Indoor Outdoor BBQ Party Entertaining Ideas
Here in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve got to have a back-up plan when you send out BBQ party invites. Today, the focus is all about how to host a casual get together, come rain or shine. With Spring upon us, and the promise of Summer to follow, it’s the perfect time to get our homes ready for the fun of outdoor BBQ’s & parties, full of family & friends. If the weather isn’t going to plan, you could always use a party tent rentals sacramento service to allow your guests to breathe in the spring air whilst keeping dry. If you’re lucky, it might even be really sunny so you can use the tent for shade.
And how to be prepared if the weather doesn’t cooperate!
The very first thing I did to set the mood for a feeling of being “a little bit outdoors” was to string a set of Edison style glass patio lights. I did a DIY treatment to mine first though. I removed all the bulbs and spray painted the brown cords & sockets white. Let dry. Then hung. The summer is the perfect time for parties. Whether they are indoors or outdoors, it is essential to have lighting to add an extra element to the surroundings. It creates a mood for any form of entertainment. When it comes to hosting parties, I like to plan these out in advance so I can envision what it will look like and change anything if needs be. A friend of mine is an event planner and we sometimes I go to her for advice on what I could add to give the party that little bit extra. She told me that lighting is important and so this is something that I should consider as well as the basics. After this, she told me to buy festoon lighting online
even through I mentioned I already have lights. These lights she mentioned are so much better, as they can be used for any special event and they are easy to install. Once you have them, they’ll certainly light up any outdoor space. Plus, a little bit of extra lighting for photo taking never hurt anybody. Alternatively, you could choose to get the party started with some strobe lights that’ll light up any party environment.
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TIP: To protect your glass bulbs from breakage, string your lights without the bulbs! Place & secure your light strand, then add the lights.
I used washi tape to hang my lights. It’s quick, easy and temporary. After I had the string set up, I screwed the lights back in. Ahh… much better with a white cord.
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TIP: A divided caddy is perfect for holding utensils, napkins and etc’s at the ready and is handy outdoors & in!
I don’t know if there is anything that feels more festive than red & aqua together? The red pattern has just enough yellow to allow me to add that as well, and it’s that sunny shade that takes it over the top!
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TIP: Build on the outdoor-in feel by adding flowers you’d normally find outside.
I grabbed a few yellow Ranunculus from the garden department. I’ll be planting them permanently outdoors, but for a quick party perk-up, cover the garden pots in a scrunched-up brown paper lunch sack, and they can attend to party too. The color of the brown bags marries well with natural fiber baskets, table runners and place mats. I’ve used this trick for years. This time I went plain, but you can add twine, ribbon or other trimmings to cinch the sack and bring in additional color and texture.
I love my new dishes. I love them I tell ya!! I normally do white and add color as the mood strikes, but when Spring & Summer hit, all bets are off and I go crazy for color.
These outdoor-safe plastic glasses are crystal clear and the aqua rim is divine! Perfect for pool side and worry free. I think they come in cobalt and red as well. I love to mix & match though, so I paired my red dishes with the aqua/turquoise shade in the glasses, and the solid plates.
This pattern is so energetic! Wouldn’t it be fun for a Cinco De Mayo party? I bet morning cereal is going to tastes better in them too.
Technically these cuties below are referred to as “berry bowls” but I call them minis. And they are perfect for dips and tiny extras! (or a single scoop of ice cream)
Next I layered on a little ambiance.
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TIP: Gather lanterns and include them in the mix.
I used a pair of white indoor/outdoor lanterns on the shelf as classically intended, with candles. An aqua ceramic lantern was used as a temporary planter.
To add a nice warm glow to go along with the party lights, add some stand alone jar candles. I highly suggest the new limited edition Pineapple Kiwi Colada. YUM!
(This is the label to look for – telling ya, it’s delicious!)
I got two. Because everyone knows, two is better than one. I probably should have gotten five. They smell so good!!
Just like Hawaii. But more affordable.
At Fox Hollow Cottage, we are now ready to entertain with bright, vibrant colors that’ll keep us feeling festive even if there is hail coming down outside. Which incidentally, there was when I was photographing this pretty party setting! Like I said, having a back up plan is imperative.
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Easy Click & Browse Shopping Sources:
- Better Homes and Gardens Glass Edison String Lights, 10 Count [click here]
- Better Homes and Gardens 18 Ounce Candle, Pineapple Kiwi Colada [click here]
- Better Homes and Gardens Color Rim 19 oz Tumbler, 6-Pack in “Teal” [click here]
- Better Homes and Gardens Red Medallion Melamine Cereal Bowl, 6 pack [click here]
- Better Homes and Gardens Red Medallion Melamine Berry Bowl, 6 pack [click here]
- Better Homes and Gardens Teal Trellis Melamine Berry Bowl, 6 pack [click here]
- Better Homes and Gardens Red Medallion Melamine Dinner Plate, 6 pack [click here]
- Better Homes and Gardens Rustic Teal Swirl Melamine Dinner Plate, 6 pack [click here]
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Great ideas, can’t wait for it to warm up here in Wisconsin so we can BBQ! Your photos, by the way, are so awesome. I was scrolling past the words just to look at the amazing images (then went back to read, of course haha)!
Well thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed them!
Happy Spring.
Love it all! Let’s have a BBQ together 🙂
YES! I’ll come to your house. You cook. hahaha 😉
I absolutely love these dishes. I would enjoy a BBQ at your home. So happy and colorful Shannon.
Maybe someday when The Little Cottage is done!! xo