There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than with easy, breezy entertaining ideas that are affordable and attainable, while still throwing a bash that all will remember.
Party 1: A DIY party Modern times call for creative themes and the do-it-yourself party is the latest trend to draw a crowd. the idea is to bond with friends while simultaneously tackling small home projects. whether it’s a baby’s room that needs paint or a garage that cries for reorganizing, here’s a way to rally the troops, chip in towards a common goal and enjoy delicious summer eats.
Swap your stuff Since recycling is all the rage, have each guest bring three items in good condition that they want to pass forward and have an exchange. It’s like shopping at an antique or vintage store without spending a cent. as a host, you can narrow the exchange to clothes (even more specifically “professional attire” or “casual”), home accessories or kitchen gadgets or simply leave the exchange open and have the swap be an exciting free-for-all.
De-clutter your closet Let your girlfriends help you get rid of unwanted or outdated items from your closet. make three piles: to keep, to repair, to donate to charity. Model outfits to make sure they fit and flatter and serve a purpose in your wardrobe. Allow your friends to assist you discern the keepers and ask their advice for fresh ways to accessorize.
Paint (your) town red Ask your friends to pitch in and have a painting party! If you are moving, getting ready for a new baby or sprucing up for an open house, friends want to help so channel energies towards a satisfying and helpful goal. In return, encourage attendees to host their own DIY parties so that the efforts are reciprocal. To rejuvenate an old fabric sofa, use Simply Spray Upholstery Fabric Paint to spruce up stains or give it a whole new look ($13; 800-261-4772, www.spraypaint4fabric.com).
Keep toes tapping Music makes any task speed along so tune into the new Livio Radio to access more than 11,000 free Internet radio stations from around the world. Playable anywhere in your house, Livio is Wifi enabled, syncs with your Pandora account ( www.pandora.com) and plugs into an MP3 player or home theater ($149.99; www.livioradio.com).
To reward your guests for a job well done, here’s how to set the tone and table in style.
An engaging e-vite Instead of sending a standard email, let your guests feel special by using Paperless Post. the site creates elegant, email-able invitations complete with a stylish e-envelope that look as if they were engraved for just a few dollars! ($5 for 60 “email” invitations; www.paperlesspost.com)
Clean and simple Go natural! use a jute tablecloth to emphasize the DIY vibe. To save even more, buy a roll of burlap at your local home improvement store for about $11. Add a pop of color down the middle with this cheery tablecloth we transformed into a table runner by folding it.
Photo place cards Personalize each place setting by organizing photographs of friends you've been meaning to give to them. Sort and group by person, bundle with pretty thin ribbon and place atop napkins to use as photo "place cards”, which double as favors.
Lighten up Fire up the grill with refreshing fruit. place chopped fruit on water-soaked skewers, brush with olive or vegetable oil, melted butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Firmer fruits such as plums and nectarines can stand the heat of the grill for 4 to 5 minutes, but keep a closer eye on strawberries and mangoes.
Downsize To keep busy hands at work, refuel your guests with bite-sized treats. cut cooked hot dogs and buns into thirds and serve with pre-applied condiments. the key is non-greasy snacks that pop in the mouth and can be served on trays.
Quench thirst Lip-smacking, homemade lemonade served in tall glasses with mint garnish will be refreshing and popular — prepare for refills! Combine 1 thinly sliced lemon and 1 2/3 cups superfine sugar in a bowl; mash with a spoon. Add 3 cups of cold water and 1 1/4 cups lemon juice; let stand for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain. Puree half of lemon juice mixture and 4 cups ice in a blender until smooth. Pour into 4 chilled glasses; repeat. Serves 8.
Self-serve sorbet To make things festive for dessert, carve out a mini watermelon and save the lid (create jagged edges like a Jack O’ Lantern). Freeze the watermelon. fill it with frozen scoops of sorbet or ice cream keeping in mind that a variety of different flavors will make for a colorful presentation. Re-top with frozen lid and place in center of table for guests to scoop their own servings into small bowls.
