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By Shindig_Spot, May 11, 2009 12:12 AM

While I should be working on figuring out how to configure my website, the Williams-Sonoma catalog came last night and I got inspired.  Since the weather is warming up I am getting the itch to plan my Annual Summer Solstice BBQ, and this catalog has me drooling.

Invitations

So,  as I mentioned before, this is an annual event, however, I wasn’t completely honest.  I have only had one of these BBQs before since moving into my house and I am hoping to make this an annual event; this will be my second year.  Last year I invited just about everyone I knew, literally.  I also included my neighbors since I was new to the area.  Between using evite and passing out fliers I had over 30 people attend my first BBQ shindig.  For a more intimate BBQ, try this invitation from invitationbox.com.  For more of a splurge, try these invitations from impressinprint.com.  They are on the pricey side, but they are fun  and different.  Save money on both styles by writing the information on the invitations yourself.

Menu and Serving

I kept the menu easy, burgers, dogs, chicken, sausages (hot and mild), pasta salad, corn on the cob, and chips and dips.  I was feeding over 30 people!   For something a bit more impressive, take a look at how you can transform a typical BBQ menu into something worth toasting a Margarita to.  These  outdoor grilling tools from Williams-Sonoma can help turn Jalapeno peppers into roasted poppers, chicken into roasted chicken with veggies, and chips and dips into ultimate nachos.  For the serving items, it might be time to dig out those housewarming gifts.  One thing that I have found key for any event, especially for an outdoor shindig, is to have a utensil caddy.  This one from Oriental Trading is affordable, decorative, and even has an area to keep napkins safe from those outdoor breezes.

Decorations and Accessories

Outdoor shindigs don’t usually require much in the way of decorations, the outdoor scenery usually takes care of that.  However, there is room for some finishing touches.  Mexican Oil Cloth that can be used as a chalkboard tablecloth can also double as a quick table dressing that is decorative and easy to clean.  Candles and outdoor party lights can provide lighting for those late night guests who stay well after the last of the summer sun.

Depending on the theme of your party, some of these small accessories from Oriental Trading Company will be the icing on the cake!

Try these Palm Tree Straws or Mini Margarita Shot Glasses for a Margaritiville theme.

Try these Hibiscus Flower Picks for appetizers or these Bright Flower Petals for your Luau theme table scape.

Try these Chili Pepper Straws and Inflatable Cactus Cooler for your spicy Fiesta theme.

Whatever you try and however you serve it, enjoy these few months of warm weather and long days. Enjoy the company of friends and family and have as many BBQ shindigs during this great summer season!

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By Shindig_Spot, April 30, 2009 11:01 PM

Want to personalize your next shindig?  Let these chalkboard decor items make it easy and fun to do.

Drinkware

Are your guests getting their drink cups mixed up?  I have to admit that those red plastic party cups, while they hold lots of drink, are hard to keep track of.  Have your guests stake their claim by using these Etch It cups.  It’s okay that it’s not a true chalkboard; no concerns of chalk dust to float into your drink.

Servingware

Simple and practical.  These two options for cheese trays from Kegworks are not only simple is design, but are practical in function.  Not only will they look great on your table, but will let guest be able to tell the difference between the Brie and the Gouda.  The Slate Cheese Serving Tray gives more than enough room for cheese presentation and identification.  The Cheese Tray with Charcoal Slate Insert  combines a traditional wood tray with a slate insert..  Line your crackers and fruit in the wooden tray and serve the cheese from the slate tray.

Accessories

Now that your drinks are labeled and cheese tray chalked up, what about the table?  The Lingo Tablecover from Realm Dekor allows guests to mark their spot at the table.  For an easy DIY project, create your own chalkboard tablecloth by using Mexican Oil Cloth that comes in various color and patterns.  For those special occasions when you want to break out the napkin rings, try this set from MoMA.  These Chalkboard Napkin Rings serve a double duty as holder for the napkin origami challenged and as place cards.  If the table has any room left on it, this slate vase from Kimberly’s Events’ Chalkboard China Collection will make for a great centerpiece.

Scatter the use of these chalkboard decor items from party to party, or use them all at once for a themed End of Summer/Back to School event.  Don’t be afraid to try something new, you can always erase and try again.