Category: Entertaining

At-home weddings are some of the best. They offer a comfortable, intimate, and personal celebration with loved ones.  Additionally, you get more for less, which is a bargain worth considering.

However, not all backyard weddings are created equally. It takes meticulous planning to turn a backyard into a marital oasis.  After all, this is the couple’s big day and it involves a lot of work to get it done just right. Running around at the last minute simply isn’t an option. Start with this step-by-step guide to hosting a wedding in your backyard and your landscape will be ready when it’s time to say the “I do.”

Determine the practicality of using your backyard to host a wedding

The idea of hosting a wedding in your backyard is great. However, it’s important to think long and hard about the viability of your property. Even with the best party planning, if your backyard isn’t cut out for a ceremony, you could run into many roadblocks that may jeopardize the big day.

The three main things to consider prior to planning a wedding in your backyard are legality, space and cost of hosting a major event on your property.

Legality

Depending on the specifics of the wedding and guest list, special permits or site inspections may be required to ensure a legal celebration. It’s important to check with your local fire department, police department and city hall. Some regions have a limit on how many people can be in a home at one time, while others have noise restrictions and/or overnight parking laws which can put a damper on a great celebration.  Be aware of restrictions or city requirements and plan accordingly.

Space

Additionally, you need to determine whether you have enough space to accommodate the wedding guests, along with the requirements of seating, feeding and entertaining them. If you plan on having any additional features, such as weather-friendly areas, a dance floor, buffet, band, bar, etc., you’ll need for additional space.

Cost

Lastly, you need to think about the various factors that determine the cost of a backyard wedding. Things to consider include the cost of equipment rental (chairs, tables, lighting, stages, tents, etc.), an officiant, catering, drinks, photography, cake, decorations, flowers, wedding favors and music.

Create the ultimate backyard wedding checklist

Phew! The hard part of sorting out permits, space and costs are handled. Time to carefully create the ultimate backyard wedding checklist to ensure a flawless celebration. Make your checklist as thorough as possible, with a priority level marked beside each task. You may want to first determine everything that needs to be accomplished, then rewrite the list in order of completion date or priority level for optimal organization.

As you’re about to see, some tasks can wait until closer to the day whereas others should be completed as soon as possible. Here is an example list of tasks to consider adding into your ultimate backyard wedding checklist:

Landscape

• Create a floor plan
• Check landscape for any inconveniences
• Level ground if needed
• Plant flowers

Equipment

• Rent a generator to handle electrical needs
• Rent a dance floor
• Rent tents, tables and chairs
• Book sound and lighting
• Rent one Port-a-Potty for every 30 guests

Decorations

• Send out Save the Date cards
• Send out invitations
• Purchase or rent decorations (table linens, glassware, dinnerware, napkins, barware, trash cans, etc.)
• Figure out flower arrangements
• Purchase centerpieces and aisle runners
• Purchase party lights and candles

Personnel

• Book your officiant
• Hire an electrician to address electrical needs
• Hire appropriate crew for parking, catering, entertainment, setup, etc.
• Book licensed bartenders
• Hire a DJ or band
• Book a photographer
• Schedule hair and makeup

Miscellaneous

• Confirm the menu
• Reach out to your neighbors to inform them of potential noise and traffic
• Consider wedding insurance
• Make sure you have your permits
• Purchase the dress and shoes, and rent the groom’s tuxedo
• Plan a honeymoon
• Get your marriage license
• Purchase bridal party gifts

Create a timeline of events

Once you have the finer details of a backyard wedding ironed out, it’s time to create a timeline of events. Determine the things that’ll occur on the big day and make a list. Some things to consider include the ceremony, the first dance, father and daughter dance, toasts, speeches, cake-cutting, bouquet toss, etc. This changes per couple, so include both the bride and groom when creating this list.

As soon as you have the events sorted out, you can create a timeline for them. Try to specify the exact time you want each event to occur to make sure nothing gets left out. Print the list and give it to everyone who will be helping you keep things on schedule on the big day, from the mother of the bride to the DJ.

There’s nothing like an outdoor summer party. As the aroma of backyard BBQs and fire pits fill the air, it’s time to start thinking about your next backyard party. Whether you’re celebrating a specific event or life in general, these top three backyard party themes are certain to provide inspiration.

