photo by HWTM & Chambord
I love summer entertaining! It’s the perfect time to take advantage of the warm summer nights and host an outdoor soiree. Backyard parties are simple and a great way to create a fun, carefree environment that’s perfect for summer parties.
Don’t be afraid to mix themes like we did for this Tropical Zen Party – We mixed our Asian Affair with our Luau Party to create this tropical get together that incorporates a zen vibe with a contemporary feel that’s a little different than your typical luau – it gives guests a new and different ambience to enjoy.
Use your theme as inspiration for selecting and creating party décor. Tropical elements such as exotic florals, palm leaves, coconuts, sand and tiki torches mix well with Asian-inspired details like bamboo, zen gardens and paper lanterns.
Use vibrant shades of green and orange with fuchsia accents for your color palette.
Invitations definitely set the tone of a party. Use your theme as a starting place then add elements and designs that work with your theme. I like to add fun embellishments such as bamboo or faux orchids than mail them in small boxes. Flat inviations with contemporary orchid silhouettes or palm trees are also perfect for this theme.
For lighting, give the party a festive feel with white twinkle lights, tiki torches and candles to put guests in the party mood.
Opt for outdoor eco-friendly bamboo dishes to help keep breaks at bay and avoid party fouls.
Create chic centerpieces with a zen tropical feel. For this party, I suggest using bright orange and fuchsia hand fans to dress up your place settings. Roll napkins and tie with natural raffia than embellish with a tropical flower or a few stems of bamboo to give your table that zen feeling.
Don’t forget the votives – line the table with river rocks and votive holders filled with sand and colored tea lights (I think I am starting to feel relaxed just thinking about this tablescape).
I would keep the food simple and serve festive finger foods and casual dishes such as chicken teriyaki skewers, fish tacos, fruit platters and various restaurant sushi rolls.
If you really want to make it simple and stress-free than order take-out and just focus on your ambience and food presentation.
