The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up nicely. This time of year is just begging for more outdoor entertaining, something that I absolutely live for. I know the thought of hosting a guests during the workweek can seem formidable – I mean, there are some nights where I’m so exhausted, I can hardly wrap my head around what to even order from a takeout menu. But if you’ve got just a few minutes to spare, you can easily whip together an impressive spread for your guests. Today, in collaboration with #TargetStyle, I’ll be giving you tips on how to spruce up your backyard for a midweek game night with friends.
Candles make everything better: My #1 trick for making a table look beautiful and full is candles, candles, and more candles! Use outdoor lanterns and chic candle holders – and mix in lots of tea lights to fill empty spaces. Those flameless candles are also great for a breezy evening.
Simple foods: It’s the middle of the week, don’t stress about cooking up a feast. It’s perfectly ok to make it semi-homemade. Order pizza, make a salad and assemble a cheese and fruit platter and have your guests bring dessert. But whatever you do, don’t forget the cocktails! Moscow Mules are a crowd pleaser and so easy to make (recipe here). There’s something about the copper mug that makes that ginger, vodka and lime concoction that much more refreshing.
Add texture with textiles: A neutral colored linen tablecloth matches anything and because wrinkles are a given, it’s easy. And we like easy. Throw a sheepskin over chairs and add a few cute throw pillows for extra comfort.
Outdoor lights: Just like candles, string lights instantly add that warm and fuzzy touch to an outdoor space. I like keeping them up all spring and summer long . . .
Happy game night! And check out how Sarah Sherman Samuel of Smitten Studio hosts her guests in her lovely backyard!
(images by HonestlyWTF)
The table is really appealing and I thank you for the inspiration!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Feels like eating outside …beautiful..
xoxo
Yael Guetta
http://www.ftwwl.com
This looks so beautiful and warm. I’d love to have a little get together like this with my friends in the city.
I’m a fashion blogger from NYC. Check out http://www.sustenanceandstyle.com for inspiration. Looking for people to collaborate with as well!
What an absolutely GORGEOUS setting! Would love to be a guest at this little party. Cheers!
Very Nice Post good to see so many options for a party
Love the look of sheep skins over the chairs for that warm yet luxurious vibe! There is something really charming about candle-lights so they are definitely great decorations too! Thanks for the inspiration!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
So posh and elegant!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/744940285625583/
This is super cute! Love the copper and wood paired together. Nice touch with the sheep skins!
How awesome and what a wonderful way to break up the week!
xo
styleontheside.com
How awesome and what a wonderful way to break up the week!
http://www.urfa.com/anasayfa
http://www.urfa.com/anasayfa
What an absolutely GORGEOUS setting! Would love to be a guest at this little party. Cheers!
Fantastic decor! Adore the furry chair
Lots of love, xx
http://www.marysreturn.com
http://www.marysreturn.com
Just amazing, well presented, well organized and well written. Thanks for sharing
Talk about gorgeous outdoor space, wow. Can tell its in climate with more moisture than we get here in western CO. Love all full branchy leafy bushes/trees in that outdoor space.
Where can I get those lanterns? Target? Our store gest rid of so much of outdoor summery stuff way too soon in Grand Junction.
I love to use lanterns and candles way thru the Fall and into Summer. Nothing like candle light. I get out all my lanterns, candle holders and position them in ways to make atmosphere all that much more desirable and fun. I turn glass bottles, jars, whatever I can find to turn it into candle holder.
Have big ribbed glass container( which top broke on) but wrapped sisal string around top and put different bands of fabric for season around middle, hang little things on tags from top. Put things in bottom, whatever I can think of to give it different look season to season. I love to be able to change things out when mood strikes, keep fresh new looks in same items. Seems like more I do/change the more ways I can think of to change. Loving keeping my imagination working and perking. When Hobby Lobby has ribbons/trims on sale 1/2 off love to grab at least 2 or 3 different ones than what I have accumulated, keep things different for any ideas that come up.
Have fun changing creating, imagining, isn’t that partly what your blog is about? Happy weekend
Your table and chairs, table setting are so quirky to me it seems but love idea of unusual items used to make table/setting look different and enthralling.