If you’ve read my post on how Women & Friendship are helping each other live longer with astounding data, you know that relationships with our girlfriends has a powerful affect on our over all well-being. I’ve since made it a conscious effort to make time for my girlfriends. I’ve also had the opportunity recently to hang out with some of my “digital girlfriends” at SOBCON (Successful & Outstanding Bloggers Conference), which I will share in a future post.
Meanwhile, I’m sitting here looking out my bay window enjoying a beautiful sunny day, contemplating putting together a luncheon for some of my local girlfriends. I love my spacious deck, but it’s ashamed that it’s rarely been used the past few summers. Why? Life is busy…and just didn’t make time. Can you relate?
With Summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan a luncheon outdoors. I love discovering various ideas by others for pulling together a party. I have some of my own ideas, but here are a few fabulous tips from Jenna Lowe, Lifestyles Expert for the Karen Neuburger brand and has great tips for pulling off a beautiful party in your backyard or home with friends.
Jenna explains, “As a lifestyle designer, I’m always thinking entertaining in a way that will engage the five senses – sights, sounds, taste, touch, and smell. It’s important to keep all of these in mind, especially when throwing a party during the summertime.”
TOUCH: Invitations
Invitation BeforeYourParty.com
A great resource for invitations is BeforeYourParty.com, a design-your-own invitation website. Hosts and hostesses can personalize everything on the invite from the color scheme to the font, artwork, and layout ($100-$300 for 50 invitations). Or, to save on cost, try sending invitations from a free online, invitation website like www.evite.com.”
Invitation available at BeforeYourParty.com
SIGHT: Setting the Table
KN Luxury Willow Tabletop Line
I also love KN’s Rattan Charger ($12) which is adorned with a nature-like design, perfect for summer.”
SMELL: Fresh and Clean
“Scent is an essential element to parties – more than people think. Instead of opting for traditional flowers that don’t last very long., why not set up beautiful diffusers? They add color and great scents to the party. Try KN Karen Neuburger® 6-Pack Trial Reed Diffuser Gift Set ($20, www.bonton.com).
KN reed-diffuser
This would be great for planning an indoor party and used as a party favor and letting your guests take a diffuser home.
SOUND:
“Before the party, create a fun mix of songs to keep the energy up at the party. Pick songs that really center around your party’s theme and don’t be afraid to mix genres or eras of music,” Jenna explains.
TASTE: Flavorful Food
“Finger sandwiches are an easy, affordable, and adorable solution for food at parties. Pair them with fruit and veggies platters.
Finger Sandwiches on 3 Tier Tray
Some of my favorites in addition to Jenna’s ideas is provide homemade quiche, egg or tuna salads which can be alone or placed on bagels or mini croissants.
TASTE: Delightful Drinks
Lemonade Jar Stand
“What better way to enjoy a warm summer day than with lemonade? Serve it in a beautiful glass lemonade stand and jar ($18, www.surlatable.com) and slice lemons to give extra color. Refreshing and totally chic – your guests will certainly go back for more!”
I love this one Jenna Lowe shows, but I also saw a couple of gorgeous Lemonade jars today at Costco relatively reasonable. I also love the variety of cookies and dessert options their bakery provides, which is very inexpensive.
If you are planning a luncheon outdoors, pick up some mini floral planters for your centerpiece and keep them out all summer long.
Having a gathering can be quite an expense; however, with a little creativity I believe you can pull of a fabulous luncheon. So start planning and get your girlfriends together for a wonderful time!
If you have some great ideas for putting together a stylish and afforable luncheon, please share in comments below!
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Sounds like gracious living to me, something that could soon be a lost art! Thanks, Duong, for the inspiration!