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Patriotic Patio Party & Surprise Giveaway!

I recently hosted a patriotic patio party, and with July 4th right around the corner, I hope to inspire you to get all red-white-and-blue too! From my party prep to my signature cocktail... I am sharing all my real party details with you!

After I had planned my menu and gathered all my decor, it was time to get to work! I enlisted my wonderful husband to help me clean and get the party area (backyard) in order and to get the grill going. I had the pleasure of testing out a new line of gloves that Playtex just introduced that help make entertaining much more simpler (and obviously I am a huge fan of that)! Their new line of disposable gloves help with everything from grilling burgers and chopping hot peppers to cleaning up dirty dishes-- and boy did we put them to the test! We found many uses for the CleanCuisines gloves.

We cooked up ribs and Rachel Ray's Bacon-Bit Burgers with Smoked Gouda and Smothered Onions. Yes, they were as good as they sound- everyone loved them! I also served the recent Jicama and Watermelon Salad I discovered along with a few other bbq staples. For a refreshing themed cocktail, we all sipped this Watermelon Cooler which was a great drink to kick off the Summer season!

Here is a glimpse at the Patriotic Party decor:

And the simple centerpieces:

A little DIY patriotic decor:

Simple red, white, and blue touches:

And I even whipped out the Playtex GreatLenths gloves to clean up the party mess (I do admit I did not clean up much until the next morning- my little hostess secret).

This Patriotic Patio Party was so enjoyable not only to plan and prepare but also to attend. Keeping things thoughtful yet simple really is my motto. From the preparations that were made easy with the addition of Playtex's new gloves, to the budget friendly DIY decor, and even by keeping the menu delicious but not fussy- I wouldn't have planned anything differently.

SURPRISE GIVEAWAY! - CLOSED Thanks for participating!

Not only did Playtex sponsor this fabulous patio party, they are giving YOU the chance to host your own Patio Party! One Thoughtfully Simple reader will not only WIN the new Playtex Gloves for entertaining, but also a $50 Gift Certificate to the grocery store of your choice! Now you can throw your own party, the thoughtfully simple way!

How To Win:

You can gain one entry by completing each of the following for up to four total entries:

1. Leave a comment telling us what you would serve at your patio party

2. Become a fan of Thoughtfully Simple on Facebook

3. Tweet about this party and giveaway. Use the Tweet Meme button at the top of this post or copy and paste the following: @HostessTori has a great Patriotic Party Theme and $50 Grocery Giveaway going on, check it out! http://cli.gs/GSjABZ

4. Share this post with your Facebook friends by using the Share button above

* Be sure to leave a comment for each entry you have completed. Contest ends midnight 12:00 PST July 1st, 2009.

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About Tori

Tori is an entertaining expert who likes to keep things simple. From setting a thoughtful table to whipping up an easy appetizer recipe, she's got you covered. Her favorite place is to be is sitting poolside with her family with a glass of rosé in hand.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Betsy Knight says

    I would make ribs and potato salad!

  4. danielle says

    FB fan:)

  5. danielle says

    linked on FB

  7. danielle says

    I would serve good old hamburgers and hot dogs!

  8. Debbie Lynne says

    Just tweeted!

    twitter id - deborahcraft

    Debbie Lynne’s last blog post..Neighbors

  9. Debbie Lynne says

    Ribs, corn on the cob, fresh tomaotes, and watermelon!

    Debbie Lynne’s last blog post..Neighbors

  10. Jennifer S. says

    I would serve turkey and feta burgers with a couple of salad and side dish options, like tomato, olive and basil salad. Oh, and homemade lemonade!

    Jennifer S.’s last blog post..Caption Competition!

  12. Laura says

    I would serve burgers, potato salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, and beer :)

  13. Carol M says

    and I became a fan!
    My son says we would need s'mores on the menu. Bet those gloves come in handy with sticky gooey marshmallows!

  15. Carol M says

    yum -- BBQ ribs, watermelon and frozen margaritas! perhaps strawberry ritas.

  16. ClassyFabSarah says

    I am going to serve chicken and steak shish-cabobs and corn on the cob - yum!

    ClassyFabSarah’s last blog post..Pedicures Cure Everything, Right?

  18. Gena says

    I already fan you on Facebook: Lagean M Ellis

  20. Catherine @ Evolving Mommy says

    I would serve good old fashion hamburgers with corn on the cob; a fresh fruit salad made with peaches, raspberries and blueberries; pesto potato salad; plenty of chips and fresh pico de gallo. To finish it off I would also serve some local beer and wine. Thanks for the chance!

