Outdoor Entertaining

I have long since wanted to have an outdoor shindig since we moved into our home...over a year ago.

For the area we live in, we have a decent sized back yard.
(Although anyone who doesn't live in California would laugh)
We have a wide open space with so much potential and yet, I haven't hosted a single outdoor event.
However, while I may lack action, I don't lack thoughts.

{real simple}

{apartment therapy}

{country living}

All of these ideas make me want to pull out the furniture and invite a few friends over!
It doesn't require hundreds of dollars to entertain, it really just takes creativity.

Ways to Save
Use your own furniture
BBQ your own food or utilize a catering service like Costco
Outdoor entertaining means you have little to do--the scene is already set!
Ask guests to bring 1 bottle of wine or a beverage

Be Creative
Don't go out and buy new lights to string up, use Votive Candles for mood lighting
Use worry free fabric for a table cloth (Marshall's, TJ Max, Ross--try buying a flat bedding sheet in the clearance aisle if you're really worried!)
Fresh cut flowers (OR Trader Joe's, they have amazing flowers)

STRESS FREE
Commit to the reality:
things will get dirty, you will have to clean- but SAVE the dishes/mess for tomorrow!
ENJOY your party NOW and clean LATER!

Summer's not over!! Throw a little party!