Throw the most magical outdoor parties while summer's still in full swing
Inspo from Insta, plus the tips and pieces you need to host your stylish soiree!
Summer is still in full swing, but it is fleeting. That anxiety is just the impetus we need to starting sending out the invites for chic celebrations outdoors. Whether patio-based or poolside, by the beach or your own backyard gather your friends and fam and get out there!
With a little inspiration from the internet to guide us, we're bringing you ideas to suit your space and mood, plus the tips and items to help you pull of a chic and chill outdoor event. Cheers!
Haute picnic
Leave the red checkered blanket at home, we're obsessed with this picnic idea. Not enough lawn chairs? Not a problem! Take your al fresco dining to the backyard - or even to a field with this inspiration in mind. This look works for small gatherings and creates an intimate feel by having everyone sit around on pillows! Use vintage-style rugs (very trendy right now) as the base and layer them to create a designated dining area. Raid your living room and use what you already own. Pile on floor pillows and beautiful textiles to create an inviting place to linger once the meal is done. Incorporate trays as centerpieces, and to help you transport the food. Tableware can be brought from indoors, and florals can add a pop of colour. Use tray tables and stools to keep things low to the ground, and display florals or keep extra food on. Toss in a few blankets for when the sun goes down and your guests can linger as the night wears on.
GET THE LOOK: Orange tassle cushion, $76 at VdeV; Tray table, $99 at Ikea; Medallion rug, $68, at VdeV; Blue rug, $18 at VdeV; Placemats, $2.50 at Ikea; Moroccan leather pouf, $295 at Home Smith; Throw blanket $128 at Anthropologie; Tassel embroidered napkins, $32 at West Elm; Crown tray, $10 at Magnolia Market; Faceted lantern, $49 at West Elm.
Sophisticated oasis
This dinner party is all about the greenery. You can create a tropical oasis in your own backyard for guests to escape to. Perfect for a dinner party, but also for brunches, and even showers. Don't hesitate to bring the indoors outside for this look; using your dining room chairs will add a bit of elegance to the outdoor dining experience. For tableware, aim for neutrals and use lots of glass to show off the greenery on the table. Hit up your local farmer's market and florists for the foliage (edible greens can work!) and potted plants. A key factor for creating this lush look is hanging plants from the top of your patio. If your patio doesn't have a roof, hang the plants from surrounding trees and even fence posts. The more the merrier.
GET THE LOOK: Faux palm leaf, $15.95 at CB2; Faux monstera leaf, $18.95 at CB2; Patterned glass, $3.49 at Ikea; Leafy paper napkins, $3.99 at Ikea; Fringed cotton napkin set, $54 at Anthropologie; Hanging metal planter, $14 at Urban Outfitters; Set of glass vases, $14.99 at Ikea; Black and white hanging planter, $39.50 at Indigo
Backyard campfire
You may not be at summer camp, but you can still have a campfire with s'mores and all. Invite guests over for a bonfire and everyone can roast their fave camp treats. You don't need to have a built in fire pit for this to work, outdoor pits for purchase work just fine. For a more sophisticated look, use your cush patio chairs. Be sure to throw in some cushions and blankets for when the night cools off. For added ambiance, string lights from the trees or poles. Planters and lanterns make the space super cozy, too. For food, use a table or bar cart from inside. Mason jars are a fun and rustic way to serve beverages. For snacks, make a s'mores bar on the cart. Pile up some extra logs for decor and for use as the night progresses and you'll be roasting and toasting late into the night.
GET THE LOOK: Bulb patio lights, $39.50 at Indigo; Checkered throw, $24.50 at Indigo; Boating pillow cover, $9.50 at Indigo; Outdoor fire pit, $217 at Home Depot; Wood and rope lanterns, $79-129 at West Elm; Outdoor serving cart, $89 at Ikea; Mason jar dispenser, $17.97 at Walmart.ca; Tassel throw blanket, $128 at Anthropologie; Wire lantern, $99.97 at CB2.
Kid's party
This party is so bright and cheery we want to use it for all of our happiest celebrations. Especially perfect for a kid's birthday or a baby shower, this look is all about picking a colour scheme and committing to it. And the balloons! For the focal point of the décor, string balloons and greenery together to create a large archway. Visit your local party planner, or have your co-host help you string them all together. For a kid's party, don't be afraid to opt for melamine plates. Picnic tables make this party low-key and for extra seating, throw in some floor cushions. Homemade signs give the party a personalized touch. Opt for florals in the same colour scheme and incorporate some paper decorations to brighten up the tables.
GET THE LOOK: Pink paper napkins, $3.99 at Ikea; Two-tiered serving stand, $16.99 at Ikea; Velvet floor pillow, $59 at Urban Outfitters; Jute floor cushion, $119 at CB2; Hanging paper decoration, $4.99 at Ikea; 12-pack of bright pink balloons, $7.99 PartyCity.com; Kid's melamine cutlery, $5 at Anthropologie; Melamine serving platter, $28 at Anthropologie; Melamine dinner plate set, $40 at Anthropologie.