The 5 Things You Need for a Perfect Outdoor Summer Party

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Summer essentials for a backyard party

Summer essentials for a backyard party

Summer essentials for a backyard party

May is here and temperatures are hitting the 80’s and I got out all of my shorts and that means I’m in full-on summer mode, y’all! We’re planning some fun backyard parties for this summer (hellooooo, BBQ and backyard movie nights!) and last weekend we tested out our fire pit for the first time this season. We had a few of neighbors over for the test run and put a simple little shindig together. It doesn’t take much, folks! In fact, I boiled it down to 5 things that you need to put together the perfect outdoor summer party, just in case you get overwhelmed and try to find an excuse not to party all summer long.

Drinks! And don’t see that and just read “booze!” Because this pregnant lady likes to sip a little something special too. We teamed with Duraflame to mix up some cocktails that are just as easily mocktails — and super refreshing to boot. To make this pretty little Cranberry Lemonade Spritzer, mix equal parts cranberry juice, lemonade, club soda, and vodka. Chill it and serve with lemon rounds! To make it a mocktail, just leave out the vodka and you’re good to go.

Summer essentials for a backyard party

A Backyard Campfire I don’t know what it is about a fire pit with a good fire blazing in it but it just makes an evening so cozy! I feel like people always get comfy and linger at the party longer when there’s a campfire. We lit up some of Duraflame’s roasting logs, which kind of stack up to feel like an actual campfire. Ahhhh so good. I was totally flashing back to all of the campfire songs we sang in 4-H camp when I was in elementary school. These babies are also perfect for cooking or roasting, in case you don’t have a BBQ. Which brings me to my next point.

Summer essentials for a backyard party

Duh… S’mores You guys. Don’t have a fire pit without s’mores! And while you’re at it, make ’em special. We used maple marshmallows with shortbread graham crackers and oh. my. gosh. Ryan likes to dub himself the s’more master and takes charge of the marshmallow roasting. Which is probably a good thing because I’ve been known to lose my marshmallows into the fire on previous occasions. Hey, we can’t be great at everything.

Summer essentials for a backyard party

Summer essentials for a backyard party

Seating Ever been to a party where there just aren’t enough chairs and everyone’s sitting and you’re standing and you’re thinking, “Well, I could either sit on the ground, or… leave.” The worst! Nobody cares about fancy matching chairs — just get lots of seating around so people can be comfortable and enjoy that fire long into the evening.

A Few Simple Extras I always, always have a playlist going when we’ve got people over, so don’t forget the tunes! Music is a great equalizer, a conversation starter, and sets the mood (not to mention it helps fill in awkward silences…). And if you’re gonna have a party, set out a few fun decorations! They can be super simple like our paper lanterns and tassels, or just use what you have around the house. A few flowers or some potted plants go a long way, too.

Summer essentials for a backyard party

So. When’s your next party? And more importantly, when are you coming over for s’mores?! xoxo

Summer essentials for a backyard party

Summer essentials for a backyard party

This post is sponsored by Duraflame. All opinions are my own. Thank you for being supportive of the partners who help keep Lovely Indeed rocking!

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  1. Pingback: 7 Things You Need to Make Your End-of-the-Summer Backyard Bash a Success
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