 Beach party

Any summer backyard party that involves water is sure to be a hit. The good news is that you don’t have to live by the shore to take advantage of this party theme; just get a little creative.

Entertainment

If you have a swimming pool, that’s great. They’re always a great addition to a summer party, offering hours of fun, relaxation and a place for your guests to cool off throughout the day. However, a swimming pool isn’t a necessity for hosting a backyard beach party. Grab some water guns, water balloons and sprinklers, or lay out a long slip-n-slide. Even adult guests will be channeling their inner child as they splash around with the younger partygoers.

Food

Even without any water-related entertainment, you can still host a sea-inspired backyard party because it’s all about the menu. Swap out the usual burgers and hot dogs for salmon, scallops and seafood skewers. Trade in the vegetable platter for a shrimp platter; serve summer cocktails decorated with tiny umbrellas and roll out coolers full of ice cold beverages.

Decorations

Anything that has to do with the sea is a go-ahead. Just be sure to stick with a common color scheme.

Hawaiian luau party

A Hawaiian luau is perfect for summer. The Aloha State is the epitome of fun in the sun, and you can recreate a similar appeal within your backyard sans an expensive plane ticket.

Food

A traditional Hawaiian luau involves a celebration with lots of food. Start planning your backyard party by crafting the menu. Cook up some classic Hawaiian recipes such as pineapple and poi.

Decorations

Use vibrant flowers to light up the space, stage surfboards across the yard, string tiki lights from tree to tree, opt for tropical prints for all your fabrics, and use coconuts and pineapples as centerpieces. Voila! Your backyard is complete.

Entertainment

If you want to take your backyard party decorating skills (and entertainment) a notch higher, use your guests! Ask everyone on your guest list to wear their best Hawaiian outfit and hand out raffia grass skirts and leis as each guest arrives. Turn up the music, host a hula hoop contest and your party will be one people won’t forget. Aloha!

 Outdoor camp night party

Schedule your party to start a little later in the day and extend it into the night. One of the best things about the summer season is exploring the great outdoors and everything it has to offer. From the star-speckled nights to fields glowing with fireflies, plus campfires, marshmallows and ghost stories, an outdoor camp night is a must.

Decorations

Since this party’s theme will extend into the darker hours, the most important feature is the lighting. It’s crucial to have enough lighting for your guests to safely navigate your backyard. However, you don’t want so much light that it takes away from the appeal of the night sky. String some lights along a fence and from tree to tree, and line the walkways with solar powered path lights for the perfect amount of ambiance.

Food

Planning a camp night party is incredibly easy, which is why it’s one of the best backyard party ideas for summer. All you need are some hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, salads, and condiments to feed your guests.

Entertainment

Create a s’mores bar, complete with all the necessities to make this staple campfire treat, and arrange camping chairs around the fire pit. Let the flicker of the flame and the scent of the burning wood provide all the entertainment you need for an awesome backyard party – everyone loves a campfire.

 

Hosting a backyard party this summer doesn’t have to break the bank. Be creative and have fun!

Celebrating the end of summer is bittersweet. Make sure to say goodbye with a splash. Explore these awesome Labor Day party ideas to keep you fired up throughout the colder seasons.

Make it a day event
Labor Day is all about soaking up the sun with loved ones. Chances are your party guests will consist of family and friends of all age groups. To keep the ambiance of the party just right (and to avoid toddler meltdowns), host your party during the day. Depending on the ages of the littlest partygoers, choose a start time in mid-afternoon and wrap it up around dusk. This gives everyone an ample amount of time to soak up the sun and mingle. Parents can arrive a little late or leave a bit early to suit the needs of their little ones.

Forgo burgers in favor of finger foods
Take the stress and mess out of the day with an open approach to food. The traditional backyard barbecue menu is always a safe bet, but try to change things up a little bit. After all, you only get one Labor Day a year, and you should make this one count by embracing a hassle-free menu. Finger foods are an excellent option for all palates, both young and old. Serve summer-fresh salads, veggies and dip.  Juicy seasonal fruits and finger sandwiches are great alternatives as well.

