Planning an outdoor party for your pre-wedding festivities? Here are a few simple tips to keep things flowing smoothly.1. Have a Plan B. If it's too hot, if it pours rain, if the bugs come out and drive your guests buggy, you'll need a back-up plan. You might rent a marquis, or move to a screened patio, or light up the citronella candles -- but be prepared for the less-than-romantic realities of the great outdoors.
2. Paper napkins are convenient, but cloth are less likely to blow away. What's convenient about chasing your serviettes around the lawn, anyway? Wrap the cutlery in a cloth napkin, and tie with twine or a pretty ribbon.
3. Instead of tablecloths, which are harder to secure, use table runners weighted at each end with painted rocks, bowls of glossy pebbles, or clear vases of decorative sand.
4. Dehydrated people get headaches, feel fatigue, and feel the effects of the alcohol far more quickly. Keep your guests happy, healthy and sober(er!) by providing pitchers of ice-water at every table. Increase the water's appeal by using ice cubes made with a tiny sprig of mint leaves inside.
5. Strings of Christmas lights add a lovely glow as day turns to evening. You can use colors, or, for a brighter glow, plain white lights.
4. Dehydrated people get headaches, feel fatigue, and feel the effects of the alcohol far more quickly. Keep your guests happy, healthy and sober(er!) by providing pitchers of ice-water at every table. Increase the water's appeal by using ice cubes made with a tiny sprig of mint leaves inside.
5. Strings of Christmas lights add a lovely glow as day turns to evening. You can use colors, or, for a brighter glow, plain white lights.
What's in a name?
Dress of the day: Anastasia by Maggie Sottero
Unusual wedding cakes from Dragons and Daffodils
