Throwing a Chic and Elevated Summer Cocktail Party
It can't get much better than cool cocktails on a warm night. Gathering your best gals together and kicking back with a few expertly mixed drinks is totally a summer must. In the spirit of perfect get-togethers we’ve collected a chic guide for a warm weather party. But just because it’s an evening at home doesn’t mean it can’t be an affair to remember and a classy party everyone will be talking about for summers to come. Grab some friends, grab some drinks, and prepare to take your cocktail party plans to another level.
Outdoor Glasswear
Votives
Candles will not only provide you with gentle lighting, but if you opt for citronella candles you’ll get protection from bugs and other unwelcome party guests of the creepy crawly variety.
Dress the Table
Or try an unexpected one. Fun flowers and table dressings add flair to your party, even if it’s last minute. And if you need extra seating, try using a surface like a barrel or even a wagon as an ad hoc surface.
Get Your Drinks in Order
If you can get a friend to whip up a fancy signature cocktail do it. But if you can’t, pick out your favorite drinks and make sure you have plenty of ingredients on hand. If you need a couple ideas try a fruity watermelon mint cooler. Bonus points if you can hire a bartender for the evening! Someone to wait on your friends will make it a relaxed evening to remember. Find the recipe here.
Lighting
Grab some elegant fairy lights that’ll help take your guests from evening into night time.
Perfect a Playlist
The right playlist won’t just keep the mood light, it’ll fill the silences should those inevitable moments of awkwardness seep in. You mix can also subtly let guests know when it’s time to go (think NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye”).
Food
Don’t let warm weather fool you into thinking that you need to serve hotdogs or cookout food. Stick to traditional cocktail treats like fried bread or tartlets. Check out Martha Stewart for more ideas.
Pillows
Dress up lackluster patio furniture with textures and fabrics. A few outdoor pillows can make a space look like a million bucks, even if it just cost you a hundred.
