The following post includes Amazon affiliate links.  That means a small portion of your purchase will be paid to me as a commission.  The price is the same for you.  I like to share these links to help support the cost of running this blog and to be a resource to you.  I like to make things easy for you and as always…..keep it real.

 

I love a good summer party and this year I have a fantastic reason to throw one. My baby boy has graduated from high school!  If you have been following me from the start, you might remember just how young he was when I started this website. I could always count on the boy to give me an honest opinion about my recipes. Each one has been taste-tested over and over by my very picky youngest son. He really enjoyed his “famous” elementary school lunches in his Pack-It lunch box. 

I’ve been very nostalgic lately thinking about all four of my kids over the years. I really can’t believe how their childhood passed in the blink of an eye. Can any of you relate? Instead of crying, I’m going to focus on the bright and beautiful future we all have to be excited about.  I have so many stories and recipes to share with our real food community here. Make sure you follow along so you don’t miss any of it. 

Our local Party City closed and I’m so disappointed.  This girl loved to throw all sorts of parties and due to that closure, I’ve had to turn elsewhere for my parties. My primary source has been Amazon. I like how quickly things usually arrive and there seem to be plenty to choose from. What I miss is seeing sizes in person. I know there are measurements in the description, but nothing beats holding a plate or cup in your hand to know for sure if it’s a small, medium, or large. 

My son’s school colors are black and orange so those are the colors I am going with for decorations. The items that I have ordered come in a variety of colors though so you can choose the colors you want. Although we are planning a graduation party, these items will work for any summer party you are planning.

We set up tables under a tent and the tables need to be covered. I really like this table cover roll because it has a cutter built in. I use tables of differing lengths, so this helps me to make the most of the table cover and I don’t have to remember to grab scissors.

Outdoor parties call for disposable plates. I know. I know. Not very environmentally friendly.  I get that. I do the best I can to not add to the landfill most of the time. This just goes along with my 80/20 philosophy. I like a colorful plate that has some heft to it, so the plate doesn’t fold when you put food on it. These plastic plates hold up nicely and prevent spills on the floor. 

 

I’m really excited about this last summer party purchase. I’m planning on having a lemonade bar, so I thought these would be on theme. I wouldn’t normally think to add lids and straws to my cup order, but I think they will provide the added benefit of keep bees and other pests out of the cup. We can at least try, right? 

I truly hope you are enjoying your summer with your family.  Soon it will be back-to-school so squeeze in as much fun as you can with the kiddos!  If you are looking for quick and easy summer real food recipes you can check out the recipe index.  The grilling recipes are some of my favorites.  I am adding recipes all of the time so check back often.  You might also be interested in the Freedom from Clutter in 40 Days Challenge.  Click over and you find all of the challenges plus motivation and encouragement. 

Let me know if you give any of these items a try or have found other party-friendly items. Are you planning a summer party? I would love to hear some of your best advice. Who has been around here since my 6’2″ baby was just starting kindergarten? Wow! Time flies when you are having fun juggling real food and real life so enjoy every minute of it.