouquet to make her a special part of my day.


Make your bouquet as special as you are!

Easter Eggs to DYE for!

Easter eggs are one of the most iconic items associated with this spring holiday. Not only are they fun to decorate, but when used as your centerpiece, they can be anything from a conversation starter to a stylish statement! Here are five new decorating twists on the traditional dyed egg. All these ideas are to DYE for!

Before you dive into your decorating adventure, don't forget to hard boil your eggs!

1) Chalkboard Eggs. It's as easy as this: paint your egg with chalkboard paint, wait to dry, and draw away! Rustoleum makes Chalkboard Spray Paint for $3- found at your local home improvement store. 2) Mosaic Eggs. You will need a little patience, but you won't be disappointed with this beauty. Dye several eggs a few of your favorite colors. Break these shells into pieces and set aside. Now dye one egg (or leave it white) the color of your choice. Paint all-purpose glue onto your base egg and place a piece of your cracked shell on this spot. Be creative with colors and patterns! Decoration by Cheryl Ball. 3) Paper Mache Eggs. The options are limitless when it comes to the variety of paper and fabric to be used on this project! To view a full tutorial, visit: Kiki Creates 4) Paint Splatter Eggs. After dying an egg the color of your choice, dip an old toothbrush in paint and bend the bristles so the paint splatters on the egg's shell.

5) Silhouette Eggs. Hostess with the Mostess offers the coolest tutorial for this unique method of egg decorating: Hostess with the Mostess Have fun decorating your EGGSellent creations!

Navy and Yellow

cakes by pink peach cakes, invitation by pink concierge, pillow by room service, dress by the party dress, necklace by ASOS

Details provides Navy Satin Stripe featured here.

Plum and Lime

dress from the gloss, invitation from pretty paper invitations , cake from onewed, lanterns from favors by color

Details provides Grape Crinkle Taffeta featured here.

All About COLOR!

Is trying to pick your ceremony's colors leaving you a little green? Color plays an important role in many ceremonies and events. It can really set the mood and determine the atmosphere for you and your guests. Every color is beautiful, but making the decision on your color scheme can seem like a huge commitment. No need to worry! We have the answers to some frequently asked questions about the color wheel.

What if I haven't picked a color?

As mentioned earlier, committing to a color scheme can seem daunting. Luckily, it doesn't have to be! If you have no idea where to start, how about going to get a manicure? Yes, really! Not only will it relieve stress, but spend a little extra time picking out a nail color. What do you like or dislike? For an even larger selection, head over to your local home improvement store. Play around in the paint aisle! Look at all the different paint chips and try to narrow down your selection by taking just a few of your favorites home. Looking at all these hues together will help you understand what direction you want to take your design palette.

How do I make my favorite color work for all seasons?

If you have narrowed down your choices, but can't quite make up your mind, consider the season of your wedding. Inspiration from the time of year can be a creative catalyst for seasonal design. Consider blue and yellow. This is an inspiring scheme, but different tints of the color are little changes that produce big results.

Spring

Pale yellow paired with robin's egg blue will create color-in-bloom.

Summer

Bright yellow and aquamarine achieve a summer time color wonder.

Fall

Harvest gold and rich navy blue reflect the hues of autumn.

Winter

Burnt yellow and icy blue will make you want to cozy up.

What are some of the newest trends in color?

For the coming summer and fall seasons, purple of all shades is popping! Many are pairing this royal hue with green. Also, black is back. Though not traditionally used in weddings, this color with a punch of color is becoming more and more popular. Navy coupled with yellow will soon be emerging on the wedding scene as well.

Go with what you love and feel confident in your color decisions!

Black and White Inspiration