I was completely thrilled when I was asked earlier this spring if I would contribute a party idea for the summer issue of Everyday Party Magazine! Summer parties give us many opportunities to use fun decor…sea shells or beaches, pool time & flip flops, nautical designs, drive in movies…the list goes on! But another favorite of mine is a little tropical fruit we know and love…the pineapple! Not only does it evoke thoughts of the tropics but the color of the fruit itself reminds me of sunshine, so it’s a perfect summertime theme! It has been so busy around here that even though the publication came out some time ago, I haven’t yet shared the fun here…so today I’d like to give you some sunny inspiration for a simple gathering!
have a pineapple picnic!
i used my patio buffet to set up a really simple table of goodies to munch on! i was lucky to find an abundance of adorable pineapple items in the Target dollar spot…a favorite go-to when looking for reasonable and trendy decorating items! i love the tray not only for how cute it is but for easily moving the wine & glasses from buffet to table if needed…
wine glass markers are always a fun little detail…
these cute appetizer or swizzle sticks are perfect for nibbles and sips…but shorten them up a bit and they also look darling on top of some color-coordinated mini cakes!
grilled sandwiches look perfectly picnic-style wrapped up in a bit of parchment and some yellow twine…
a little salty and sweet is always a favored treat with me so i served a fruity pineapple dip with some lemon cookies and salty pretzels. the tiny, honeycomb topper is actually an embellishment i removed from a straw!
i used more of the mini fruit to top the table treats for each guest. a simple baking cup filled with almond cookies makes a nice table favor to eat now…or take for later!
rather than a traditional centerpiece, i used a pineapple candle and placed a mini topiary between each place setting. a fun way to add greenery to the table without obstructing the view!
these adorable battery lights add some pineapple fun to the larger topiary on the patio! a cute and sparkly way to tie together the decor throughout the space…
hanging from the chandelier is a couple of poms tied with a sunny yellow ribbon…also high enough so that guests can talk without dodging a centerpiece!
another really easy way to create a party detail was to use stickers to add a shiny pineapple to the utensils. sometimes stickers can be your best friend!
the paper plates and napkins sparked the inspiration for another party element…
my old garden bike found a new purpose as a whimsical beverage station for the sparkling waters! if you don’t have an extra bike handy, a basket alone might make a fun alternative. thinking outside the box will always help you to create not only a unique party but often times save you money too…like i did with the child’s hula skirt from the party shop as my “fringe” on the buffet!
if you want to see this party and other gorgeous entertaining & crafting inspiration you can grab your own digital or hard copy of the publication here!
it’s summer time…
get ready to party on the patio!
product guide:
yellow tray, pineapple decanter, stemless glasses, wine tags, pineapple bowl, gold garland, swizzle sticks, pineapple pillow, twinkle lights Target Dollar Spot
doormat Target
honeycomb pineapple Party City
mini topiary Ikea
paper plates and napkins, available in store only at JoAnn