I absolutely LOVE to host parties and have friends over for get-togethers..there's always a reason to celebrate, and life is waaaay more fun if you choose to have a party and enjoy it! I recently had some of my girlfriends over for a birthday celebration, and after getting many a question of
'how to' or
'where to find' things, it seemed like a good idea to put together some tips that I think about when hosting a sparkling soiree!
I am a flower enthusiast. Seriously. When decorating for parties, there's no such thing as too many flowers. For this party, I really wanted the flowers to take center stage in the table decor, and so I filled vases of differing heights to the brim with blooms.
There's no need to spend exorbitant amounts on getting things professionally arranged; I thrifted a bunch of mason jars, vases and short, circular jars and then picked up bunches of spray roses and various other flowers from the farmer's market. Also, check your local grocery store for any floral deals; my local chain had a deal of 3 bunches of roses and assorted flowers for $12! If you do one thing for your table, it should be a good bunch of blooming beauties.
When you first arrive to a party, there can sometimes be a bit of lag time while waiting for the others to show up. Give your guests something to do, which allows them to relax and mingle a little. The best way to do this is to have a drink station with a few options so people can mix flavors to make their favorite.
A few good additions to your table would be ice cubes with fresh cut lemon slices, berries or even mint leaves frozen into them, a variety of infused water, iced tea, lemonade or a fruit punch. Decorative ice cubes are an affordable and simple touch that makes everything look elegant! Take time to choose some fun drink containers as well! We sipped on French pink lemonade in pretty champagne flutes, and iced tea in mason jars.
A good meal always begins and ends well, so start things with a simple hors d'oeuvre. Cheese spreads are always a great option, and provide the perfect beginning to a savory meal. I would suggest a classic brie with some sweet oatcakes, pear or apricot paste and honey.
This caprese flatbread comes together rather simply, yet tastes gourmet. Begin with some pre-made pizza dough, brush with pesto, layer on your tomato slices and mozzarella. Bake everything in the oven, drizzle with a balsamic glaze, and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil. Voila!
Leigh Growney, of
The Short Giraffe, created this beautiful lavender honey cake with buttercream frosting which was the perfect finale to the evening! Choose a dessert from a local bakery, rather than the typical pick up from a grocery store. It's fun to support business in your town, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the confections you're able to find! Nothing says '
celebrate' like sparklers, so to add a touch of whimsy to the dessert, we added some! Too fun!
Guests never leave my parties without a little take-home gift. Perhaps that's my generous nature speaking, but I think it's always a good idea to put together a little "thank you" gift. Trust me, you'll always have happy guests if you do! :) Take into consideration a small thing or two that would be useful and easy to find. Tiny jars of honey with handmade labels, a little notepad, lip balm or a few assorted teas are all things I've tucked into cute little bags.
With these easy tips, you can simply entertain and enjoy, no matter the occasion, and you'll always have a bunch of happy guests who won't want to leave, and can't wait until your next party!
Cheers to more simple celebrations!
-Candice
