Summer is one of my favourite seasons to entertain in. The Hydrangeas and roses are all flowering and we have all the beautiful seasonal berries and fruits to enjoy. Today I have some simple tips on how to throw the perfect summer party, inside or out.
Image | Style Me Pretty | Photographer – Lindsay Hackney
Style & Colour
Determine your style and colours for your party. You can use a neutral white tablecloth on your table and add some soft pinks or blues from flowers in your garden or you can choose to create a simple table of blue and white.
Choose something with a bit of glamour like hot pink, gold and white. I love this colourful display of mixed roses above, it makes for a beautiful table centrepiece.
Invitations
Create your own invitation to your summer party. Take the time to create a personalised invitation, using your chosen style and colours to make it pretty. Include all the key details such as:
- Name
- When
- Address
- RSVP
- A start and finish time
- What to bring
Image | Style Me Pretty | Photographer – Lindsay Hackney
Image | Style Me Pretty | Photographer – Lindsay Hackney
Image | Style Me Pretty | Photographer – Alisa Ferris | Cake – Earth & Sugar
Refreshments & Summer Cake Recipe
Edible flowers and small berries can be made up in your ice cubes, they not only add colour and look pretty but will also keep your guests cool. They also look great in a jug of water that is placed on the refreshments table.
Ingredients – makes 3 six inch layers or 2 eight inch layers
5 egg whites
3/4 cup whole milk
2 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into cubes
4 lemons, zest
You will find the directions for mixing and baking over at Style Me Pretty
Plan – Make A List
Planning is key to a successful summer party. Make separate lists for decorations, food and who will be attending. Plan your table setting or refreshments table ahead of time. This way you will be so organised and a little bit more relaxed.
Don’t forget to plan your outfit too.
Image | Style Me Pretty | Photographer – Lindsay Hackney
Image | Style Me Pretty | Photographer – Lindsay Hackney
Focal Point
Every event needs a beautiful focal point. Create one for your party, whether it is a beautiful entrance table full of fresh flowers from the garden or you can place an order for something special from your local florist incorporating the colours of your summer party. This way it creates a talking point and something for everyone to admire.
Some focal points to create:
- Entrance table
- Refreshments table
- Dining table
- Outdoor activities table
- Welcome sign
Image | Style Me Pretty
Decor
The fun part is transforming your party and dressing your table with beautful pieces. There are so many things you can use, here are some ideas.
- Table cloths
- Napkins
- Trays
- Candles
- Cushions
- Lanterns
- Balloons
Whether your party is indoor or out, add cushions to your chairs for comfort, colour and pattern. If you are using a small tea light or votive candle, use many of them down the table with your flowers, this will create a colourful party table. You are now party ready. Have fun.