Create a Labor Day playlist
Your Labor Day party isn’t complete without music. Plug your smartphone into a loudspeaker and hit shuffle. Get creative and spend a little time creating the perfect mix of smash hits to say farewell to the summer season. If you don’t want to create a custom playlist, there are several music streaming services that offer ready-made playlists. Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music are three popular options that contain a vast array of music choices and playlists. Select a playlist that suits the mood and you’re ready to go.

Incorporate fun in the sun and in the shade
September’s weather can be unpredictable. Even if the weather forecast aligns with the Labor Day celebrations, you want your guests to be able to enjoy themselves and the shade.  Set up board games on patio tables under big umbrellas, and create a lounge area for the adults to relax. Dedicate areas, whether indoors or outdoors, for kids to escape the heat, too. Chances are, they’ll be too busy playing with water balloons and sprinklers anyway, but having this option available for everyone will give you extra hosting points.

Make it a costume party
It doesn’t have to be Halloween to host a costume party. Labor Day is an excellent time to assign a dress code to your party theme to celebrate everyone’s career achievements. However, some of your friends and family members may be eager to get out of their work clothes on Labor Day weekend. So, encourage your guests to dress specific to a career other than their own. This is an excellent way to take ‘work’ out of the day while also allowing your guests to reveal something new about one another.

Labor Day parties are the perfect way to wrap up the summer with your closest friends and family. With these Labor Day party ideas, you’ll be taking your hosting experience to entirely new levels. You may just have the best party of the season.

The tie dye trend is back for more stylish fun! This time, these vibrant splashes of color aren’t just taking over your wardrobe with 90s-inspired shirts and bicycle shorts. Instead, interior design enthusiasts have found creative ways to revitalize home accessories with tie dye. If your home décor needs a bit of pizzazz, you’ll certainly want to consider these colorful designs.

Shower in Style
Start every morning off with a splash of color. It’s incredibly easy to tie dye fabric, including your shower curtain. Grab a bucket of your favorite hues and dip it in for a stylish start to a great day.

Brighten up Dull Lampshades
Lampshades are often forgotten. They’re dusty, dull and dreary and can cast a shadow on the interior of your home. Brighten up your rooms with a dip into tie dye.

Dine on Some Tie Dye
This interior design trend can add a splash of unique tones to more than just fabrics. You’ll need some additional materials, but your kitchen accessories can also delight in fun twirls of color.

Throw a Splash into Your Interior
The best thing about the tie dye trend is that all fabrics can soak in swirls of color. Toss your throw pillow covers into a bucket of tie dye to add a splash of style to your interior.

Transform Wicker Baskets
Wicker baskets are great to have within the household. They’re excellent storage options for everything from linens and throws to keys and clutter. However, wicker doesn’t necessarily radiate style. Transform your wicker storage into pieces of practical art with a bit of tie dye.

Create a Princess-Worthy Masterpiece
If your bedroom canopy isn’t making you feel like royalty, summon tie dye fabric. This is a craft you can do as a family to create style and make memories.

Hide Stains
It’s not really time to toss that old, stained rug. You just need some tie dye to let swirls of color soak into the fabric. You’ll have a new area rug without a massive price tag.

Treat Seasonal Decorations
It’s time to channel your inner creativity to introduce this unique style into the holiday seasons. Add tie dye to cornhusks for Thanksgiving or dip a holiday wreath in red and green for winter.

Revitalize Drapery
Add a trendy touch to your drapery with tie dye fabric. Ombre tie dye designs have already been a hot topic for hair and clothing. It’s about time the interior design industry indulged.

Revive Old Kitchen Fabrics
If your home accessories are dull, dip them into some tie dye. This unique DIY interior craft is a way to revitalize old home décor items while turning them into a modern masterpiece.

Revitalize your entire home with a simple dip of color.

After many weeks or even months of looking for a new home, you finally find it. When the hustle and bustle of moving is behind you, it’s time to invite your family and friends to share the joy of your new home for a traditional housewarming party.

Throwing a housewarming party does require a bit of planning. To help you in that process, we have compiled a few recipes we’ve come to love.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad from Everyday Dishes

This recipe is a favorite of ours; we love both pasta salads and Caesar salad. A recipe that combines both is simply amazing! This is easy to make, and can take some of the stress out of your housewarming party.