There is something about summer time that makes us want to gather with family and friends and enjoy the great outdoors all together. But sometimes, people get overwhelmed at the idea of hosting large gatherings from both a planning and a cost perspective.
Well I’m here to show you how with minimal planning and using a few ingredients (many of which you probably already have on hand), you can throw a beautiful and memorable summer bash!
Let’s start with the food, cause why not?! Food is always the center piece of just about any party. I would go as far to say that without food, you barely have a party! There is just something about gathering around a table (or in a backyard) and sharing together over some good grub.
For me, I enjoy putting on a huge feast when I have guests over, but usually during the fall and winter months. When it comes to summer, I want something easy, light and refreshing!
One of my favorite snack foods to put together (or even for dessert) are fruit kabobs. This is something that any age enjoys eating, but also something that your kids can help you prep. Regardless of what fruits you have on hand, if it can fit on a skewer, you are set! Then, using this recipe from Walmart’s Recipe Centre, you can whip up a super simple and yet delicious creamy lemon dip to accompany the fruit! Not only do the fruit skewers taste delicious but they look amazing as well!
After you have the food planned out, you want to try and incorporate some simple decor items that will take your party from simple to fabulous without braking the bank.
In an age where “Pinterest parties” are so extraordinary, we sometimes feel like we can’t measure up. But I’m a firm believer that you don’t need all the fanfare to make your party special and stand out from the rest. Just a few small details will help tie together your party and make your guests feel extra special.
Take this plastic dishware from Walmart with the large palm leaves. These oversized palm leaves are so on trend right now and yet these dishes all cost less than $5 each! Most of them are on sale right now and as low as 75 cents a piece! START THE CAR!!! Even if you didn’t want to buy all the plates and cups, but just had a few of the colored bowls and/or the tray with a simple bouquet of fresh flowers in a tumbler can add all the pizzazz that you need. Sometimes less is truly more!
Another quick tip I wanted to add when thinking about party decor, check out different areas of the store that you wouldn’t necessarily think of for ideas and inspiration. For me, I wandered through the towel aisle and instead of using a traditional runner, I found this beautiful ombre towel that matched the dishware. Down the kitchen aisle, I found a large palm leaf placemat that I thought would add a nice pop of green and natural element (although it’s plastic) to the table. And it was $3!
Finally, when planning out your summer bash with family and friends (or any year round party, for that matter), it’s important to think about your guests needs. You always want to make sure you are aware of whether or not your guests have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. We are an allergy family, so we try to be mindful of others who might have peanut and/or other allergies. Our neighbors are also vegan and while we are not, it doesn’t stop us from having them over and making foods that we can all enjoy.
But even beyond food, make sure you have some activities planned for your guests. If you are having kids over, getting some water balloons or sidewalk chalk. Even something as simple as twisty straws that the kids can play with can be all the entertainment that the kids need. Plan for s’mores with a pre-packaged s’mores kit, if you have a fire pit. And don’t forget the adults. There are all kinds of fun lawn games you can find to keep your guests entertained. Or if all else fails, make sure to crank up an awesome playlist and let your guests groove their way through your party!
And then at the end of the day, once your guests arrive, make sure to sit back and ENJOY your guests. Don’t fret about little things that aren’t done or maybe a messy spot in your home. Your guests aren’t there to see all of the imperfections, they are there to see YOU! So enjoy yourself and your time together!
If you are wanting more easy, summer recipes, make sure to check out Walmart’s Recipe Centre for loads of inspirational and budget-friendly ideas!
Love & Blessings,
Note: This post is sponsored by Walmart Canada, as part of the Great Value #MakeSummerGreat program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.
