This summer our son Hunter and his familymoved back here to Southern California from Austin Texas!Almost three years minus one month they were gone.When I heard they were coming backit sounded so much too good to be trueI never even let myself get excited.It was such a huge answered prayer!
They are actually back now and I couldn't be happier about it!So I wanted to throw them a summerWelcome Back Party!
I wanted a fun gathering of our family and his wife Megan's sweet family!It had been since before they left for Texasthat we'd all been together.
I started planning for the End of Summer Party3 weeks before the event.My lush cutting garden of Shasta daisies were the beginning inspiration!I wanted the party to be fun and colorfulwith a nod to a childlike spiritafter all our adorable grandchildren would be here!I wanted to do a party that all four generations would enjoy!
I have adored the Topo Chico glass water bottles for yearsandIv'e always wanted a chance to repurpose them somehow.
This was just the party to use them!I knew I could run almost 2 dozen Recycled Glass Bottles for Vasesdown the length of our alfresco farm table!
They would be perfect to highlight my Shasta daisies from my cutting garden!**( By the time of the party my daisies were on their way out so I used flowers I bought)
I set several tables the same way with my Colorful Plate Collectionsanddaisies in the colorful bottles.This colorful palette played perfectly off of my blue and white summer color scheme I do though out my house in the summer.
To add even more outdoor color and a feeling of playfulnessI used my collection of Fabric Pennants clothes pinned to my backyard 'greenery walls'.
Such an easy and sustainable way to make use of old clothes or even fabric scraps around the house.Simple cloth triangles folded over and hot glued to jute twine.
I even used some old tea towels that had come to the end of their time.I simply cut out the parts I likedhot glued them onto triangles of denimfolded them over and hot glued them once again to some jute twine!Such a simple project with results that can be reused for years!
The cloth pennants just add such a fun and festive pop of party colorthat I probably will continue to add to my collection!Such a fun way to add personal memories to gatherings!
The next colorful party element I added wereBeach Balls!And lots of them!
I ordered three sizes in multiples all from Amazon.
I opted for the classic color palette as it reinforced my primary color way for this party.
The beach balls ended up to be even more fun than I anticipated!
I used them everywhere!
I even used them in a big wooden tray for a focal point upon entry to the backyard!
I had them all over the backyard grass as well.
The beach balls just say playful and funwhich is exactly what I was going for in my party decor!
My very favorite part of using themwas the happiness on the faces of our grandchildren!Pure delight!
So much fun to be had from such a simple toywhich made for the best party props!
They were fun in our waterfall!
Easily filled this summer's inflatable pool!
When I design and style a party I always like to have things done several days in advance.I've learned this trick over the years.For me, it keeps things stress free, creative and enjoyable.I simply wash all the dish ware again on the day of.
This party was no exceptionwhich meant it was all set up a few days before when we had Hunter and his family over for a family dinner.
I am so glad I did!Because it ended up that this was the only day the party props were usedin the way they were designed!(I was also grateful I took photos early on)
Here in Southern California we literally never, ever get rain in Augustbut this year we had a Tropical Storm arrive not just the day of the partybut it was projected to hit during the party.so of course a quick plan B was put into place.
Our little living room was rearranged to accommodate plenty of seating.I brought in some of the banners and beach balls.We even changed our menu last minute.
I set up the Cutest Coloring StationWe added a sheet of thin wood over the coffee tableI had coloring sheets and plenty of colors and colored pencils.I styled it with attractive holders using glass jars, cans and some small ceramic buckets.I set them all in my long narrow tray filled with rice.A small bouquet in a recycled glass jar finished off the coloring station!
When I was younger I would have been upset that the party had to be resetfrom my original vision.
Luckily, I have grown up.
I know these days without a doubtany party is reallyall about people coming together
I take entertaining seriouslyI am always so grateful for people taking the time to come together.Loosing both of my parents in the last few yearsas sad as it isgives me the most gratitude and lovewhen getting together with people I care about.I never, ever take togetherness for granted.
Especially when it comes to the the true miracle that are grandchildren.What a gift to be on the planet at the same time.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy as you style your life