AN END OF SUMMER SOIREE

As mentioned in my 30 Things to do Before I Turn 31 list, within the next month, I plan on hosting an End of Summer Soiree for my fellow neighbors. I’m actually terribly excited to do this, as it’s been a while since I’ve hosted anything beyond a few family gatherings, and since I have yet to meet a few of my neighbors, I want to make sure I get everything down to a tee!

I’ve decided to go for a simple summer garden theme with a rustic pop of color to bring in the last rays of summer while still celebrating the coming of my absolute favorite season! Yep, that would be fall. The crisp, fresh air, the cool breeze, the turning leaves, and the sweater styles….ah, be still my heart! It is comfort at it’s best.

And it is right around the corner. Where did the time go? Now, with only a couple of weeks to prepare, invitations are first priority!

I’m a huge fan of the printed invitation (which I feel is a bit of a lost art in this day and age), so with just a little time, recycled card stock, twine, and fresh herbs, I hope to throw together a very simplified (and non-wedding) version of this:

(sweet and simple!)

Now on to the menu! I must admit, I am not the best cook in the world, by a very, very long shot. But I do love putting together finger foods, which is exactly why I love hosting a good cocktail party over the (dreaded) dinner party. Not to mention, foods in miniature are simply adorable! And cheese…who doesn’t love cheese?!

Here’s what I’m thinking:

Delicious, yes?!

And finally – my favorite part – the décor! I definitely want to maintain a soft, summer glow while bringing in the earthy and rustic palette of fall. However, I also want to add a nice pop of color that truly infuses a happy, celebratory mood. Since tones of fuchsia and burgundy are the new “in” colors for the fall season, I think this would be the perfect fit…