How to Plan an Unforgettable Party

Are you as excited as me to host people again?

The other week I offered up my yard for a friends gathering before the summer diaspora due to family vacations. The plan was to order in food and we would each bring a drink or small snack to nibble on while we waited for the delivery.

I found myself at the grocery store deliberating on what to make as a snack. I had too many things I wanted to make and I was driving myself crazy zipping from one end of the store to the next and not to mention I was making this errand exponentially longer than it needed to be.

I stood contemplating in front of the frozen cornucopia of appetizers that we all love from TJ's. Why did I need to edit it down? Was I willing to make it all?

YEP. 

Well, then. I thought, just make it. I obviously wanted and needed to feel that excitement of having people over, making their favorites and relaxing by the fire pit while we nibble and chat. I grabbed the samosa's and went back to the veggie isle.

They were pleasantly surprised and we all dug in. The night was such a success, even though the fire pit wouldn't turn on. ( Luckily I was able to fix it the next day.) The roasted marshmallows would just have to be for another day, or rather, the kids will love them.

So here's a few ideas that can be the icing on the cake for your next gathering:

 

Don't have time to run to the craft store and office supply? This kit has it all done for you. All you need is water. Your guests will LOVE walking away with a stylish remembrance of the evening. DIY Picture Holders

Have a fire pit? Awesome. If not, no worries, just pull out your camp stove or even gather around your kitchen gas stove. Roasting marshmallows has a magical way of getting us all in a good mood.  Set up the prep station with these trays: Hex Tray Collection

You'll never go back to buying bath bombs after this... it's so easy and fun. Here's the recipe I follow: 1 cup Baking Soda 1/2 cup Citric Acid 1/2 cup Cornstarch 1/2 cup Epsom Salt 3/4 tsp water 2 tsp essential oil 2 tsp oil (olive, sweet almond, coconut) Drops of food coloring if you want A mold (you can use a muffin tin if you don't have the customary round ball) You will need a mixing bowl and gloves make it less painful if you have cuts on your hand! Directions: Mix/Shake the food coloring with the water, set aside. Mix all dry except Citric Acid. Now add the colored water. Mix till incorporated and like crumbly wet sand at the beach. And now you can add the Citric Acid and it won't react too much with the water. Press tightly into the mold. Remove carefully and dry overnight. Ready for use or package up! Display in your bathroom with these gorgeous trays: Hex Tray Collection