Summer Solstice Dinner Party on the beach
1. Send an invitation
In the world of technology, things tend to be rushed and unfriendly. Inviting guests to your party through the mail is an ideal method to convey to your guests that you’re thoughtful and attentive to every detail. The invitation sets the stage for the entire evening, and who doesn’t want receiving something lovely inside the post?
I also like using an image that is in line to the subject. I’ll go to the nearest post office to check out what they offer, and then choose a stamp that matches my theme or color scheme. If I can think in advance, I’ll buy beautiful stamps from Etsy and personalize them using Stamps.com. Attention to the smallest of details, such as that, can really knock your guests’ socks off the floor. When it comes to invitations, Courtney at Poppy Jack Shop certainly designed a gorgeous invitation for us!
2. Make a beautiful Table
To create the Summer Dinner on the beach theme, I decided to keep things simple but also beautiful. The landscape itself is gorgeous The other elements could be quite simple. The tabletop elements were basic white plates that were topped with flatware in bronze, crystal glassware, and cream napkins. Many of those items could already be available at your home! Adding little things, like place cards and menus, is always a good idea. They make your table look more attractive immediately.
Courtney of Poppy Jack Shop designed the beautiful pieces we have; however, you can easily make the same look at home. One of my favorite napkin techniques is tying the napkins together in a knot instead of the traditional folding. This can make it more intriguing. The napkin is folded in half to form an arc, then the longer end is taken and tied in knots. I usually flutter the knot a bit afterwards to ensure that it’s perfect but this is a tie that I frequently use due to the simple appearance it gives. These napkins come from the Little Market.
3. Invest in Florals
I don’t think I’ve said enough about how floral arrangements make everything more beautiful. Even though it’s a costly investment and a commitment to fresh flowers, adding them for any event is crucial. If you have an excellent florist and are beautiful, these gorgeous arrangements created by the MV Flower Shop are the reason why the table was so beautiful. We opted for the greenery and creams, with a hint of blush to give some colour. I like the way they appear on the beach, with the sandy.
If you don’t have the money to invest in florists, shop at your local supermarket for flowers. For example, Trader Joe’s as well as Whole Foods have a great assortment. If you’re not able to purchase floral arrangements, basic fruit, or even greens, are a great way to decorate tables. We used bud vase for this table. I put them on wooden boards that were placed on over the tables, to create several layers. This adds an extra dimension.
4. Get the vibe going with an awesome playlist
Music is the key to making every event more enjoyable and having guests join in to it while they dance is essential. At this outdoor party, we utilized Stelle Audio’s impressive portable speaker. The sound was incredible and our hostess, who had the most, had a playlist she had planned ahead. The music was the perfect mix of music for dinner, with an oceanic vibe that we enjoyed! You can watch it on this page.
5. Great Food & Wine are memorable
The food you serve your guests will be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful dinner event. It’s real, if you decide to go out for dinner, the ambience and service may be exceptional; however, if the food quality is okay, you will not be returning. In the meantime, you must think about your guests and ensure you are aware about any food allergies or dietary restrictions in your group.
What I enjoyed at this party was the idea for a long charcuterie table! We had it basically run across the table, and it provided a great opportunity for guests to connect while eating some delicious snacks. It was certainly an absolute highlight at the celebration, and I’m so thankful Colette’s Catering helped make my idea a reality! And, of course, her husband was a part of the event in the making of the board (gotta bring the husband’s participation there!)
Additionally, I’m an avid advocate of having more than you think you require in terms of wine and food, because you’ll never wish to be in a situation where you are running out of food or drink. At this event, we enjoyed various tasty wine of One Hope I especially enjoy their rose. Also, make sure when you purchase your guests to buy some more bottles in case, and who doesn’t want to have more wine on hand? !
6. Enjoy a great time
Things that you typically don’t consider such as candles, lighting, or simply a beautiful arrangement make the night significantly better. When you are hosting an outdoor event, especially it is important to consider lighting. The event was planned to be held in the evening and we knew that we needed to have lighting. You shouldn’t let your guests go in darkness in the literal sense! Therefore, Alatheia purchased battery powered string lights as well as battery operated candles that are perfect for those cold, windy beach breezes and also to create a beautiful setting.
Another option is to invest in rental. We wanted this event to set up a low-to-the ground table that isn’t something everyone has in their house inventory. I contacted my friends from Adore Folklore, and they had all my requirements met by providing a selection of gorgeous rentals. The use of a specialist rental company can be a bit more costly than a standard rental firm, but it is worth it. The pieces they provide are distinctive and unique, and they can create the perfect environment you’ve always wanted.
7. Be sure that your guests are at ease
Wherever you host your event, whether in the ocean, in the park or in your home, your guests have to be the first ones in. Making sure they’re comfortable should be the top priority. Since the party was outdoors, we ensured that we had blankets in case it became too cold.
We also wanted to keep the appearance of a table that was low to the ground, but we didn’t want our guests to suffer because of it. We made sure that we had plenty of pillows and poufs for them to sit on. It is possible to use beautiful pillows or blankets you have at home, but we purchased one through Boho Pillow and The Little Market.
