Throwing a great party at the cabin

This is a fun article from HGTV on how to hold a cabin party in your own backyard. It would be a great party in the backyard but it also makes a nice day at the lake.

Here are some of the ideas.

Invitation Ideas
With spring officially here and the hot days of summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start sending out invitations for your outdoor soiree. Keep patterns light and breezy.

Whether you plan to make your own invitations or purchase them, select warm colors such as soft oranges or yellows, as well as earthy tones. Try printing your party details on fun cards with nautical or nature-inspired motifs.

Decorations & Accessories
Start with the most essential items, tables and chairs. Make sure you scrub down the patio furniture. An inexpensive way to doll up patio chairs is with a piece of lightweight fabric or with huge comfy cushions.

Casual tablecloths and paper napkins matching your color theme are best and definitely convey a low-key cottage feel. If you’re throwing an evening party, lighting is obviously essential. A combination of torches, candles, patio lanterns and even white Christmas lights will help you light and define different areas.

Citronella candles and torches serve double duty with their insect repellant capabilities. Hang lanterns from trees and outline the patio with lights at the ground level to create a separate party space.

Flowers give an instant air of charm to any outdoor setting so use your garden as your own backyard bling. Pick blooms from your yard and put them in metal buckets or watering cans for dainty table centre pieces.

This is where I differ. This is HGTV’s idea for music…

Playlist Ideas
Your playlist should be subtle but not boring. Easy listening artists such as: Corinne Bailey Rae, Nora Jones and Diana Krall are just a few that are guaranteed to provide the perfect backdrop to your party.

You can’t forget some Kim Mitchell (Patio Lanterns), the Beach Boys, or what about (Sittin’ On) The Dock in the Bay? You can’t forget Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama or the Kid Rock song All Summer Long. There is also The Beatles, Moxy Fruvous, and David Gray to consider.

Cocktail and Menu Ideas
Whether you decide to grill on the deck or cook indoors, plan your meal around fresh, seasonal ingredients. Think of finger foods that are fun and easy to eat like shrimp on a skewer or grilled pesto pizzas. Or, create a simple cottage themed meal like grilled garlic chicken along with customary coleslaw.

When it comes to the dessert, never feel guilty about browsing the local bakery. Many store-bought desserts can be deliciously dressed up with fresh fruit — coffee cake sprinkled with raspberries or gourmet cookies with a blueberry, strawberry medley. If you have an outdoor fireplace grab wooden skewers and marshmallows for an authentic cottage treat.

Party Activities
If space permits, pull out a ping pong table for some fun action, or pitch a tent on open grass giving younger guests an area to romp. Playing cards and dominoes are relaxed, entertaining and relatively easy to get going — and they definitely have a cottage feel.

I like the idea of dominoes. I think we need a domino set for the cabin.

Speaking of having a good time at the cabin, here is Cottage Life’s 9 Suggestions for Being a Good Cottage Guest

3. Have realistic expectations
A cottage is a special place and cottagers revere the simple life. You’re not staying at the Hilton. At many cottages, you may not get to shower (not often, anyways), watch television, play video games, surf the net, or chat on your cell (but if your cell does work, you shouldn’t do business on the dock). There will be plenty of bugs and quite possibly, bad weather. Embrace it—it’s good to get away. Sit back, relax, and be proud of yourself for “roughing it.”