Event planner and Party Idea of the Month guest blogger Marla Brown creates inspiring parties for a living and this Father's Day burger BBQ is no exception. Read on for her tips on how to turn a simple BBQ into a stylish event, all with a little attention to details.
All photos by Christine Kufske; Thanks to Ramil Andaya of Naked Brunch Catering
Instant Drama: Table Runner
For something different that's a fantastic conversation piece, add a hydroplonic wheat grass runner down the centre of your table for an instantly fresh look and feel. You can always create this look by using smaller squares of wheat grass in glass vases (we recommend 4” cubes) and run them lengthwise down your table.
No matter how you do this table treatment, expect your guests to “ooh” and “ahh” all night long. Turn your food into art and insert bamboo skewers with your favourite one-bite sandwich wrap right into the roots of the wheat grass runner and voila. No platters required. Just more praise for your domestic diva abilities!
Eco-Friendly
Even adding just one eco-element to your table will make you feel like you are helping the environment big time. These placemats are not only super stylish, you can wash and re-use them. They add the perfect warmth to the table in this subtle taupe colour.
Flower Accent
We took two stems of these gorgeous green phaleonopsis orchids and stuck them right into the roots of the wheat grass runner, then covered with a glass case. This takes about two minutes to make and adds a visually stunning detail to the table.
Write It
These mini chalkboards are handy for describing your food items, summer cocktails, telling Dad he's #1 or just about anything you can think of. They're great for casual entertaining and can be used again and again for a brunch, tea, bbq and more.
Upgrade Your Beverages
These beautiful wine carafes were filled with lemonade, ice tea and water. Line them up to create a beautiful impact. Lemonade has never looked so good.
Go Monotone
There is something so fresh and inviting about the colour green. By using green napkins and green mini organic favour boxes, we “popped” the white dishware to create instant drama.
Condiments Get an Upgrade
Even lettuce and ketchup can have their 15 minutes of fame. We displayed condiments in gorgeous silver glass vases, nestled them into our grass runner and created an interactive table centre.
We also arranged condiments in separate white dishes so everyone can pick and choose their burger toppings.
Bar Area
We made the bar area a hop, skip and a jump from the dining table, just far enough for your guests to have a chance to get up and stretch their legs. A bright green tureen filled with your themed summer beverage looks absolutely amazing when flanked on either side with stainless steel martini glasses and coffee cups.
Burgers For Everyone
The only thing left is the most important -- time to eat. (Be sure to let Dad top his burger first!)