Diary of a Party Planner: Home Grown

by Ashley Gibbs

String lights, mason jars and a little laughter are the best ingredients for a spring or summer backyard bash.  

Turn on some country radio (ok, or just play tunes off your iPhone) and invite your favorite people over for the perfect southern family evening.  Whether you are craving crawfish, barbecue, or thinking about an old fashion pot-luck, we have ideas to help make your party feel laid back while also including a few thoughtful touches.   

Afternoon Ambience

As the day turns into night, keep the ambience alive and your guests feeling cozy.  All you need to ensure that kids and adults alike will want to stay curled up in your backyard visiting and playing games are string lights and extra blankets.  Don’t worry about perfectly stringing the lights up, wrapping them and draping them anywhere will work and create an inviting scene.  Grab as many old blankets, roll them up and make them easily accessible in a basket for your guests. 

No Bugs Allowed

Keep your drinks pest free with the cutest and easiest cup cover I have ever seen.  Grab a package of festive cupcake liners, turn them upside down to cover the top of your cup, punch a hole, insert your straw and there will be no bugs getting in your drinks!  Go the extra mile with a fun striped paper straw and serve the drinks out of mason jars.  This practical party hack will not only be functional but will add a playful element to your décor.   

Game Night

There are endless outdoor games to keep the children happy and entertained.  If you are short on time, simply take inventory of various balls, bats, and hula hoops that are already around your house, and group them together – the kids will be inventing their own games and having hula hoop contests in no time.  Another great outdoor game with supplies you already should have on hand is an egg and spoon race.  Divide kids into two groups and see who can cross the finish line without cracking their egg!  However, if you don’t mind a little mess, pick up a couple cans of yard paint and create an outdoor Twister board.  This game is sure to be the hit of the party as everyone will want to get in on the fun.  Spray four rows of colored circles onto your grass, just like a traditional Twister game and take turns calling out directions – right hand, yellow!