Summer’s End Party - Inspiration
With the warm days still with us, this is the perfect time to celebrate with a Summer End's Party. Whether you are having some neighborhood drinks, a catch up with old friends or a family celebration, a garden party is the way to go. Not only is it still the safest way to mingle, but it also takes minimal effort to have a great time. We rounded up our top tips to make your next gathering an evening to remember.
Set the Scene
Lights, Flowers, Candles
Some cut flowers from the garden arranged in an eclectic mix of jars and vases are perfect for a relaxed boho look. Don't worry about the arrangements looking perfect - actually, the opposite is what you are after.
Next up are lights - whether solar-powered string lights or some battery operated fairy lights artfully placed in a jar, adding some subdued lighting is vital for setting the scene. Storm lanterns with candles always add a lovely feel, and you can rest assured that they are safe and not a fire hazard. As the evening progresses, these small touches will ensure a relaxed vibe and a cosy feel.
2. A Welcome Drink
No fuss cocktails, rosés & soft drinks that are easy to serve - garnishes to make them special
Lots of guests arriving at the same time can leave you feeling hassled - trying to get drinks orders while welcoming new friends arriving. Having a selection of pre-made alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails on ice and buckets of chilled wine and beer will help ensure you can get a welcome drink into everyone's hands without getting stressed out.
Cocktails don't have to be fancy - everything looks good with a bit of garnish; maybe some mint or lavender from the garden or some blackberries to reflect the end of summer. A simple gin bar is also a great idea - it encourages small talk as your guests decide what garnishes and mixers to add (and takes some pressure of you as they can help themselves!).
3. Snacks and Platters
Grazing platters and a cold buffet takes the stress out of entertaining
Grazing platters are brilliant at ensuring everyone has enough soakage for all those cocktails! You can prep the plates before your guests arrive. Have a selection out at the start and some in the fridge for later. Chips and dips may seem basic but are always a winner. Have a quick think about any dietary requirements of your guests (vegan, kosher, gluten-free etc.) to ensure there is something for everyone. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for grazing plates or use this step-by-step guide here.
Snazzy napkins are an easy way to appear luxe (we love these ones by Anna Rifle Bond) and bamboo cutlery and plates will help cut down on unnecessary plastic.
4. Music
Set a summer playlist on some portable speakers to set a relaxed vibe. Light the fire and chill.
A rookie mistake is not to have your playlist organised before your guests arrive. Test your portable speakers and ensure you have enough coverage outside to play music. Spotify and Apple Music both have wide choices of playlists, so pick one that will suit the mood you're after - chilled jazz, summer pop, even french bistro! Line up different playlists that will suit the party as it progresses (maybe for some dancing later), so you don't have to think about it again.
If you have a firepit, have it set so you can light it when it starts to get a little chillier or if is a gas-powered fire, ensure you have your fuel ready to go.
5. Finally, add some fun
Add a fun centrepiece as an ice-breaker - an adhoc photo booth, streamers or DIY smores to add a touch of fun to the night.
A simple ice-breaker centrepiece can be a great way to get conversations flowing if you are having a neighborhood gathering or a party where not all the guests know each other very well. DIY smores are a fun way to get people to interact. A simple frame hung from a tree as a photobooth are fun, easy ideas that require little effort for a big payoff.
Balloons, streamers, paper pom-poms all add a touch of fun and occasion and take little time to set up.
And of course, your Outdoor Nook, provides the perfect backdrop for friends to sit down, kick back and enjoy a lovely evening chatting and having fun.