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Our Quick & Easy End of Summer Patio Party
Summer is coming to an end, boo! And as much as I've been trying to resist the transition into Fall, school for my kiddos starts next week, so there's no denying it any longer. Double boo!
But to lessen the blow, and make sure we still make the most of the hot days - yes, it's still 40 deg C in the shade 'round these parts; we celebrated last weekend with an end of summer patio party!
It's our way to enjoy the fine produce on offer at the end of season, and relax before the school routine finally kicks in.
A Quick & Easy End of Summer Patio Party
To be frank, comes end of summer and I'm all partied out. Kinda like the slump after the Christmas Holidays, you know?!
Even party gals could use a break from parties sometimes. I know, shock horror!! 😉
So my summer parties tend to be super casual, super simple and super low maintenance. After all, we're supposed to be re-charging our batteries in summer, right?!
So I often turn to simple decor and help-yo'self grazing style food.
My family actually love this set set up so much that they requested another 'end of summer' patio party this weekend also! haha
So here's are a few tips to hosting a quick and easy, last-minute patio party.
Patio Party DIY Decor
When planning a party, the decor is one of the most fun elements. But let's face it, when it come to last-minute parties and soirées, ain't nobody got time for that!
So keep things simple, casual and stress free. Let the food shine!
After all, what's the point of a out-of-this-world decorated party, if the food is not on par?!
I used our studio patio set and outdoor furniture, but if you haven't got one, simply bring out a coffee table (or make a table from pallets) and soft furnishings from inside your house. It will create an instant boho vibe, trust! 😊
Obviously, if you have more time (or can be bothered), some fairy lights or hanging lanterns on your patio roof would look super adorable too!
DIY Charcuterie Grazing Board
In France means a charcuterie or cheese board is never far away from any party you host, and it's my fave go-to food of choice for impromptu parties.
A charcuterie board not only doubles as table decor and feeds your guests effortlessly, but it means no cooking involved, which is a HUGE bonus at end of summer (or any time of year).
In fact, you could bring the party indoors in chillier seasons, and add some Fall or Winter elements, produce and foods to create a fab Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. So you see, a charcuterie board really does lend itself to any season or occasion!
For the best spread, I like to plan a few hours ahead so I can do a quick grocery shopping for bits and bobs I'll need for my board. Don't forget to raid the fridge and pantry for goods you already have!
My foods of choice are anything in season like figs, peaches, nectarines, cheeses, crackers, nuts and cold meats of course.
If you can plan your party days ahead, then a nice addition to your grazing board is this creamy chickpea humus or this cheesy dip.
Assembling a charcuterie board will only take about 30 minutes max before guests arrive.
The bar area is also catering for the guests (my family) so the huge batch mocktail seemed like the perfect addition to our al fresco spread. I made it 1 hour before we had dinner, but you could make it up to a day ahead. The flavors will only get better!
Peach & Cranberry Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients - serves 6-8
* 3 peaches cut into slices
* 300ml of cranberry juice
* 500 ml sparkling lemonade
* ice
Directions:
1) Blend 2 peaches and cranberry juice in a blender
2) Pour into a large dispenser and top with lemonade. Stir until combined.
3) Add the slices of the third peach and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4) Just before serving add some ice into your dispenser.
Make the best of that end of summer sunshine - Check out more fun outdoors party ideas and recipes here and here. 😉
This post Our Quick & Easy End of Summer Patio Party appeared first on Bird's Party Blog
Beautiful photos! Love the mocktail and those yummy eats! My kind of party!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! But I can't believe it's end of summer (whine - whine- whine).
ReplyDeleteWould love if you'd join us at Reader Tip Tuesday: http://www.jodiefitz.com/2017/08/29/reader-tip-tuesday-weeks-craft-recipe-party/
We're open all week & growing. Hope to see your ideas at the party!
Beautiful Charcuterie Board and party girls need a break too!
ReplyDeleteLove these tips!
ReplyDeleteI am loving everything about this! What a perfect party!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of charcuterie boards for easy party food! Your is gorgeous and full of so many great flavors!
ReplyDeleteMmmm, reminds me of our recent trip to France. Those little red pickled pepper things.... I need to find those here in the states!
ReplyDeleteHi Christina, our schools don't go back for another week, but our summer season goes on for another couple of months. The day after it ends is my husbands birthday and by then we'll be well and truly ready for a patio party! Your cheese boards looks really tempting! Hope the transition back into the school routine is a smooth one for you.
ReplyDeletePopped over from the #weekendbloghop.
xx
Great post!Mouthwatering and so inviting!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great end of summer party, everything looks so easy and simple. I love your colors! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great weekend and come back to see us real soon!
ReplyDeleteMiz Helen
Looks amazing, and while it isn't as hot as 40c around here (thankfully) thinking about Fall is a bit of a stretch at the moment! Thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday, great to reconnect and so happy to see you!
ReplyDeleteThat grazing board is what my dreams are made out of! Looks SO good! And I can never get enough flavored lemonade!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great summer party!
ReplyDelete