Today I presented some DIY tips on how to throw a Spring/Summer dinner party like a Pro without breaking the bank.

On Sonoran Living

Watch the segment here: http://www.abc15.com/lifestyle/sonoran-living/summer-dinner-party-tips-diy-ideas

Every party starts with a theme, guest list and most importantly an invitation. Your invitation sets the tone for your party and gives your guests a glimpse of what lies ahead so have fun with designing the perfect party invitation. Papyrus now offers DIY printable invitations! You’ll love that there is a variety of designs to choose from for every occasion. They are simple and easy to design yourself online. Select your design. Select your font and font color. Type in the details of your party. Preview your design, select your quantity and place your order! They are affordable and the quality is amazing! Papyrus invitations are a fraction of what a custom designed invitation normally costs. Your papyrus DIY printable invitations are sent directly to your doorstep within 5-7 business days for most vendors. Check with Papyrus custom invitations department for exact lead times. http://www.papyrusonline.com

Style and Entertaining DIY Gourmet Dinner Party Kits are a must have! It’s not just the invitation, guest list and decor that makes a great dinner party; it’s also the food and entertainment. What could be better than combining food with entertainment through an interactive experience? I love these simple Award Winning DIY Dinner Party Kits that make cooking and entertaining a snap! You don’t have to be a master chef to create a masterful meal. Each Style & Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit comes complete with an easy to follow step-by-step guide that includes recipes, ingredients, decor, music and wine pairing suggestions. Spice up a healthy life! Each kit contains organic herbs, spices, whole grains, beans, dried fruits and nuts to complete each recipe. Supports buy fresh and local with a grocery list for ingredients that makes gathering your cooking supplies fast and easy. Learn the fundamentals of selecting the perfect wine to serve with your meal. Find your inner celebrity chef by learning celebrity inspired cooking techniques. Set a stylish table scene with votive candles, menu cards, napkins and more included in each kit! This makes a great gift as well as, a fun cooking experience to share with your family or friends. The Style and Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit for 8 is $49.95 and the DIY Romantic Dinner for Two Kit is only $29.95. Get yours today! http://www.StyleandEntertaining.com

Style and Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit for 8

Now that the invitation has been sent and the menu has been decided we need to think about setting the perfect tablescape to compliment your dinner party. Like most working moms I don’t have a lot of extra time so I am always seeking out simple solutions for everyday living. Simply Baked makes baking and setting a beautiful table a breeze! Simply Baked tableware can go straight from the oven to your table. Yes, you can bake and serve directly in their beautifully decorative cups, bowls and more! Simply Baked is available in a variety of pretty patterns, designs, sizes and colors. They have something for everyone and every party scene! They have festive accessories such as straws, spoons, appetizer trays, plates and sticks, cake stands and more making it quick and easy to serve your guests with style! Simply Baked really allows you to have fun and get creative and it’s not just for baked goods. Use their decorative cups to create individual fresh veggie cups or to serve candy, nuts or fresh fruit. The ideas and possibilities are endless. They offer simple pre-made party packs in a variety of coordinating party themes such as the Glam kit or Fourth of July kit making planning your next dinner party simply a breeze! Prices range from $3.50 and up. http://simplybaked.us

You can create a custom chic look for any party or event with Di Potter translucent Wine and Champagne shades. There are over 32 different fabulous themes and patterns available in a variety of trending color combinations. Di Potter shades are made out of translucent paper and they’re easy to assemble, reusable and made in the U.S.A. for use with any traditional Wine or Champagne glass and a flameless candle. Di Potter also makes matching beautiful paper candle bands, placemats and charger plates to further enhance your table scape. They
are simple, affordable and unique making you the hostess who is sure to be the talk of the town! Price $22.99 for a set of 6 http://www.thepapertable.com

BONUS DIY TIP: DIY under $25-How to create an amazing last minute centerpiece using stemware, glasses, mugs, candle holders, glass bowls and vases right out of your kitchen cabinets!

Step 1: Assemble a variety or glassware from the list above in varied shapes and sizes. You want to mix high and low pieces to give it dimension and make it interesting.

Step 2: Purchase seasonal flowers at your local market or cut flowers, fruits, veggies and succulents straight from your garden.

Step 3: Group 3 or more of varied pieces in varied heights together creating a triangle shape. Fill with water, add a drop of food coloring to create desired color (directions for the various color shades are on the back of your food coloring box) and add your desired fresh cut flowers, fruit, vegetables or combination thereof to taste. Turn Wine glasses upside down with a flower or table tent card with something written on it and place candle votive on top to create mood lighting. Repeat to desired taste throughout your room and on your table.

Step 4: Find your inner Design Diva! There is no right or wrong so don’t be afraid to do what looks best to you and have fun with it! Prepare to amaze your guests with your creative, charming and simple centerpieces!