Party Planning

I am planning a couple parties for this summer for some really special events. For people that mean a lot to us. I have been brainstorming inexpensive ideas to make them fun. Unfortunately I can't remember where I sourced a lot of these ideas - all of them, except one, were on pinterest. (If you see your photo, please tell me and I will gladly credit it!) 

I've found a few links for these ideas, but if you have any others, please share! I would love any ideas or advice that makes all this doable and affordable...

Most of these are for a bridal shower for a friend that has not had a party thrown in her honour since she was twelve years old. I know none of us can afford to go all out on one-time events, but I am really trying to make this one for her as special as possible. (She doesn't read my blog and if you know who she is please don't tell her about any of this! Pretty please.) The other events are a goodbye party for a good neighbour, some summer book clubs and a couple (still secret) parties. 

We aren't sure how yet, but I really want to string up twinkle lights in our back yard. 

This place sells parasols for a reasonable price. I want to get a few different shades of peach to hang or place in the yard. (Peach is the colour of my friend's wedding dress.)

This was actually my friend's idea who is hosting the wedding. I thought it was adorable and may use it for the good bye BBQ. But knowing me, the balloons will all be multi-coloured! : ) 

I love candy buffets. So cute and fun. (And perfect party favours with cute take-home baggies.) 

I found these for a good price and may go ahead and order a couple since they will work for so many events. Lemonade, lavender/basil iced tea, pink drinks...

We have a local cupcake shop that makes cupcakes to order for any food allergy or dietary need. And they are SO yummy. 

I found these gluten-free cones, too, and just love this fun idea. So easy, too.

Besides that - I really want to do pots of geraniums on my deck and porch (have those), some mason jars of bright summer flowers (we can pick those), lots of candles under hurricane glass (don't have those) and paint all my outdoor tables and chairs apple green with outdoor spray paint (which is about as likely as me keeping my house clean all summer... highly doubtful.) 

Most of all, even if all I have is parties with big buckets of sidewalk chalk for kids to play with, late evenings with friends sitting outdoors laughing and catching up and lots of icy watermelon... the point is: I am getting excited about summer coming!