Summer shindigs ~ Part 1

Since August is not only MY birthday month,

but also the birthday month of many of my good friends & family members,

I figured it apropos to feature some fab summer party ideas.

Let's start this week by talking tablescapes.
And cocktails!

Any / all of these fun ideas would be amazing for your summer shindig.

(And they are not that ridiculously priced either.  Score!)

Start with a piece of burlap as your table runner,
which also acts as a blank canvas...

For things like:
Single big, bright blooms of zinnias or dahlias in mason jars
Lots of unscented (or Citronella) tea lights in clear votives
Colorful charger plates + white dinnerware

elegant garden place cards

{HERE}

simple Ikat linen napkins

{HERE)

ceramic market baskets to hold centerpieces or fresh fruit

{HERE}

festive floral tumblers

{HERE}

And to fill those festive tumblers,

you need a festive summer cocktail!

Ones that feature fresh muddled summer fruits and/or herbs??

Bonus.

I stand whole-heartedly by the Bufala Negra.

And look forward to trying all any of the following:

blackberry lime gin fizz

"the best margarita you'll ever have"

sorbet mimosas

SoNo sunrises

The Frenchy

strawberry mojitos

riesling slushies

strawberry basil sangria

And one "mocktail" for those who can't / don't care to booze.

blackberry sage coolers

And these rose petal ice cubes

would make even plain old ice water party perfect!

Whew!

Is it just me, or are you now parched?

;)

~images via coco+kelley, rifle paper co., west elm, anthropologie, zara home, & coco+kelley~