    Catherine @ Evolving Mommy’s last blog post..Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

  21. Gena says

    Girl, we are doing some hamburgers, hotdogs, maybe a few s'mores. Going traditional, well, that, plus the huge family I have, you have to go simple and cheap. heehee

    Gena’s last blog post..TRIBUTE TUESDAY: CHARITY BEGINS WITH YOU

  22. Robyn says

    I would definitely have the usual suspects like hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs. Corn on the cob is an easy side, with some homemade pasta salad, fruit salad, veggie tray, homemade salsa, and some yummy desserts. I would also try to get a friend to make her yummy potato casserole in lieu of potato salad.

  23. Laura says

    I just shared this on Facebook!

  24. Laura says

    I just tweeted about it!

  27. CafeBrigitte says

    For my 4th party I would serve shrimp kabobs, grilled new potatoes, mango and corn salad, fresh baked bread, and a big garden salad.

    CafeBrigitte’s last blog post..Knitted or Crocheted Dishcloths

  29. hminnesota says

    I serve veggie burgers, homemade salsa and chips, fresh plum juice and fresh fruits.

  30. Heather B says

    I am a fan on FB, I shared it on my profile, and I would serve the BEST marinated grilled shish-k-bobs...steak, chicken, and shrimp, with crisp veggies, a home made cole slaw salad, refreshing fun drinks, and a sorbet for dessert!

  33. Carolyn G says

    I love throwing parties. I like making a lot of finger food for patio parties. Grilled shrimp, hot dogs, grilled veggies and meats on sticks. It's less messy and yummy.

    Carolyn G’s last blog post..FREEBIES - 4th of July Crafts!!

  34. polly says

    we are having marinated teriyaki shish kabobs w/ steak, green peppers, mushrooms, tomotoes etc. yummy! your table looked great!

  35. Red Thread Confections says

    Great article Tori! Sounds like you had a blast at your patio party. I'll be hosting a party tomorrow and I'm making marinated grilled chicken, grilled asparagus salad, pasta salad, brownies with ice cream and of course some of my chocolates too! -Annika

  36. Alyssa says

    Just became a fan on Facebook. Thanks!

  37. Alyssa says

    Definitely serving hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, potato salad, corn on the cob and a veggie tray. Love the ideas for an ice cream sundae bar and I'm looking forward to trying out that watermelon cooler.

  38. Dawn says

    My (world famous, as far as I'm concerned) potato salad and grilled chicken, dogs for the kids and a banana split ice-cream bar with all the fixins! We are having a summer blowout later this season, so I'm already making plans...

    Dawn’s last blog post..We Go Wednesday - Balboa Park

  39. Carissa says

    Oh my gosh... potato salad of course (I'm an Idaho girl after all :)..

    hotdogs for the kids but steaks for the grown ups.. Dessert? my kids just made a to die for chocolate cheesecake! I saw a fabulous recipe for watermelon lemonade? How 'bout that??

  41. Baba says

    Following on twitter
    Babasfarmlife

  42. Baba says

    Facebook fan

  43. Baba says

    Ribs and Watermellon are a must at our party. I'm also thinking grilled corn and peppers, fresh salad, and a cool drink. I'll have to try that watermellon cooler drink.

  44. chris swan says

    I am serving burgers and hot dogs would love some steak too so maybe that too.

  45. Hope says

    I will be serving hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, baked beans, watermelon.

    I love your individual ketchup bottles. I will definitely be incorporating those in my party table as well. Thanks for the great ideas.

  46. Angie says

    I plan on having a bash for 4th of July and I'm serving Rachael Ray's stuffed burgers, some Bratwurst sausages, pasta salad, steaks, and dessert - but not sure what yet. :-)

    Angie’s last blog post..Blog Popz - Check them out!

  48. Deborah R says

    I like an all American BBQ for the 4th so I'd serve burgers, franks, potato salad, corn on the cob, salad and ice cream cones for dessert.

  49. Amber says

    I am a fan of Thoughtfully Simple on Facebook!

    Amber
    Crystalclearbc@aol.com

  50. Amber says

    I would serve corn on the cob, watermelon, taco dip, hot dogs, shish-ka-bobs(sp.?) and brownies at my patio party!!!

    Amber
    Crystalclearbc@aol.com

  51. Cheryl W says

    I would have bbq ribs and potato salad and fresh watermelon slices at my patio party. Thanks!