Last week, Phoebe and I headed to Houston to celebrate Fourth of July early with our friends at Target, along with a fun group of blogger and editors – and their kids! We decked out this rooftop spot as the ultimate summer picnic: think bright colors and patterns, food fresh off the grill, and a do-it-yourself snow cone station. Keep scrolling for a behind-the-scenes look at my Americana-inspired summer party.
*photos by kristen kilpatrick
I invited my Houston blogger and editor friends to kickoff summer at a rooftop picnic — and I’ve got to say that this time, their adorable kids stole the show. I’m always looking for fun ways to put a twist on expected holiday décor, while still giving a nod to tradition, and Target’s summer POPTIMISM! collection laid the foundation for all the colorful, bold decor elements we used throughout the picnic.
We set up a fun mocktail station with a drink dispenser full of watermelon mint lemonade.
Shop The Look: hello summer tumbler, striped tumbler, pop tumbler, star tumbler, popsicle napkins, orange napkins
Summer entertaining is all about impromptu outdoor parties and fuss-free gatherings where the host can have as much fun at the party as the guests!
This bright backdrop made our drink station pop! By setting out cute cups and already chilled sparkling water, it’s easy for guests to grab-and-go cold drinks.
We had the cutest wooden snow cone stand onsite and the kids loved getting to create their own mix of flavors. Phoebe opted for a strawberry, peach, and orange snow cone made with all natural flavors.
Shop The Look: flag straw
Picnic tables were covered with rolls of paper for everyone to draw on while they ate. By the end of the party, the table covering was full of doodles!
Shop The Look: crayons, thin markers, thick markers
We choose the ultimate summer menu, perfect for the Fourth of July – mini hot dogs, burger sliders, corn on the cob, small salads, and fruit kabobs – thanks to A Fare Extraordinaire.
Such a colorful plate! Mini versions of classic favorites are great for when you can’t decide between and hamburger or a hot dog.
Shop The Look: plastic basket, paper liner
My friend Caroline from House of Harper and her two boys loved catching up and running around with Phoebe.
Drink up! Disposable cups make cleaning up at the end of a party such a breeze.
Shop The Look: watermelon cups, cherry tray
I think I won the cutest date award! Phoebe and I turned the road trip out to Houston into the ultimate girls’ trip.
Shop The Look: Camille’s dress, wooden star, flower vase
Sparkling water is having a moment and these fresh flavors from Simply Balanced were so refreshing.
Shop The Look: ginger peach, cucumber mint
Although it looked like rain throughout the party, we couldn’t take our eyes off of these rainbows!
Shop The Look: string lights
Carmen takes a shot during a game of rainbow corn hole (I dragged this custom corn hole set back to Austin with me for my own Fourth of July party — it was just too cute not to.)
Shop The Look: gingham off-the-shoulder top
The airbrush tattoo station had a never-ending line of kiddos waiting to get their own hot dog art.
We kept dessert light with berry cones filled with fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
Shop The Look: rainbow tray, star bowl
All our guests went home with the ultimate summertime swag bag.
Shop The Look: tote bag, towel, chalk stencil, sunscreen, lemonade mix, plastic cup, liquid chalk markers
These fun prints that are perfect for summer!
Shop The Look: cherry tote, popsicle tote, squiggle tote
