All this thinking of spring and our garden has me so excited for some outdoor entertaining. We have a big backyard, and though we don’t have a whole lot of design control over it as renters, it’s in pretty good shape for pulling out the bbq and having friends over once it starts getting warmer.

To get in the mood, I tracked down some of my favorite outdoor party inspiration to share with you (and a little project I hope to tackle soon!)

From blog Brabourne Farm

From tumblr blog Red Morning

With a rustic table and chairs, floral fabrics, some flowers and fresh food, getting the party started will be easy! As night falls, some twinkle lights or simple lanterns will keep the party going well into the evening.

Design*Sponge just featured this simple diy for a rustic tablecloth made of IKEA dishtowels. Simple and chic and right in line with the season:

From design*sponge

Makes me want to whip up a mini version for my little IKEA table I bought last year for my patio. This year it will look great out in the backyard, but this could be just the new look it needs. Remember my antique tablecloth from last summer?

I just can’t wait for spring to arrive!

Do you ever entertain outdoors in the spring or summer? What are your go-to tricks?

I love the use of burlap and linen as tablecloths or runners, and the strong emphasis on greenery as centerpieces. Even the flowers are dominated by their greenery. And of course the grassy feel of the greens with the natural fibers of the textiles is perfectly accented by raw or reclaimed wood. A little lace adds a pretty touch, like a milkmaid with a ribbon in her hair. And the glass and silver brings a little sparkle. Because without sparkle, well your dinner party would just be dinner.

Photos from (top to bottom): Ruffled, P is for Party, Sunday Suppers, P is for Party, Sunday Suppers.

My hostess secret? I get my appetizers from Costco. Mini quiche, mini egg rolls, tomato and feta tartlettes, and the spanakopita are all good but not always in stock. If you go the frozen route, be sure to enlist an extra pair of hands to be pulling stuff out of the oven while you can greet guests. But if you go the make-it-yourself route, here are some suggestions for pretty easy and really tasty (sounding) appetizers that I’d love to find at my next gathering.

Blue Cheese and Walnut Spread

White-bean Dip

Baked Brie with Pecans (shown above, from Martha Stewart)

Cheesy bread

Layered Bean Dip (easy to make before, because it’s served cool)

Carmelized Onion Tarts

Or I always like an easy guacomole. Here’s how I make mine (serves 3-4, depending on how much they like guac!)

1 avacodo, peeled, pitted, and mashed with a fork

1/2 cup salsa

1 TBs sour cream (not necessary, but tasty!)

1/2 tsp lemon juice to keep it’s color

salt to taste, about 1/2 tsp

Mash and stir together, but leave it a little thick and not too creamy. Perfect for chips, pita or french bread. Could also be used as a dip for other crudites like carrot sticks or celery.

For the table runner I used a piece of plaid fabric I rescued from the remnant bin at Joann’s a few weeks ago for just a few dollars. I loved the traditional and fall feel. The centerpiece is actually the same one we used at our Halloween party: Spray-painted mini-pumpkins and faux leaves on my white cake stand. This is where painting the pumpkins a festive metallic instead of creepy black pays off — it works all season.

For each place-setting I used the Fiestaware-inspired dishes Ryan had in his bachelor pad with the salad plates I had from Crate and Barrel. A water glass made from recycled wine bottles sits in the upper corner with a simple wine glass. I tied a branch of Chinese Lantern flowers to a linen napkin and secured it with a bit of burgandy ribbon that I had leftover from another project.

The oranges and reds contrast nicely with the plaid and bring out the subtle red stripe. The whites keep everything looking fresh and I think the golden pumpkins add a bit of holiday cheer.

I bet you could mix and match items from your own cupboards and come up with a whole new look too!

Tried to take as many non-people photos as possible. Last two: I was Nancy Drew, Ryan was a robot (the RY3000). Questions? I’ll answer in the comments section!

Anyway, I thought I’d share some of my favorite glamorous Halloween ideas from Martha Stewart.

As soon as we get moved in (10 days!) I want to tackle some of these Halloween projects! Do you decorate for Halloween? How crazy do you get? My old favorite from growing up in the country was a Barbie on the chopping block with her head off to the side. Looooots of ketchup. And making “cobwebs” out of cheesecloth (the ones up above are from white nylon stockings! Clever!). What tricks do you have in store this year?

All photos from Martha Stewart.

The concept: chocolates in a custom bag, arranged like a candy shop.

How-to:

Make simple labels. I found this print-out on iDIY (freebie courtesy of creature comforts), printed them, cut them out, and wrote the occasion and date.

Glue your labels onto white paper bags (mine were $2.50 for 12 at the craft store). Use a glue-stick or tiny dots to avoid that wrinkled-glue look. To spend a little more, you could print your labels out on stickers (address labels or name badges).

After filling the bag with your treat of choice, fold over and punch holes. String ribbon through from the back and tie a knot or bow in the front.

Arrange on a bookshelf that is magically clear thanks to that fact that you’re moving in a week and a half. Voila, instant candy-shop feel with 24 bags, 12 pieces of paper, lots of chocolate, and two spools of ribbon.

Exhibit A: The invitation. Purchased at Paper Delights in Wallingford (they’ll print your text for you, but I just ran mine through the printer). Most darling store ever. I could have spent my entire paycheck there, and even Ryan liked browsing through the letterpressed cards. Sorry for the tiny picture. It was either this or HUGE. Personal info has been blurred out. This is where I got my color scheme, which has now exploded all over my apartment. Pink and green everywhere!

Only 11 days till the shower and lots of projects to complete. Stay tuned!

My inspiration:

My plan:

1. Pick a theme. I love the idea of a “Plates and Panties” theme and since I know they’re starting a new home and want to get to making babies, she’ll be needing both

2. Invite guests. Found the cutest invitations at Seattle store Paper Delights. I’ll show pictures soon!

3. Pick food, decorations, and favors/game prizes. I’m thinking simple is best, but also items that can be reused. And favors that aren’t too expensive but still fun to get.

4. Execute the plan and party down! Well I guess that will be at the bachelorette party, only a week later!

Have you thrown a successful bridal shower? What did you do for favors? For games?

And don’t worry, I’ll be sure to share the final results!

As seen on Coco + Kelley

I’ve gotten a few emails and questions about where I got everything for my patio. Well you’re in luck!

Table and chairs: Ikea $60 ($20 each piece, sold seperately)
Pink vase: Ikea $4
Tablecloth: Etsy $12
Cocktail napkins: Etsy $8 for 8
Pink glass plates: Third Street Antique Mall in Puyallup $15 for 4 dessert plates and 4 matching dinner plates
Cupcakes: For Seattleites, try Cupcake Royale $2.50 each
Recycled Glass Tumblers: $5 each at Bitters Co. in Fremont
Quilt: Made by Ryan’s grandmother, a Christmas gift.
Flowers: supermarket $6 for two vases full.