Glowing appreciation As a thank you for particularly grimy jobs, gift guests with a homemade beauty scrub to take home. Party 2: Movie night Big sky, big screen Everyone loves a good film, so stage a movie night outside in the comforts of your own backyard. For the screen, hang a sheet or project the movie onto a wall. given that projectors are pricey, rent one for about $50 or buy a used one. Sound is sometimes a challenge, but that’s the best part: the addition of nature’s surround sound.
Prime seating Just in case it starts to drizzle, be sure moviegoers are sitting on a waterproof blanket. Essentials from JJ Cole ($29.99, www.jjcoleusa.com/blanket).
Custom concessions Make a popcorn “bar” where guests can top their snack with BBQ, caramel, Cajun or cinnamon sugar toppings in theater-style popcorn bags ($2.99 – 3.99; Safeway).
By the script Make the evening follow a movie’s theme. If you decide to show “The Godfather” serve popcorn with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, dried oregano and basil and hazelnut-flavored soda. or bring out Swedish fish, goldfish crackers and orange soda for a screening of “Finding Nemo.” No buggin’ out Keep insects away with ThermaCELL Mini Insect Repellent Lantern, a pocketsize, easy-to-use repellent that offers a 15 ft. x 15 ft. “canopy” of protection. ($9.99; www.mosquitorepellent.com).
Lights, camera… Create an ambient mood by stringing Christmas lights overhead and lighting lanterns with Citronella candles within ($10; www.pier1.com).
Is it dark yet? while you await dusk, keep the kids entertained with the following games:
Indiana Jones Organize an archaeological dig. use pieces of cardboard to represent fossils, then bury them in mulch, loose dirt or a sandbox. Set kids on the trail!
Acting class Be creative if you’re at the pool. Call out the name of a character, animal or object, such as a mermaid, shark or sailboat, and have kids act it out in the water.
For more information, visit www.allyou.com.
© 2010 MSNBC Interactive. Reprints
Throw a summer soiree on the cheap
Popularity: 5% [?]
June 28th, 2011 at 9:28 am
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July 1st, 2011 at 10:02 am
Shopping...I think this would be a really cool topic that some boys may know nothing about. Like what goes on in girl's minds when they shop. All the different details of size and length and what outfit it will match at home, accessories and all the good shit? I think it's a very cool topic that you could expand greatly on. "I don't have an addiction, more like a hobby." hahaha this is going to be fun.
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There was a time when U.S. job seekers would not consider a photo part of their job-search materials. But since LinkedIn joined the professional scene, things have changed. While it’s the job seeker’s choice whether to share a picture via social networks, there’s no doubt most people who notice a photo-less LinkedIn profile will assume one of two things: 1) you don’t know how to upload a picture or 2) you are really ugly. For better or for worse, an avatar—the image that represents you online—needs to be part of your social networking efforts, and an online profile helps propel career success. Take some time to think about the picture you post and how others may react to it. [See 10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media in Your Job Search.] Here’s how to choose a photo for your LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other avatars: 1. Use a current, close-up picture of your face. It should be a photo of you in professional attire—and only you. It’s not uncommon to see avatars including family...
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I'm completely in love with tea cups. And that jewelry table does sound like heaven. We went to this massive flea market down here and it was packed with knock offs. First thing I saw when I walked in: a big ol' table full of fake Coach. It was wonderful. lol.
This totally reminds me; there's some neat little vintage store, La France, in Tampa that I need to check out sometime, so thanks for reminding me! lol
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July 25th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Hi Brian,
For me, it was more about the fillies this past weekend. BTW, Summer Soiree was just sold to Team Valor for an undisclosed sum and she is of course, heading towards the Oaks.
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August 25th, 2011 at 12:25 am
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August 26th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
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The guard station is probably there to prevent any untoward incidents in the baby room. Guess they are very paranoid since the murder at Ovo.]]>
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The guard station is probably there to prevent any untoward incidents in the baby room. Guess they are very paranoid since the murder at Ovo.]]>
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