10 Tips to Stylishly Take Your Party Outside

With a mix of indoor and outdoor furnishings and easy supermarket upgrades, here are 10 ways to pull off an outdoor party that's both pretty and practical.

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June 03, 2015

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Take It Outside

For a cozy gathering spot for guests to lounge outdoors, this small deck was outfitted with a mix of indoor and outdoor furniture and bold punches of color.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Spice Up Your Ice

Fire up your drink station with ice cubes containing jalapeno slices. The slices add a tasty kick to glasses of ice water and also bring a bold pop of color to the party. If spicy isn't your thing, consider adding strawberry, orange, lemon or lime slices instead.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Repurpose Patio Planters

Skip the standard plastic cooler and give ceramic planters new purpose as drink chilllers by filling them with ice, then placing them on hay bales to catch the drainage as the ice melts.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Freshen Up With Flowers

Carnations are one of the most readily available and affordable flowers sold at supermarkets. Give these budget-friendly blooms a stylish upgrade by arranging them ombre style. Just pick up three different shades of the same color carnation, cut the flowers' stems so they'll sit low around the top of the vase, then arrange the blooms light to dark to create the ombre color effect.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Bring on the Pattern and Color

Ditch the ubiquitous red plastic cups and instead opt for paper versions featuring fun patterns and punchy colors. Choose drinkware in two to three coordinating colors as well as a mix of solids and patterns to add a touch of sophistication while keeping the party's color palette consistent.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Upgrade Your Disposible Utensils

Leave your good silverware safely stowed inside, and forget about washing dishes. Instead, pick up disposible bamboo flatware from your local party supply or craft store. A much prettier option to standard plastic utensils, these bamboo pieces are also sturdier and more eco-friendly since they bio-degrade and are made from a rapidly renewable resource.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Add Inexpensive Bonus Seating

Bring farmhouse flair to your shindig with bench seating made from hay bales and throw rugs. Here, red and blue seen in the rug's pattern tie in with the party's overall color scheme while also adding a softer seating surface for guests.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Bring the Indoors Out

Weather permitting, a great way to add a more formal feel to your casual get-together is to mix in a few comfy pieces of indoor furniture. Here, classic upholstered dining chairs bring a touch of sophistication to the otherwise rustic space. When possible, try to keep all seating in the same color family for a cohesive look.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Rustic Drink Carriers

Keep guests' drinks safe and organized by displaying them in rustic metal drink carriers. Shop local flea markets, antique stores and garage and antique sales to pick one up on the cheap.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Serve Crowd-Pleasing Finger Foods

A no-cooking-required solution for outdoor-friendly finger foods is a kettle chip station. Supply your guests with strawberry baskets, a large bucket of kettle chips and a variety of gourmet toppings so guests can mingle freely while munching on this irresistible snack.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn