IS YOUR HOME READY FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING?

Memorial Day is this Monday–the official start of summer! I feel like it really snuck up on me this year. We are so behind on home projects that I feel like that's all we're going to be doing this weekend. Are you--or better yet--is your backyard ready for summer entertainaing? Here are 5 tips to get your home ready for those summer nights!

REPLACE WORN CUSHIONS: If you've pulled out seat cushions from storage and some are really faded or worn out, go ahead and replace them. Cushions are usually what add pops of color to your outdoor decor and they just won't serve their purpose if they're faded.

FIX BIG LAWN PROBLEMS: If there are any big, glaring dead spots in your lawn or dozens of weeds around, try to get those issues fixed before hosting guests.

AMPLE LIGHTING: Most summer parties start and end well into the night so make sure you have some form of lighting prepared. That could mean lights attached to your patio umbrella, mason jars with tea lights around the deck, candles or even Christmas lights hung up around the perimeter of your yard.

REVIEW YOUR TOOLS/SUPPLIES: Make sure your grill scrub cleaners and other tools are still in good condition and that you even know where they all are. If you have a propane grill, make sure the tank is full. This is also a good time to make sure you have bug spray, sunblock and paper goods, such as plates and cups, stocked.

BUY A NEW GAME: No doubt relaxing and sipping a refreshing drink on the patio is enjoyable, but it's always fun to get a little competitive in the backyard with a game. One of our neighbors set up a badminton set in their backyard last year and it was a blast!

So are you ready to host a summer soiree? What other tips do you have?

Photo Source: Pixabay

SUMMER BUCKET LIST FOR THE PARTY ENTHUSIAST

With summer around the corner I'm seeing a lot of bucket lists filled with activities to do over the next few months - most of them with kids. I decided to put together a bucket list for the summer hostess! Here are a few goals and skills to accomplish over the next few months. Let me know if you have any good ones to add.

PERFECT A NEW COCKTAIL: Learn a new cocktail using a summery flavor like peach and make it your signature drink for the season.

LEARN A NEW FROSTING TECHNIQUE: Pick up a frosting bag and look up a YouTube video to liven up your desserts. Truth be told, I have yet to perfect a ruffle cake. I do not have a steady hand!

GIVE BACK: If you're a professional party planner, look for an opportunity to give back to your community. For instance, host a party at a local hospital for children that have a summer birthday or look to see if Operation Shower will be in your area..

MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM: You can't get any easier than this recipe here! Make sure to have a large choice of toppings to make it complete.

THROW AN OUTDOOR MOVIE PARTY: There's nothing like watching a movie on a big screen, under the stars. Prepare a popcorn bar and have plenty of blankets and mosquito spray on hand.

HOST A UNIQUE THEME: Come up with an unexpected theme for a summer soiree... maybe something like a Heathers croquet theme party! Great excuse to get the girls together.

PICK YOUR OWN BERRIES: I am so grateful when summer hits because I feel like we eat much healthier in the summer. Find a farm near you where you can pick your own berries and fruit. It's a lot of fun and your taste buds will thank you. Plus, your desserts will burst with flavor.

MAKE A KICKASS PLAYLIST OR UPDATE AN OLD ONE: Music is a great way to set the tone for a party, and there's always that one song that becomes the summer anthem. Put together a playlist to have ready when guests come over.

PICNIC IN THE PARK OR BEACH: If you're like me you collect a lot of cute items that you hope to use one day, like a picnic basket, cool wine holders, etc. Make use of them by enjoying a picnic at the park, beach or even the backyard. My girls love to picnic under the tree in our backyard. That way if we forget something, we don't have to go very far!

VISIT A FLEA MARKET: Take a stroll through a flea market to find new party items or home decor. There are many treasures to be found at flea markets, and most of the time you can negotiate the price for something you really like!

Photo Source: Pixabay

INTIMATE BOHEMIAN INSPIRED WEDDING SHOOT

Nature and florals take center stage in this beautifully styled shoot photographed by Florida's Aggie Photography St. Pete.  The lace table cover and naked cake help give the decor a bohemian vibe. I especially love the flowers in the bride and maid of honor's hair. Not only perfect for a wedding, but this decor is also ideal for a bridal shower or engagement party. Make sure to check out the list of vendors at the bottom who helped put this dreamy and romantic setting together.

Photographer:   Aggie Photography St. Pete // Hair Stylist: Caroline //Floral Designer: Cotton & Magnolia // Event Planner: Eventive // Makeup Artist: Imago Dei by Milan // Other: Oberry's Succulents // Cake Designer: The Cake Girl//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

RED, WHITE AND TRUE BLUE INSPIRATION

What comes to mind when you want to honor and celebrate America? In this styled shoot Fairy Godmother Events used red, white and blue, classic cars and a few vintage accents in this bold tablescape. Whether you're hosting a Memorial Day barbecue or a 4th of July event, you'll find some useful ideas here. I love that the different colors were brought to the table with the bottled drinks and cute utensils. The themed cookies really make an impact. Thank you to California's Brady Rushing for sharing the inspiration.

Photographer: Brady Rushing - Photographer// Other: The Cookie Monger //Event Designer: Fairy Godmother a Wedding & Event Company//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

LAKE HOUSE SUMMER CELEBRATION

My girls finish school at the end of this month so summer for us is really almost here! This styled shoot by high school student, Sarah, for her senior project (you read that right!) brings together all the essentials for the perfect kick-off to summer. A well-packed cooler, delicious food, a blast of color – and of course don't forget the floaties which are necessary for lounging in the water all day! I especially love those fun, bold towels! Mississippi photographer, Jennifer Jones, served as mentor on the project as well as helped to capture the fun. I think Sarah deserves an A+!

Photographer:  Jennifer Jones Photography // Hair Stylist: Bangs Salon // Location: Flint Creek Water Park // Yeti Products Provided by: Jack's Home Improvement Center // Floral Designer: Skinner's Florist and Gifts // Apparel, Floats, Beach Bags, Beach Towels: Southern Pearls // Culinary: The Cabin Store//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

30TH BIRTHDAY BACKYARD CELEBRATION

This milestone celebration is a great example of how the same decor provides a different effect from day to night. The string of lights adds some flair during the day but at night provides a lovely ambiance. I love the memory questionnaires tucked into the table napkins, and how fun is that plate full of donuts?! It looks like the guest of honor had a lot of fun reading them during the party. Big thanks to Columbus, Ohio photographer, Jessica Miller, for sharing the special day–and night–with us!

Photographer:   Jessica Miller Photography//Bakery: Buckeye Donuts//Caterer:City Barbeque//Equipment Rentals: Lasting Impressions Event Rentals//Event Planner:MStyle//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

BEAUTIFUL BRUNCH INSPIRATION WITH LEMONS, GREENERY AND MORE

With the start of spring comes the start of fresh party themes. Magnolia Grove Weddings and Events took a break from weddings to style this beautiful brunch that would be perfect for Mother's Day, bridal shower or even a birthday. The watercolors, lemons and greenery whips open the windows and welcomes spring into the home! And you can't have brunch without a mimosa bar. Enhance your own bar with fresh fruit and different flavored juices. Thanks to North Carolina's Kelsey Nelson Photography for capturing and submitting the inspiration. Please make sure to check out the entourage of vendors below who put this spring inspiration together and were kind to share their creativity with us.

Photographer:   Kelsey Nelson Photography//Event Planner: Magnolia Grove Weddings and events //Calligrapher: Raleigh Calligraphy // Staging: Minted Spaces // Design: Shelby Dillon Studios

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

SPRINGTIME GARDEN PARTY

I realize some of you in the northeast may not be feeling it, but spring is just a week away. It's just about time to start planning some outdoor festivities! Submitted by photographer Kir 2 Ben, this beautiful garden party welcomes spring with pretty pastels and handmade paper decor.  My favorite items have to be the scalloped plates and floral napkins–they just make the table. Best of all, you can easily achieve this look on your own by ordering a curated "event in a box" from Gala Tuesday. Find all the spring options and more here.