Decorating for a Cute and Casual Backyard Party

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I was in charge of decorating for a party this past weekend. (Friends! Family! Put me in charge of these things — I love it.) It was a casual get together, but we still wanted to make the space cute.

I got everything we needed from Target, mixing it in with everyday white plates, silverware, and glass tumblers. Once the basics are covered, I think of decorating for a party (especially one without a strict theme) the same way I would for any room, in terms of pattern, color, and texture.

Pattern

The main pattern came in through the rope-print tablecloth and coordinating napkins. From there, I added a couple of substantial vases in stripes and zigzags, and even a patterned pillow that you’ll see a few pictures down.

Color

The tablecloth had a white background with a pattern in navy that was so dark it almost looked black. It covered a table with a weathered gray fence behind it, and we used simple dishes on the table, so to bring in a little more color, I picked up a fun set of triangular serving dishes. A black and white vase with a green top matched one of the dishes, along with the green striped paper straws. A coral candle matched another, and then I hung two strands of colorful raffia tassels along the top of the fence.

Ignore the crazy hair under my hat. Right now it’s at the baby bangs and borderline mullet growing-it-out phase. (A haircut has been scheduled for next week. Grow it out? Keep it short? Ah, the perpetual struggle of the pixie cut. Hence, the hat!)

Texture

We needed extra seating, so I brought this rattan chair and matching stool outside. The shape and details are great, and they were nice and sturdy — heavier than I expected!

The rattan was repeated in a tray that corralled drinks, and I also brought in some natural wood with turned candleholders and a footed decorative bowl. (Note that the bowl is not food safe. I placed a plate inside to use it for serving.) Wood and rattan are contrasted with smooth ceramic dishes, serving trays, and a white pitcher, and then the vases added even more depth with matte finishes and details. Plants and flowers are always a must, and of course the tassels in the background were a nice way to bring in even more texture.

The weather cooperated for us and it was so nice to be able to spend time with everyone outside. (Hopefully there’s no more snow to be seen until winter now!) I’d like to think that the decorations added to everyone’s enjoyment too. And I’ll leave you with this pro tip: make sure any adorable dogs present are suitably attired in a bandana to match your party decor.

(Such a party animal.)