Patio Party!

We just finished a patio redecorating and I am wanting to host a gathering to celebrate!  The weather just seems perfect to have a few people over.  Do you like planning a party or do you get all nervous about it?

I break party planning into small steps and let the answers guide me through the process. For example, the first step is deciding the when and where.  Easy, this Sunday night and on my patio!

Do I want a theme?  Step 2 is deciding whether a theme is good or not. A loose theme is good for me this time.  I think I will do some summery, Hawaiian like things, like I found at Oriental Trading:  http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/luau-a1-550298.fltr  I love all the luau things, but I am for sure going to have this recipe:

Step 3 decide on food!  I have the perfect cheeseball recipe to use for this and I'll also make pineapple and chicken skewers to use up the pineapple.  These drinks look fantastic, too!

The recipe is simply rum, coconut milk and lime juice.  You can find those cute umbrellas at Oriental Trading, but I like these instead:

Step 4, decide on decorations, if any.  I think it will keep my pineapple theme going a little bit more!  Aren't they cute?  I'll match them up with these napkins and these inflatable mini beach balls for a little fun!

Step 5, invite your guests and clean house!  In my case, the patio!  Do as much as you can in advance, so you can enjoy the party, too!

I love going to Oriental Trading for my party needs.  I have used them for years, especially when I was a teacher and wanted to purchase items for a party or for class prizes.  It's a company I've known for ages and really trust!

I'll let you know how the party turned out!