Tips for Throwing the Perfect Patio Party (and the 2015 Summer Playlist!) Recipe
Tips for Throwing the Perfect Patio Party (and Willow Bird's 2015 Summer Playlist!)
I wrote this post as part of the Plugrá Butter Brigade. Thanks, Plugrá, for sponsoring this post and for making my favorite butter!
SUMMER: sitting, snacking, singing, sipping, swimming, sunshining! Every year I kick off summer with a balcony party and share highlights to inspire you to throw together your own outdoor shindig. And (my favorite part!) every year I compile a Willow Bird Baking Summer Playlist for you to jam to at your par-tay.
Here are this year's tips for throwing the perfect patio party:
Start Your Summer Off With a Patio Reboot
It made me feel amazing to clean and spruce up my balcony for last year's summer party. Mike and I used it all summer long because it was so cute! After our party we'd often eat brunch or work out there with the lanterns lit. I wanted to kick off this summer with another patio reboot in hopes that we'll continue enjoying our outdoor space — but I didn't want to spend a ton of money! I compromised by keeping one of my decor colors the same as last year (orange) and adding in accents of a new color (bright purple). Together, they made a rich, summery look. I spent a total of $100 at World Market and I felt like I had a whole new balcony!
Here's last year's look:
And here's this year's makeover:
this outdoor rug was only $20!
Become a Plant Person
This is a weird party tip, but PLANTS. Plants are a cheap way to make your outdoor space look lush and summery. And they STAY ALIVE after the party (provided you, like, water them or whatever.) I'm 100% terrible at gardening, but this year I found that Lowe's has a whole line called "Plants of Steel" just for people like me. They're rated things like "Resilient" and "Wouldn't Die in the Apocalypse." Okay, I made that one up. But you get the idea. The tags give you dummy-proof instructions like, "Water with 1 cup of water every 2 weeks." I can totally do that! The plants have transformed the atmosphere of my balcony.
It's Your Party Too: Only Make Foods You Love to Make
I told you, I'm a lazy partier. I'm not going to have fun if I'm slaving over a fussy dinner. For this party, I planned a simple menu based on the freshest summer fruit and seafood available — and none of the dishes take much effort to prepare. My first criterion when I'm hunting through recipes and adapting dishes is, "Will I be happy making this?" If not, it's not worth it.
Jam to Willow Bird's 2015 Summer Playlist
I'm pretty proud of this one, guys. It's got an awesome mix of music: old and new; indie rock, country, pop, reggae, jazz, soul/funk; fast and slow; danceable and sit-and-sippable. It's so good. And this year, I've compiled the songs into a YouTube playlist for easy listening!
Playlist:
Greek Tragedy by The Wombats
Arrow by Louisa Wendorff
Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Video Games by Lana Del Rey
Sun is Shining by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Tiny Grain by Charlotte Almgren
Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes
Wasted by Civil Twilight
You Make Loving Fun by Fleetwood Mac
Black Wave by The Shins
This Life by Ryan Huston
Undiscovered by Laura Welsh
Still Luv' Huh by Floyd the Locksmith
Delilah by Florence + The Machine
Wake Up In Paris by The Hot Sardines
As Long As You Follow by Fleetwood Mac
Time After Time by Quietdrive
Windows are Rolled Down (Live with the Colorado Symphony) by Amos Lee
Wonderwall by Ryan Adams
Bad Blood by Taylor Swift (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey
Look What We've Become by Grace Potter
Ex's and Oh's by Elle King
Thank U by Alanis Morissette
Suddenly by Brenda Holloway
Don't Wanna Fight by Alabama Shakes
Midnight City by M83
Hold Back the River by James Bay
4 Songs & a Fight by The Sounds
Janina by Rosy Nolan
Hose the Party Down
It's approximately 864 degrees outside right now and nobody wants to have a patio party in their Sunday best. Give people permission to wear cut-off shorts and bathing suits by making your party a pool party. If you don't have a pool, please do not underestimate how much even adults appreciate sprinkler running and Slip 'N' Sliding along with their (wine) slushies. They even make biodegradable water balloons now. You have no excuse.
Provide Plenty of Seating
I like to create a few intimate seating areas where folks can sit and chat. Again, no need for fuss: camping chairs, picnic blankets piled with outdoor pillows, and lawn chairs work just fine. Some folks won't mind sitting in the grass, but provide lots of options just in case.
Get excited! In the next few posts I'll share drop-dead simple recipes perfect for your patio party! In the meantime, tell me your favorite tips for celebrating in the summertime.