Bring it Home

Bring it Home!

Finally being able to safely gather your friends and family together is reason enough to celebrate - just think about how fun it would be to throw one big party to celebrate all the birthdays and holidays that were missed during the pandemic!

The venue? Your own backyard! This summer…bring it home.

Birthdays, showers, even weddings can be thrown at home these days.

Here are some ideas to inspire you…

Entertaining Al fresco

Styling a party is even more fun and festive when you incorporate a theme – and the possibilities are endless! The story of your theme delightfully gets told by the décor and details. As shown on our cover, interior designer Mary Middlemiss decided on a “lemon theme” for her backyard celebration, beautifully conveying the feeling of summer we all love so much. A signature cocktail is a marvelous personal touch and must-have for any themed event. Cool and sparkling, Limoncello Collins were the star of the bar for Mary’s party…the perfect choice for a warm summer evening affair.

Limoncello Collins

Easy to serve, you can prepare a pitcher of these delicious cocktails in advance.

FOR A PITCHER (about 8 drinks)

• 16 oz. Limoncello liqueur

• 8 oz. fresh lemon juice

• 12 oz. gin (can be made with vodka if preferred)

• 16 oz. chilled club soda

• 2 dozen thin lemon slices

• Mint sprigs for garnish

DIRECTIONS Pour the Limoncello, gin and lemon juice into a pitcher, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Pre-garnish 8 glasses with three very thin lemon slices pressed against the inside of each glass. Put glasses in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, stir the pitcher contents then fill each glass 3/4 of the way, topping off with about 2 oz. of club soda. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Have Drinks, Will Travel

ROLLING BARS

In addition to, or in lieu of, a stationary bar set up, an outdoor bar cart on wheels is versatile and great for entertaining al fresco. Push one by the pool for a DIY swim-up bar, or use as a hydration station for non-alcoholic drinks. These drink trolleys are a fun and convenient way to keep refreshments at hand and organized outdoors.

TRAVELING TAP TRAILER

Designed to park-and-pour, mobile cocktail bars are a new concept that bring professional bartending services right to you. They are fully equipped with drinkware, cocktail napkins, garnishes, mixers, and an abundance of ice. Prior to your event, they consult with you to discuss the drink menu, where you want the trailer parked, and all other details. They even put together a shopping list for you to purchase all the booze you’ll need for your bash.

The Bubbly Bar LI is a custommade tap trailer that provides your guests with champagne, wine, beer, specialty cocktails and more. Rum & Colt Mobile Bar, a converted 1994 Kingston 2 Horse Trailer, is now a chic mobile bar. These bars-onwheels will make a statement at any party and mix well with your guests. Bring the bar home this summer!

It’s All in the Details

When planning your party, outdoor furniture, tents, tables, chairs and everything you need for your outdoor event can be easily rented; we recommend LI Tent & Party Rental right here in Bay Shore. Those things may be necessary, but keep in mind, to really enhance your party, it’s all about the décor and attention to details.

String lights, as well as fresh flowers and greenery add instant wow. Create a table that’s both festive and stylish by coordinating solids and patterns, and mixing and matching tableware and linens. Think of your backyard as a blank canvas; plan your party as a work of art. The personal touches make bringing your party home all worthwhile.