Summertime Bonfire Party

bonfire Collage

What this weekend symbolizes to me, is freedom. Freedom to party your ass off… because you have an extra day to recover *wink*. Memorial Day Weekend is the kick-off to SUMMER! What do you need to pull off the best 3 day bender? Booze. Food. And a bonfire (oh, and s’mores!) Enjoy these ideas (slash must-haves).

In-Ground Fire Pit

Don’t have one? Build one.

in ground firepit

Outdoor Blankets

It can get chilly after the sun goes down.

outdoor blankets

Homemade Bug Repellent Candle

We don’t need to be messing around with mosquitoes (especial here in the Mid West near lakes – ugh terrible!)

homemade bug repelant candle

Wheelbarrow Beer Cooler

Creative way to use what you have around the yard!

wheelbarrow beer cooler

Campfire Cones

Want to put in more ingredients than just chocolate? Here is a fantastic way to eat less messy.

Campfire cones

Pie Iron Recipes

With 23 varieties there’s something for everyone!

cheeseburger pie

Campfire Foil Dinners

There are 21 total to check out!

tex mex white bean chicken foil dinner

Raspberry Rhubarb Collins Party Punch

Try all 17 recipes!

raspberry rhubarb collins punch

Stay Inspired!

nicole longendyke

How To Throw An Unforgettable Outdoor Skating Party

ice-skates-600x399

We are in the thick of winter here in MN and I cannot imagine it getting any colder… BRR!!! So when mother nature gives you snow.. have a Skating Party! Here are the key ingredients to make it great!

Invites

Order some cute little invites. There are tons of options out there and free printable options.

stating invite
Bonfire

Keep everyone warm and toasty

winter outdoor bonfire

Serving Cart

This comes in handy when wheeling everything outdoors

coffee cart

Roasted Garlic Fondue

DELICIOUS! Try out this warming treat!

rosted garlic cheese fondue

Ice Skating Cookies

Super cute and keeping the theme

ice stating cookies
White Peppermint Hot Chocolate

There are a lot.. I mean a ton of hot chocolate recipes out there, so mix it up keep it interesting!

white peppermint hot chocolate

Here are 25 more Hot Chocolate Recipes!

Mulled Wine with Cranberries and Rosemary

Super easy to make.. because it’s also made in the ol’ trusty crockpot

mulled wine

DIY Ice Staking Rink

And whats a skating party without the rink. DIY backyard rink!
staking rink

Check out the full blog and instructions here!

Stay Inspired!

nicole longendyke

DIY: How To Make A Backyard Skating Rink

How great would it be to have your very own ice rink right in your own backyard! You and your kids can play hockey, ice stake, or even learn to skate for the first time! And the best part is that you don’t have to leave your yard. You can make it as big or small as you have room for; it’s super easy and inexpensive!

Build You Own Backyard Ice Rink

By: Kathy Woods; find the full blog here on Chicago Parent

staking rink

There’s only a few things you’ll need: wood, plastic, water, and a couple of days (depending on how cold it is)

1 – Decide on how big you want the rink, and pick up some lumber. Should be a couple inches thick and as long as your desired ice rink. Nail or screw the ends together for a sturdy frame.

2 – You’ll need heavy plastic, and it needs to be a little bigger than the rink size itself. Tuck it under the frame. Even staple-gun it to the inside of the frame to secure it.

3 – Now it’s time to freeze some water! It’s imperative that you allow each layer to freeze before adding more water. Fill a couple inches at a time and let it freeze completely before adding another layer. This will ensure it freezes evenly.

4 – Time to stake! Enjoy what you’ve created with friends and family.

Invite the neighbor kids and parents for some neighborhood fun! Check back to our Winter Outdoor Party blog for some entertaining tips to add to the outdoor winter fun!

 

Stay Inspired!

nicole longendyke

13 Unique Ideas to Use at Your Next Outdoor Party

Outdoor Table Setting

Outdoor Table Setting

 

Doesn’t matter what your next outdoor party theme will be – here are some universal ideas to make it awesome. Some of these you can make yourself and others you can purchase just in time before the guests arrive!

1 – Table Lighting via String of Light Bulbs
Table Lighting Idea

Table Lighting Idea

2 – Tree Lighting – Brighten up the entire backyard and make it the center of attention
Tree Lighting Idea

Tree Lighting Idea

3 – Stair Lighting – Quick and easy idea to light up the backyard stairs
Stair Lighting Idea

Stair Lighting Idea

4 – Comfortable Seating – Treat your guests to the best seats in the house with plush, relaxing cushions
Outdoor Theater Seating

Outdoor Theater Seating

5 – Dinner Party Seating – mix and match with chairs and couches. Make it colorful!
Dinner Party Seating

Dinner Party Seating

6 – Campfire Seating – Quick, easy, and inexpensive way to set the mood
Campfire Seating

Campfire Seating

7 – Citronella Decorations – an elegant way to showcase light as you keep the mosquitoes at a distance
DYI Citronella Candle

DYI Citronella Candle

8 – The Ultimate S’mores Bar – need I say more?
S'mores Bar

S’mores Bar

9 – Drink Coolers – This is the most action your canoe will see all summer… let’s be honest
Beverage Boat

Beverage Boat

10 – Utensil Holders – spoons, forks and knives at each table – this idea is dedicated to those to seem to always forget to grab the utensils at the beginning of the buffet line…
Utensil Holder

Utensil Holder

11 – Yard Games & Entertainment – There are a lot more ideas than just Jenga… check it out!
Giant Yard Games

Giant Yard Games

12 – Bug Spray & Sunscreen – easily accessible for everyone
Bug Spray and Sunscreen

Bug Spray and Sunscreen

13 – Blankets – keep some warm blankets around for when the sun goes down.. find someone to cuddle with
Backyard Blankets

Backyard Blankets

There’s only a few weeks left of Summer – so turn your next outdoor summer party into a memorable one.

Stay Inspired !

nicole-125