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Host a Farmer's Market-Inspired Porch Party

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Freshen up your next outdoor gathering using your local farmer's market as inspiration, from sweet, seasonal appetizers and aromatic cocktails to clever decorating ideas.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Create a Party-Ready Outdoor Buffet

Before you haul that beat-up dresser to the curb, consider putting it to work in your outdoor space. A coat of mint green paint and pegboard give this vintage dresser new life as a gorgeous party-perfect buffet with loads of storage. Make Your Own >>

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Put Fruits On Display

Use buckets, bins or trays to display colorful fruits for farm-fresh cocktails.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Jugs + Jars

Pop freshly cut flowers into vintage jugs and jars for a sweet, simple look.

Vibrant color, plentiful storage and casual style make this DIY outdoor coffee table perfect for almost any decor.

Photo: Brian Patrick Flynn, Flynnsideout.com

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Reimagine Basic Crates

This clever coffee table features extra storage by using four basic wood crates fastened together on a plywood base. Bright shades of blue paint were added to create an ombre effect across the top, and casters were installed on the bottom for mobility. Make Your Own >>

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Make Your Own Vintage Signage

What's for lunch? This hand-lettered chalkboard menu adds the perfect vintage vibe to your next soiree and frees up the hostess for more sparkling conversation. Make Your Own >>

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Arrange Veggies + Flowers

Add some farmhouse charm to your floral arrangements by adding veggies into the mix. These classic white tulips play well with green onions and leafy rapini.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Repurpose Garden Tools Into Barware

The next time you’re at the hardware store, pick up a few garden tools to use as serveware. This planter bucket and garden spade are a fun way to scoop ice into cocktails. (Just make sure your guests know they’re from the kitchen, not the potting shed.)

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Serve Aromatic Cocktails

Nothing says spring like freshly snipped herbs. Serve up pretty cocktails garnished with aromatic rosemary, lavender and mint; they’ll appeal to all the senses. Make a Rosemary Greyhound and Lavender Collins >>

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Fresh Florals Make the Perfect Topping

Everyone loves dessert, but this one is a showstopper. These mini naked cakes topped with fresh flowers look super high end, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. Get the Recipe >>

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Get Creative With Seasonal Fruits

Serve fresh seasonal fruit in clever ways like these delicious Key Lime cheesecake sugar cookie cups made from Greek yogurt and topped with a mix of fresh berries.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Give Guests Fresh Herbs

Send guests home with adorable, personalized herb planters. The next time your friend pinches off a bit of parsley or rosemary, they’ll think of you. Make Your Own >>

Host a Farmer's Market-Inspired Porch Party

Create a Party-Ready Outdoor Buffet

Put Fruits On Display

Jugs + Jars

Reimagine Basic Crates

Make Your Own Vintage Signage

Arrange Veggies + Flowers

Repurpose Garden Tools Into Barware

Serve Aromatic Cocktails

Fresh Florals Make the Perfect Topping

Get Creative With Seasonal Fruits

Give Guests Fresh Herbs

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