Summer Party Ideas

For this Thursday, I am linking up again with Framed Frosting's Current Crush Thursdays.

Next week, our little neighborhood is having a street fest. Burger Fest to be exact. Me being me, and loving to entertain, we are going to have some friends over to hang out, (and by that I mean drink a lot) before we head over to check out the fest.

Now, I don't know about you, but burgers don't really inspire me a whole lot. Sure, Bakerella has these adorable burger cupcakes that I might make, but nothing beyond this is really feeling my hostess soul.

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Here are some ideas that are inspiring me:

Cute plates and napkins that I found at Target. Their Spritz line has some really cute things in it, and the prices are very reasonable.

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 They also had a cute party banner. I usually make my own, but I picked it up in case I don't have time.

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I ordered a mix of hot pink and lime green striped straws from Jill (BagLady2314) on Ebay. I can't get enough of striped straws every since I used them at Christmas! Jill was nice enough to send me a mix of both colors. Here are some of the other options she has... I want them ALL! I might end up with a weird hoarding situation of colored paper straws....

Now for the most important part... the drinks! I am crushing hard on all of these ideas. Would it be too much to make them all? The answer is... DUH! Make them all PLUS find another idea or two!

Watermelon Keg from Ministry of Alcohol
Clearly vodka will be added to mine...

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Fruity Frozen Vodka Slush from Elizabeth Anne Designs
This sounds delicious, so be sure to check out her recipe. You can play with the ingredient list all you want and still come up with something amazing. Isn't her picture gorge?

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Mason Jar Cocktails from The Larson Lingo 
When this showed up on my Pinterest, I knew I had to try this out! I picked up some mason jars and I can't wait to use them for cocktails and this as well. Note- the original Pinterest pin does not give proper  credit. Be sure to visit The Larson Lingo!

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Summer Ice Cubes from The Culinary Tribune
When I saw these also on Pinterest in the dead of winter, I knew they would be something to try out when sweet, sweet summer finally arrived.

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What is inspiring you this summer?