Dip Into Summer: Hosting a Backyard Summer Kick-off Party
Although Memorial Day tends to be the unofficial kick-off to summer, the Summer Solstice takes place in June! This year, June 20th was the official start of summer and here in Minnesota, the weather and sunlight lasting until 9 PM definitely are markers that it’s arrived.
Depending on where you are in the country, events are continuing to be a mix of in-person and virtual, but many people are starting to host small gatherings again with a focus on being outside. I love backyard parties and have hosted many summer events on our deck over the years. You can check out one of my favorite summer tropical dinner parties here and table setting ideas for a small patriotic gathering here.
One of my favorite summer traditions every year has been hosting a small event when my mom has been in town to visit. Each year we have a little theme and indulge in appetizers and fun summer beverages. What is more of an appetizer than DIP!? Last year, we kicked off summer with this fun and easy “Dip Into Summer” theme. These timeless ideas can definitely be used for your own celebration this year or in years to come.
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Tablescape
An outdoor tablescape doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles. Here, I used a blue and white buffalo plaid table runner and used vases with faux floral as a simple centerpiece. I intended to get fresh flowers, but it totally slipped my mind. If you forget something, don’t sweat it, and instead raid your own home or garden!
The place settings consisted of rattan chargers, blue and white plates (Pier 1 brand) that I snagged from my local Goodwill for a steal, and a white appetizer plate from my everyday dishes collection! Goodwill or another local thrift store is a great place to check out for unique plates. They are reasonably priced, upcycled, and you can always donate them back after you use them. The chargers were a favorite Target clearance find that I’ve used for a variety of events including a boho baby sprinkle and the ever-popular bee-themed baby shower I co-hosted for my sister-in-law. I’ve linked to a similar charger on Amazon below!
DIY Terracotta Place Markers
My easy DIY was creating place markers out of mini-pot saucers. These little treasures cost less than a dollar and can frequently be picked up at your local Walmart, Home Depot, or hardware store. I used a chalk paint marker to write each guest’s name on them to finish off the place settings. Any paint pen or marker should do the trick or you can use a Cricut or Silhouette machine to cut vinyl names as well.
Drink Station
Hot summer nights call for cool drinks! To give yourself more time to socialize with you guests, I recommend setting up a drink station right on your deck or patio. This allows guest to serve themselves or for you to be able to quickly grab guests a drink without needing to run in and out of the house.
For this occasion, I served my mom’s Sangria recipe, which is always a hit with my girlfriends. Check out the recipe below!
DeAnne’s Red Summer Sangria
1 - 700 ml bottle of red wine (Lambrusco works well)
4 oz. - Bacardi Lemon Rum
6 oz. - lemon juice
1/2 c. - sugar
1 - 2 liter bottle 7 UP, chilled (can dial-back on this a bit to your liking)
2 lb. - frozen strawberries (for ice + fruit)
Assorted fruits - We generally do strawberries, oranges and lemons
Combine the first four ingredients with wine and rum. Allow to soak with sliced fresh fruit. Add frozen strawberries to the mixture when you are ready to add the 7 UP and serve!
I also had a non-alcoholic bottle of FRE wine chilling in another amazing Goodwill find, a terracotta wine chiller! FRE has an awesome selection of non-alcoholic wines for mamas-to-be or those who prefer not to drink! Sparkling water is also another great option to have on-hand.
Fill up a bowl with ice and add a spoon or tongs as well.
I adorned the drink station with an adorable banner from Sunshine Tulip Designs. You can grab the full collection of coordinating printables in Christina’s shop!
DIY Party Favors
I am always a fan of a little party favor! Favors don’t have to be expensive. One way to keep costs down is by tucking away clearance finds. Either tuck away items you find at the end of the season or keep an eye out pretty much anytime after the 4th of July for summer clearance steals. Most stores are starting to make room for new fall items and if your party is in July or August, you can often get hats, beach towels, or beach bags for a bargain. These bags were only $3 a piece at Walmart!
To personalize them a bit more, I added each guest’s monogram using my Cricut Explore Air 2, heat transfer vinyl, and my Circut Easy Press. I also tied on a “Dip Into Summer” tag from the Sunshine Tulip collection as well.
I hope you all have a wonderful summer!
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