A Sweet Summer Soiree

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February 19, 2020

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Dr Pepper®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Summer entertaining, summer hosting, how to host a party, summer party decor, summer hosting tips

I think it’s pretty clear by now that I love entertaining. Having people over to my place is my favorite. Yes, it involves lots of cleaning and a little bit of prep but if we’re being honest, I love the control. Being in charge of the guest list, the time, the treats, and everything else always makes it so much more fun for me. I like having things my way, what can I say? And my way is definitely feminine and free-spirited.

When it comes to hosting, my primary focus is always on the tablescape. There are three things a good tablescape can’t be without: flowers, finger foods, and drinks. Everything else is just extra. Since I knew I was partnering with Dr Pepper for my summer party, I was already set with the drinks. I focused on the cans for a color scheme of deep red, purple, and white. I find that building the tablescape arrangement around one thing helps me prepare so much faster. The first thing I got was the flowers. These babies were under $10 at Walmart and they’re still kickin’ well after the party.

Summer entertaining, summer hosting, how to host a party, summer party decor, summer hosting tips

Summer entertaining, summer hosting, how to host a party, summer party decor, summer hosting tips

Since you can get everything you need for a party at Walmart, I went ahead and got everything else I needed: nuts, a variety of cheeses, water, crackers, and fresh fruits. This is kind of my go-to for all my parties. But since I had people over close to dinner time, I also hit up my favorite local bakery, Hell Yeah (amazing name, right?!), for some treats. How gorgeous are they?! And get this: they’re all gluten free! I swear you’d never know it. They’re just as delicious as they are pretty!

Summer entertaining, summer hosting, how to host a party, summer party decor, summer hosting tips

Summer entertaining, summer hosting, how to host a party, summer party decor, summer hosting tips

Finally, I got the Dr Pepper and I was set. Right now they’re having a special promotion for their Pick Your Pepper campaign, which has the coolest can designs. I went with the retro one. Aren’t they cool looking? When you buy Dr Pepper from 6/15-8/15 this summer, you can upload your receipt at www.drpepper.com/walmart to get these prizes: Spend $5 get 5 bottles = Dr Pepper Retro Specs; Spend $10 get 10 bottles = Dr Pepper Copper Lined Mug (pictured above); Spend $20 get 20 bottles = Dr Pepper Bluetooth Speakers; Spend $30 get 30 bottles = Dr Pepper Pool Float.

Summer entertaining, summer hosting, how to host a party, summer party decor, summer hosting tips

Summer entertaining, summer hosting, how to host a party, summer party decor, summer hosting tips

Summer entertaining, summer hosting, how to host a party, summer party decor, summer hosting tips

It’s so funny because in the past, I would always just make a special cocktail for my parties. I always thought that was nice and easy, but everyone was overjoyed when they saw I had Dr Pepper. Everyone just wanted their own can to kick off the evening. Dr Pepper was the only thing I drank all through middle school and high school, so it totally brought back some memories for me. Very fitting with the retro cans, don’t you think? Anyway, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve cut back on soda in general, but this was the perfect treat for my party! Plus, I’m working my way towards that Bluetooth speaker.

As most of my parties do, this one ended in a dance party. I’m so lucky to have the best friends to hang out with for my summer get-togethers! Thanks for the party fuel, Dr Pepper!

What are your best summer hosting tips?

Photos by Bryce France.