While the hot weather lasts, I plan on spending as much time as possible outside, soaking up the sun (with sunscreen on, of course), and enjoying the company of family and friends! One thing I really love doing in the summer is eating outside. We don’t have a patio where we can have dinner at home, but our trailer has a lovely deck that we eat all of our meals on when we’re there. Eating al fresco makes every meal a little bit more special and I wish it was something I could do all year round!

If you love spending time outside with your family, BBQing, and serving tasty beverages on your deck, then cheers! This is your season and today I’m sharing some fun ideas you can incorporate into your next shindig! Enjoy!

Fun Ideas For Your Backyard Patio Party

Treat yourself to this boozy concoction that features rosé with a mojito kick! This one’s simple to make and it’ll wow your guests because it looks gorgeous! (via Food & Wine)

These beautiful skewers — made with watermelon, feta, and mint — look incredible! Add a little color and a LOT of flavor to your backyard bash. (via Bites Of Bri)

Of course, you’ll need a place to keep all the beverages! Try making your own super cool table with a built-in icebox. (via Remodelaholic)

Because we all need a little more play in our lives! Whip up a game of GIANT Jenga and go to town! (via A Beautiful Mess)

Fun Ideas For Your Backyard Patio Party

This easy Meyer lemon ice cream recipe can be made at home and you don’t even need a fancy ice cream maker to enjoy it! (via The Kitchn)

Tabbouleh is one of my favorite types of salad (a university beau’s mom used to make it and I quickly became infatuated) and I’m definitely interested in trying out this quinoa version. Yum! (via The Kitschy Kitchen)

Spanakopita bites pretty much sound like tiny tastes of heaven! We happen to live above a Swiss restaurant that makes spanakopita every single day and it smells heavenly! (via Handle The Heat)

Need a little mood lighting? Try your hand at this cool DIY wood slice candleholder! I love the rustic look and the glow of candlelight after dinner is pretty much my favorite. (via My Crafty Spot)