SUMMER BUCKET LIST FOR THE PARTY ENTHUSIAST

With summer around the corner I'm seeing a lot of bucket lists filled with activities to do over the next few months - most of them with kids. I decided to put together a bucket list for the summer hostess! Here are a few goals and skills to accomplish over the next few months. Let me know if you have any good ones to add.

PERFECT A NEW COCKTAIL: Learn a new cocktail using a summery flavor like peach and make it your signature drink for the season.

LEARN A NEW FROSTING TECHNIQUE: Pick up a frosting bag and look up a YouTube video to liven up your desserts. Truth be told, I have yet to perfect a ruffle cake. I do not have a steady hand!

GIVE BACK: If you're a professional party planner, look for an opportunity to give back to your community. For instance, host a party at a local hospital for children that have a summer birthday or look to see if Operation Shower will be in your area..

MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM: You can't get any easier than this recipe here! Make sure to have a large choice of toppings to make it complete.

THROW AN OUTDOOR MOVIE PARTY: There's nothing like watching a movie on a big screen, under the stars. Prepare a popcorn bar and have plenty of blankets and mosquito spray on hand.

HOST A UNIQUE THEME: Come up with an unexpected theme for a summer soiree... maybe something like a Heathers croquet theme party! Great excuse to get the girls together.

PICK YOUR OWN BERRIES: I am so grateful when summer hits because I feel like we eat much healthier in the summer. Find a farm near you where you can pick your own berries and fruit. It's a lot of fun and your taste buds will thank you. Plus, your desserts will burst with flavor.

MAKE A KICKASS PLAYLIST OR UPDATE AN OLD ONE: Music is a great way to set the tone for a party, and there's always that one song that becomes the summer anthem. Put together a playlist to have ready when guests come over.

PICNIC IN THE PARK OR BEACH: If you're like me you collect a lot of cute items that you hope to use one day, like a picnic basket, cool wine holders, etc. Make use of them by enjoying a picnic at the park, beach or even the backyard. My girls love to picnic under the tree in our backyard. That way if we forget something, we don't have to go very far!

VISIT A FLEA MARKET: Take a stroll through a flea market to find new party items or home decor. There are many treasures to be found at flea markets, and most of the time you can negotiate the price for something you really like!

Photo Source: Pixabay

A WEDDING AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO!

Lions and tigers and bears - oh my! This couple really made their wedding day a fun adventure for everyone! A zoo is such a fun venue to host a big celebration. This is just a small sample of the many scenic and beautiful photos taken and provided by Willmus Weddings. I love how they played into the zoo theme with sophisticated touches like the animal figurines for placecards and gold chargers to accent the venue. Enjoy the sites and check out the full list of vendors at the bottom.

Photographer:  Willmus Weddings // Event Planner: Willmus Weddings // Makeup Artist: The Pretty Parlor // Event Designer: Event Supplier inc // Cake Designer: Flour Power Cakery // Reception Venue: San Diego Zoo Safari Park // Event Planner: Willmus Weddings //

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

FOOTBALL PARTY TIP

We've all seen and do the wine charms... but I have to say I never thought of doing something to help party guests keep track of their beer or soda cans. I love this idea from Lydi Out Loud. She made cute helmets with a Cricut attached to elastic hair bands as "can charms." If you don't have a Cricut, you can use different colored footballs that would be easy to cut out.  Find this idea and more for your parties here.