Twilight Garden Party

The on-again/off-again sunny weather has me craving spring and both looking forward to and reminiscing about having friends over for outdoor gatherings (both tediously planned and impromptu). I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to share some pictures of the backyard party we hosted last fall for Greg's company.  With rented picnic-style tables, borrowed adirondack chairs, professional catering, and lots of help with the details (like following these thorough directions on how to string your own lights), the party was a huge success. 

The dinner buffet was set up overlooking the picnic area under the lights.

Burlap table runners, gourds, Ikea lanterns, and tins stuffed with wrapped cutlery decorated the tables.

We squeezed nuts around the votive base inside the lanterns to add an autumnal touch.

Standing cocktail tables and corn hole games were set up for after-dinner socializing.

The caterers came equipped with a bar (beer on tap + wine) and sound system. (Not to mention, fantastic help!)

Cardstock, popsicle sticks, chalk marker, nuts, and little terracotta pots were used to make the menu tents.

I went a little nuts on Pinterest and had the best time setting up the S'mores bar!

We filled mason jars, baskets and decorative canning jars with the typical goodies + lots of extras.

I found chalkboard-sided wooden boxes (used upside-down as stands) at TJMaxx and the chalkboard menu tent at Michael's. 

It was hard to limit our featured flavors to just these four.

I made the banner from card stock, twine, wooden clothes pins, and my handy chalk marker.

We set up the fire pit/roasting station beside the s'mores table and added a little pile of blankets in case it got chilly.

After things were mostly set up and before our guests arrived, the girls and I sampled the food and beverages.
(BTW, I do have full eyebrows. Not sure why only half of them showed up in this picture.) 

As the sun set, the guests arrived to our glowing backyard shindig.

In hindsight, we could have used another table. It was a cozy dinner!

Post-dinner s'more making.

I couldn't have pulled it off without my partner-party-planner, Emma!

Cheers!