OUTDOOR PARTY FUN + GAMES INSPIRATION

Spring has sprung and everyone is headed outdoors. As the weather heats up, don't just throw a typical backyard party. Why not spice it up with some fun + games? Here are a few outdoor party ideas to make your bash an event to remember.

1. Badminton
2. Lemonade
3. Croquet
4. Homemade Popsicles
5. Mini Golf
6. Outdoor Film Screening (To learn how to put up the screen, click for a DIY Guide)
7. Bonfire
8. DIY S'more Kit (click for a DIY Guide)

SUMMERTIME BLUES

It's been so cold here in London. I can't wait until warm summer nights and being able to eat outside. How long is it until summer?

{photo via Apartment Therapy}

DESSERT TABLE STYLE

Amy Atlas may be the queen of dessert tables, but she doesn't totally rule the roost. Check out these other beautiful dessert tables that I hope will inspire you to do one yourself. They are definitely enough to put any person with a sweet tooth over the edge...

{photos via Jenna Hayes, Hostess, Green Wedding Shoes, Elizabeth Ann Designs, , Sweet and Saucy}

OUTDOOR DINING

With summer coming to an end (tear), I am still in need of some fun in the sun.  It's hard to take advantage of the non-rainy days with work and school, and thus I feel like summer just came and went.  Tonight I'm having dinner at Tom's Terrace as part of my plan to squeeze in as much outdoor time as possible while the weather is still warm enough to stay out of my boots and coat.  Here are some outdoor entertaining photos that I hope will give you some inspiration to get outside before fall arrives.

{photos via Bryn Alexandra Interiors, Asphalt Flowers, The Coterie Blog, The Style Files, Style Me Pretty)

OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD

Ok.  How incredible is this?  Outstanding in the Field "celebrates the farmer, right on the farm."  These open air feasts take place at ranches, orchards, and vineyards.  Renowned and local chefs collaborate with farmers to bring you a massive feast that honors local produce and the people who farm it.  The idea started in 1998 in Santa Cruz, CA, and quickly spread throughout Northern California.  In 2003 they began venturing outside the Golden State, and have now traveled throughout the Unites States, Canada and Europe.  Click here to check out their 2010 tour schedule, and to book a seat at a dinner near you.

{photos via Outstanding in the Field}

OUTDOOR DINNER PARTY

How beautiful are these photos from this adorable little fete held at a cheese shop in Philadelphia?  This is great inspiration for an outdoor dinner party this summer.  Click here to check out more photos.

{photos via Style Me Pretty}

SUMMER POPSICLE PICNIC

On the subject of picnics, how cute is this summer popsicle picnic from Design*Sponge?

{photos via Design*Sponge}

PICNIC SEASON

Since I arrived back in London, I have been plotting my first picnic of the summer.  I am so inspired by this photo I found over at Oh Happy Day.  I can't wait to roll out the blanket and enjoy the nice weather we've been having.  Here's my picnicking post from last month.

{photo via Oh Happy Day}

SUMMER CAMPING

Who said you can't camp in style?  Summer is approaching, and there is nothing more fun than setting up the tent (even if it's only in the backyard), roasting s'mores and watching the stars.

Bell Tent (£485); Sleeping Bags {£55); S'more Kit ($23)

LINEN SUMMER TOWELS

I spotted these linen towels over at Design Sponge, and couldn't be more excited to get one and head to the beach.  They're made by Deck Towel, and come in a variety of stripes and solids.  They're perfect for the pool or beach because they are light, fast-drying and don't hold in sand and odors like normal cotton beach towels.  Summer here I come!

{photos: deck towel}

OUTDOOR DINNER

On the subject of outdoor summer entertaining, how about this beautiful tabletop from Once Wed?

{photo: Jose Villa}