Local Luau - Backyard Party

A trip to the tropics might not be part of your summer plans… but who says you can’t bring the tropics to your own backyard! Texas can feel pretty dull in the summer heat. Here are some fun ideas to brighten your next backyard gathering. Throw on some fresh flower leis, turn up the hula music and call it a luau!

Try some treats with a Hawaiian tang. Allrecipes.com has a delicious ham and pineapple kabob recipe!
Throw these on the grill and add aroma to the atmosphere. Also, try Betty Crocker’s piña colada cupcakes for a decorative dessert.  

Once the sun goes down, create a romantic mood by lighting some floating candles! Use food coloring to dye water and put in glass cylinders for easy ambience.

Patriotic Pretty

Seeing red or feeling blue because you are low on ideas for the 4th of July? Check out these four ideas to add a pop of pretty to your patriotic party!

Decor

String up homemade banners for a rustic version of Americana or create your own fun wreath for a bit of whimsy.

Snacks

In the middle of a hot Texas summer, your guests will need a little cool-down! Check out this recipe for patriotic punch or try another one of these tri-color treats.

Favors

Send your friends out with a bang after the fireworks show ends! These favors will surely wow.

For more patriotic party ideas, visit our website http://www.detailspartyrental.com/Gallery/July_4th.htm.

We all scream for ice cream!

This summer is HOT! But nothing should stop the fun of everyone’s favorite treat… ice cream! Break out the homemade ice cream machine or just pick up a variety of your favorite ice cream from the store.

An ice cream station added to any party will make your guests smile. Place a variety of ice cream toppings in cute containers to make a unique, self-serve bar! Details rents containers, or you can use your own. Topping ideas include chocolate chips, colorful gummy bears, classic sprinkles, fruit, nuts and anything you can think of! Don’t forget chocolate syrup and whipped cream!

 
Check out these cute ice cream cups and spoons from Tom Kat Studio. Add some custom ribbons or personalized names to the bowls and you will be well on your way to the cutest scoop of the summer!

Dry ice is an awesome solution to keeping ice cream frozen in the heat. Put a piece of dry ice in an ice chest with your ice cream. (Remember do not handle dry ice with bare hands. Always use a leather glove or tongs.) You can get dry ice in College Station by contacting A Dry Ice.

The old fashion freezer method is also a good solution. Immerse your ice cream tub in an insolated bucket with ice, water and rock salt. The bucket will keep the cold from the salt and ice. The salt causes a transfer of coldness from the ice to the ice cream. (Remember do not let any salt water seep into your ice cream… yuck!)

Quinceañera Bonita

We were so excited to be a part of Ashley Lopez's Quinceañera at Briarcrest Country Club recently! Photographer Jenn Straznicky captured all the beautiful moments at the party.

 Would you like a chocolate fountain at your party also? See that and more at http://www.detailspartyrental.com/.

Dress it Up: Cocktail Tables

Especially for summer weddings, cocktail tables are a great place for guests to mingle. They can give your event space a completely new feel and set the mood for the evening. Dress up your cocktail tables in a unique way or try out one of these chic designs!

The Drape: A Classic
Draping with a bold linen will give the tables a prominent place at your event. Add a patterned overlay for extra pop!

 

The Wrap: Added Interest

There are many ways to make your tables visually interesting, but wrapping the pedestal will up sophistication and draw your guests in.

The Bow: Fabulous Fun

Tying a bow around your tables will add an extra bit of feminine fabulosity to each station!

 

The Embellishment: Custom Drama

Going beyond the bow, try adding a special embellishment to the pedestals of  your tables. You can incorporate your event's special theme or achieve a dramatic appeal.

The Pattern: Standing out from the crowd

The best way to add more drama to your event is using patterned linens. Not only do they look amazing, but they may even act as conversation starters for your guests!

 Check out Details' selection of linens for more table decoration ideas!

A Twist on Texas Tea

Summer is on the rise and the Texas heat can be a challenge. Hydrate your guests with a variety of everyone’s’ favorite Texas drink, iced tea!

Sweet tea is a “must” here is the south, but adding some fun flavors not only adds color to your beverage table, but also pizzazz to your next outdoor event.

Lemon mint iced tea, is refreshing and will definitely cool off your guests. Try some other fun flavors such as pineapple iced tea, raspberry iced tea or even almond iced tea for a new twist! All of these recipes and more can be found at http://www.allrecipes.com/ and are a perfect addition to pour over some ice.

Beverage containers and ladles can be rented through Details to serve the iced tea. Adding sliced fruits such as lemons, oranges, limes and a few sprigs of mint will add flavor and visual appeal.

Mason jars are a great way to serve beverages. Collect old jars around the house, give them a good wash and you have cute recycled glasses for your southern iced teas. If you are expecting a larger crowd, pint glasses or goblets can be rented through Details and look cute with a slice of lemon on the rim.

 

Beat the heat at your summer event with a delicious iced tea bar. Keep things fresh with more ideas from Victoria’s’ blog about summer iced tea. And don’t forget why you love Texas, enjoy the sunshine and stay hydrated!

Graduation Party Ideas - 2012

May is the month for graduation parties. Congrats to all of the 2012 graduates, including my cousin Nan (even if she is going to Texas Tech). If you are planning a graduation party, we hope these ideas come in handy.   



Martha Stewart’s graduation party section has tons of ideas. I love this “Good Luck” pennant banner. Napkins made to look like diplomas are also super fun and easy!



This classic graduation party can easily be adapted using different school colors.



Neon is all the rage this year and this neon-themed 2012 party makes the grade. Pencils and post-it notes give a high school or college feel. The pennant yard stakes can be downloaded for free at The Pretty Blog. The tassel banner looks a little more difficult to make, but looks awesome.

    

These yummy graduation caps look pretty easy to make!

 

These graduation flags, cupcake toppers and wrappers can be downloaded and printed for free at Bird Crafts and Simply Silhouette.