13. Have a BBQ. Send invitations.
WE DID IT. We had a backyard BBQ and it was a complete success. High fives!
This is something I’ve been wanting to do since I discovered the potential of our backyard. I didn’t think too much of what we had back there in the fall, but once the spring time rolled around and the Pinterest fanatic in me started discovering the beauty of the outdoor oasis, I knew I had to make something of ours.
I sent out invites about a week and a half before we wanted to have the party, pretty sure that not a lot of people would be able to make it. I mean, it is summer after all. People have weddings to go to, things to do, people to see. I know how it is. But 35 people came + a baby! I could hardly believe it when the yeses started rolling in. WHAT?! Who knew we had this many friends! I was excited, but also started getting a little nervous, too. What if our yard couldn’t hold that many people? What if the neighbors got annoyed? Plus, I’d never really thrown a party like this before. WHAT if I didn’t have the magic touch?
Well, the party was better than awesome and, really, the night could not have been more perfect. Zan’s brother set up the iPhone to play “The Shins” radio on Pandora, which felt just right for this kind of party. The weather was amazing (it was cool and pleasant, with the most beautiful sunset), there was just the right amount of food, plenty of drinks (and then some), and having everyone there and having fun was just fantastic.
It was just the best time and I loved every single minute of it.
Here are some of the pictures from the night:
It was a good, good time, I could not be more sure of it.
Let’s do it again?! We’ve got plenty of leftover beer and the oasis is staying up throughout the rest of the summer. Feel free to come on over if you’re around! We’d be happy to hang out some more and cook up some food. We’re pros at this now, after all.
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THANK YOU to everyone who came out to celebrate summer! One for the memory books— so thanks for being a part of it!
Aww. the bbq looks like it was such a success. My apartment complex had a black and white pool party this weekend but it was not as classy as your backyard party. The lights strung around are a really sweet touch
The lights were my one requirement! I NEEDED them!!
Woo! My arm party AND baby made the blog! Thanks for an awesome time on Friday. We had a great evening and your home was so warm and welcoming! Have a great week!
Thanks for coming! And so glad you brought baby James! Just love him!
Picture and blog perfect! Looks like you paid attention to all the little details. Love that drink station, the invites and the cafe lights! Brilliant!
Anna–What part of the city do you live in? I love your backyard. It’s the perfect size. (Making me jealous over here!)
Hey Kelly– I emailed you!
So wonderful, Anna. From now on, never doubt your party planning + executing skills. :)
This looks so fun. Why wasn’t I invited. Just kidding, but I love the sunset and the string lights photo so much! Good job, you little party-planner – you.
I’m thinking I should have a blogger BBQ?! What do you think??
yay! so glad it was a success. Love your invite, your signage, and the quote about the people in the chairs… :)
You are such a lovely hostess!
The birds eye view of the food table is a great picture. Food tables always rank high on my list of favorite photos, and this one is awesome!
This is the CUTEST BBQ girl! It looks like everyone had a blast :) And your invite was to die for. You’re making me want to throw a party just so I can do fun things like that!
Throw one! It was so fun to do!!
Oh my goodness this is too darn adorable. So wish I had a backyard!! Slash that many friends to invite haha!
AND A BABY! now you’re in business. this looks so fun – your friends are very lucky to have a host like you. love that last picture of you and your man.
I love that one too. It’s definitely going in a frame!
Thank you SO much for having us! Wish we had been in party mode last weekend. But it was lovely and beautiful and I adore all of these captures…my favorite is the one of you, Meg, and Hannah with the lights behind you…how magical!
Clair, I am SO glad you and Joe came. AND I can’t wait for our next date!
Triple date!!
Oooooohhhh!! How magical! Looks like you have become a party throwing extraordinaire :) All of these pictures are just amazing!! I can’t wait until T and I have a backyard so we can get busy throwing BBQ’s!! xo, eliza
You did it! Backyard barbecues are arguably the best part of summer. (Besides swimming, but that’s a given, you know.) Yours looks amazing- especially those lights. So cute!
Congratulations on a successful first barbeque! Those last two pictures are my favorite. :) Everyone looks like they’re having a great time. While I was on the subway to go back to Jersey City from New York a freelance writer and her husband stood in front of me and were talking about the different topics she wrote about. Her husband said she once held a dinner party so she could write an article about one, because she’d never done one before. Maybe you could publish an article on having a BBQ! I bet Real Simple Magazine would love that. :)
i love all the decorations and the invites and other cute paper things. i am so wishing i had a backyard right about now!
I’m new to your blog! I came over from Colleen’s blog. This is one stylish BBQ. You know a lot of good-looking folks! ;)