Outdoor Soiree Must-Haves

After a long, arduous winter, spring has finally arrived in Minneapolis. The sunny skies and warmer temperatures got me thinking about outdoor entertainment, so I’ve collected some great ideas for jazzing up an outdoor soiree. Here are some of the essentials:

Lanterns:

http://indulgy.com/post/V6h5xiCf41/outdoor-party#/do/page/1

http://www.party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/garden-party-decorations.html

Natural light is the best kind of light there is, but eventually it will get dark and outdoor parties need some artificial light. One of the cutest ways to brighten up the dark sky is to hang little lanterns from trees, like the two pictures above. Hang the lanterns at different lengths and mix up the shapes and sizes for a whimsical look and feel.

Eclectic Seating:

 

http://askannamoseley.com/2012/10/31-ways-to-throw-a-fabulous-party-choosing-a-venue/

 

http://www.momtastic.com/shopping/reviews/167817-summer-diy-build-a-backyard-theater

http://www.bohemiansense.com/

Mixed colors, shapes and sizes make outdoor seating really fun. You can go with chairs of various materials and makes, or cushions in the form of lounges or stools. The outdoors are eclectic so your seating will fit right in if it’s mixed up a bit.

Chandeliers:

http://pinterest.com/pin/159666749260317970/

http://www.frostedpetticoatblog.com/2013/02/cupids-garden-party.html

Chandeliers are typically only seen above a dining room table, but they’re making their marks outside! Just bring out an extension cord, hang a chandelier from a tree and you’ve not only got some extra lighting but a great decoration and conversation piece.

 

Bars:

http://www.frostedpetticoatblog.com/2013/04/antebellum-bridal-luncheon.html

http://worldmarket.tumblr.com/post/23243245316/potting-bench-turned-outdoor-bar-written-by-cyndy

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-aBRUa2Tvp8/Se9lPf7xoeI/AAAAAAAABFw/uCBCiIWve4I/s1600-h/Desk+1.jpg

 

Let’s be honest – no party is complete without a bar! The cool thing about a bar is that it can be very makeshift, like the examples above. As long as there’s room for a few bottles of the drink of choice, some glasses and ice, you’ve got yourself a bar.

Mason Jars:

http://alowcountrywedding.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-06T10:39:00-04:00&max-results=7

http://blueplusred.tumblr.com/post/15949225252

http://alowcountrywedding.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-06T10:39:00-04:00&max-results=7

 

Whether they’re used as candle holders, lanterns or vases, Mason Jars are the perfect touch for an outdoor party. They can be transformed into just about anything, plus they’re cute no matter the use. You can get really crafty here. Just type in Mason Jars to Pinterest or Google and you’ll be amazed at all of the crafty ideas exist out there!

Outdoor parties are so much fun to decorate. Make your soiree one to remember by jazzing it up with one or all of the above ideas.

Is there an outdoor party must-have that I’ve missed? If so I’d love to hear from you!