Thursday, July 19, 2012

Outdoor Entertaining ~ Backyard Party




As I shared earlier this month I have been helping my Mom plan a small party for her bunco group.
For any of you who don't know, party planning is one of the small details we take great pride in.
We certainly do know how to throw a good time, while making your guests feel welcome & invited.
I think we enjoy planning the party almost as much as
 seeing it through to the final goodbye of the last guest.

This party turned out to be a great success!
The ladies enjoyed a great evening of fun, food & cocktails.


When we originally started to plan the party I thought it would be a great idea to have it outdoors.
This would accomodate the group of 12-14 women more comfortably than being indoors.
Little did we know that Iowa would have one of the hottest Summer's on record,
nor did we know that we were in for a heat wave for the entire two weeks prior to the party.
Thank goodness we had a reprieve on the evening of the ninth & the weather cooperated.
Well.....mostly!


We rented this long table & chairs for the main table.
Originally the plan was the table would be in the yard underneath the big Maple tree.
Well, there goes that darn Mother Nature again.
An hour before the party she changed our plans.
We had a huge down pour that lasted about 30 minutes.
So, we scrambled bringing the decor & bar indoors & out of the rain.
Thank goodness we saved the table cloths!

Then what do you know, 15 minutes before the party sunshine & clear blue skys again!
Back outside we went quickly before anyone was the wiser.
Outdoor Bar Area

Galvanized buckets served as chillers.
Filled with ice wine & bottled beer our guests could help themselves.
Don't be afraid to use your glass stemware outdoors.
It's a nice elegant touch added to a casual outdoor setting.
Perfect for outdoor evening entertaining.

We set up a couple different seating zones for guests to mingle throughout the yard.
Below is a bench near the pond.


Our menu was fairly light & refreshing.
Broccoli Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, Bruschetta, Fresh Strawberries,
& for dessert your choice of decadent carrot cake or a slice of sweet lemon cake.
The cake's came from a local bakery all the other food we made the afternoon of the party.
I actually decided to help out with preparing the food, refreshments, serving & clean up.
It made it much easier for my Mom to host & enjoy her guests for the evening.

Broccoli Salad with an Italian Vinaigrette

I absolutely loved helping my Mom plan this party.
It was so much fun.
Hmmm I could even see myself as a bit of a party planner.

Do you like to host parties?
What about planning?  I would love to hear your stories.

14 comments:

  1. WOOW That is a great PARTY :)
    and do not miss....

    S
    A
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    A
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    it is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    HÃ¥kan ( The Roseman)

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  2. What a beautiful event! Thank goodness Mother Nature didn't ruin the party but you must have been very tired after all that scurrying. Will you share your salad recipes? They look really good!

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  3. Very, very nice . . . I liked the setting, look, flow, food, comfort . . . Like I said, very, very nice!

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  4. What a welcoming atmosphere! The food looks spectacular, too.

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  5. What a gorgeous party! Your whole setup is so beautiful. I love your round bistro tables. Would love to know where you found them! Stopping by from Wow Us Wednesday.

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  6. Really pretty party Carrie! You and your mom did a fabulous job...I am sure that the guests felt so special and enjoyed themselves so much! Angie xo

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  7. So beautiful! Glad that the rain stopped! Popping over from the 36th Avenue party!

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  8. The outdoor space looks lovely and I am sure the guests enjoyed the pretty surrounds!

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  9. I'm just in heaven enjoying your party and your yard. You can always tell someone who enjoys throwing parties. Lucky guests! I'm glad the sun came out and you were able to carry on!
    Liz

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  10. What a gorgeous party...wish I was a guest. Love the white flowers and metal tubs...and round tables....not to mention the food. WOW.

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  11. So fun, everything looks amazing! I especially love the long table and bar set up, just perfect! Cheers!

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  12. what a beautiful outdoor party! and such a charming backyard :)

    zorrie
    www.sugarandchic.com

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  13. Wow this is so lovely and your garden...sigh.

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  14. Wow, what a lovely party. I am hosting a Giveaway to win a 50 dollar gift card to the store HomeGoods. It would be great if you stopped by and entered. Thanks Anu

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I love your comments! I appreciate each and every cottage visitor and hope you willll come back again soon! Carrie

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