Can you believe it's August already? I mean, where does the time go? Summer is more than half gone and I haven't even one time had any friends over for a barbecue, or an outdoor summer brunch. The days are slowly but surely getting shorter and I decided last night that before it's completely gone, I am going to have some kind of summertime soiree.
The challenge is that I am on a skin tight budget. What fun is entertaining with no money for fancy foods and lots of decorations? Why even bother? Then...I started looking at inspirational pictures online, and... I. got. excited. Here are a few pictures I discovered....
Oh my gosh! Check out these websites! In the top row: A picture perfect table setting, and a rustic drink menu chalkboard from Style Me Pretty.
In the bottom row: A summer time flag to spruce up any drink, and tea lights and flowers set the tone for a romantic evening table.
Ooooh! Don't those pictures (and the posts linked to them) just inspire you to gather some much loved vintage items from indoors, and move them on outdoors for a cozy summer gathering? Canning jars are just so danged perfect for flower vases and votive holders. (Add a ribbon if you're feeling like dressing things up a bit.)
Old chairs, throw pillows from the guestroom, cut roses from my garden, and it will be perfect. And free. Oh! And here are a few other ideas (click the links!) to inspire us all for outdoor entertaining.....
Go cheerfully overboard with yellow and white; oodles and toodles of daisies and birds shout summer.
Stay cool with a refreshing glass of watermelon lemonade, from Martha, of course. (How yummy does that sound?!)
A wonderfully summer-y combination of greens and pinks make a charming table.
Mmm hmm, I do think it's time that I start making my plans. After all, entertaining isn't about how much we spend on food and decorations, it's about hospitality. It's about making friends feel valued and special, and that's more important than ever, in these challenging financial times. Entertaining is about sharing good times with people we love.
So...what do you think? Have you done any creative entertaining this summer? I'd love to hear about it if you have! If not, it's not too late. Plan something!As for me...
I'm thinking a charming little brunch is definitely called for.. Ya, that's what I'm thinking.
