Fun Floral Straws
Whether you're throwing a backyard bash or an evening soiree, these party-perfect ideas are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Plain or fancy, these straws decorated with baking-cup flowers make your summer drinks irresistible.
Decorative Paper Lanterns
These decorations really layer on the style. Any pale-colored paper lantern can be covered with tissue circles (buy them precut -- no scissors required) for a charming fluttery finish.
Preppy Napkin Rings
Fashion a set of napkin rings in no time using grosgrain ribbon and D rings.
Punch Bowl Ice Bath
Instead of watering down your drink with ice cubes that are destined to melt, give the entire vessel its own ice bucket. Slip one glass container inside another (we found these multipurpose cylinders at a floral-supply shop, jamaligarden.com), and put the ice between them. The effect is dramatic and guarantees that your punch retains its punch.
Paper Cocktail Covers
Keep bugs, leaves, and other unwelcome guests from joining you for drinks by topping glasses with these jaunty little hats (otherwise known as baking cups). Cut a small X into the center of each liner, poke a straw through the hole, and enjoy your beverage worry- (and pest-) free.
Sundae Party
Celebrate summer with a colorful sundae party; set out toppings in fortune-tellers, those folded-paper staples of childhood.
Fruit Spritzers
Enjoy the essence of summer in a glass with cubes left over from fruit salad and a simple syrup made from sugar and water.
Moss Centerpiece
Give your outdoor table a lush centerpiece with a fun, graphic twist.
Flower Votive Displays
Flowers and candlelight are nothing new, but together they create tabletop decorations fit for relaxed summer entertaining.
Bottle Beauty Hurricane
Bars and buffet tables must be adequately lighted, but they're often located far from electrical outlets. An easy, inexpensive solution is to gather clear apothecary bottles and fill them with lamp oil and wicks. Arrange the bottles under a large hurricane for protection. We set these on a sturdy glass cake stand.
Hanging Paper Flowers
With a few snips and folds, and a little imagination, you can turn humble paper bags into party-perfect decorations.
Fire-and-Water Centerpiece
Two glass vases and tinted water can be combined to create a unique and festive effect on an outdoor table.
courtesty of Martha Stewart
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