What a wonderful summer shower we hosted for our sweet friends Amanda and Brian! She wanted a laid back, fun Sunday with her family and friends… We planned ahead, prepared what we could days before and had a seamless celebration for the Bride and Groom to be!
Create a Backdrop. We created a backdrop and a focal point for pictures and guests to enjoy. A feast for the eyes. A collection of votives, hydrangeas in bud vases, feathers and garland. Most of these things I had in my personal party supply closet. I store all of my decorations in plastic tubs sorted by color. I have an abundance of clear, white, silver and glitter so that it goes with every occasion. Think about investing in party supplies, rather than buy things you cannot or will not reuse!
Frame the Invitation. This is an easy thing to do to create another focal point. We used this invitation at the candy buffet. Anything to draw the guests in and keep them circulating through the party. This is a wonderful memento to send with the honoree. Again I used votives I had from home and my absolute favorite flower to make the arrangement. Hydrangeas are unbelievable!
Candy Buffet. Always a hit whether guests are snacking or taking their goods to go! These were bowls belonging to my co-host and best friend, she purchased them for her daughter’s 1st Birthday! Perfect! 
Buffet Labels. I bought a pad of cardstock, Sharpies and Martha Stewart’s self-adhesive embellishments from Michaels. The photo/place card holders are from Hobby Lobby! Notice the crystals… I have bags of crystals and pebbles that I’ve collected over time and pull them out to adorn the table. Notice the “table-cloth”… It is a scarf/sarong i got from Cost Plus World Market- Multi-Tasking at its finest!
Add Height. Always nice to have assorted shapes, heights, sizes and colors while creating your buffet… I purchased this awesome tin and chalkboard stand from Hobby Lobby… Love it!!
Simple Table. We kept it simple… Using my own personal linen summer scarf from Off Saks- I wear it and love it! Simple and inexpensive decorating pebbles adorn the sides of our make-shift table runner!
Cake Balls are the Answer. No cutting the cake, an assortment of flavors, and bite size pieces! You can try to make your own, but I found a local baker and she delivered them to my door! Thank you Katy Cake Ball Company for the delicious chocolate, vanilla and pineapple upside down cake balls! YUM!
Mini Key Lime Pies. I’ve raved over and over again about these on my blog! They are fabulous tasting, the mason jars are adorable and they are so inviting! Freeze and pull out before the party for a perfect light dessert! Here is the link to the recipe!
Keepsake Puzzle Guest Book. Every guest decorates a puzzle piece (found the puzzle at Hobby Lobby), we set out assorted sharpies and colors in wine glasses, then left a bowl to place in when complete! The bride-to-be is super crafty and loves puzzles- this was perfect! 
Frozen Drink Station. A total hit! One refreshing with alcohol and one refreshing for the kiddos! Eliminate the wait at the bar and keep your guests happy because they can refill their own drinks! :)
Assorted Goodies. An assortment of goodies to blend with the heat outdoors and drink intake! We also had sliders and assorted kabobs which I am so sad not to have snapped a picture of! My husband slaved away the day before and the day of to get them done! They were a life saver- all eaten!!
Fruit is a Must. A must for the health conscious and so refreshing on a hot day!
Party Picks! I make these for every party. Instead of toothpicks or buying the nicer party picks, these are just toothpicks with balls attached (from Hobby Lobby)! I love them and they create a festive display for my famous easy meatballs!
A pic of Amanda, the bride to be, with Ashley and I! Sweet Things!
Be Inspired to DIY Suburban Diary Friends!
