Summertime Fruit Salads Ideas + HM #237

Summertime fruit salads – mix greens and fruit! Find recipes and inspiration plus, linkup @ Home Matters. #fruitsalad #saladwithfruit #homemattersparty

Summertime Fruit Salads Ideas + HM #237

I hope your summer is starting out as beautifully as ours. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here in Southern California. Warm weather always brings on the hankering for barbecues and fruit! So this week, the gals of Home Matters are bringing you all sorts of yummy Summertime Fruit Salads! Enjoy…

Millionaire Peach Salad from Christin @ Spicy Southern Kitchen

Creamy Key Lime Fruit Salad from Malinda @ Countryside Cravings

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Poppy Seed Dressing from Danelle @ Let’s Dish Recipes

Watermelon, Blueberry & Feta Salad from Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai

Summertime Fruit Salads Ideas Blog Hop

Click through all the Hosts and Co-hosts blogs to see the complete Themed Roundup!

A Home Matters Themed Roundup

Last Week’s Theme: Father’s Day Ideas

Next Week’s Theme: July 4th!

Welcome to the weekly Home Matters Linky Party. A great place to come, share your blog posts, and make new friends.

We would love to have you visit our blogs and follow us on social media!

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Co-hosts

Sahana @ Vikalpah — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Emily @ Domestic Deadline — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Nina @ Vintage Mama’s Cottage — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Check out more posts from the Hosts and Co-Hosts on our
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Each week, we like to feature some of the awesome posts shared at last week’s party. We hope you will be inspired by these creative and talented bloggers who share their best recipes, DIY projects, crafts, home decor, organization ideas, and more. Enjoy!

Check out this week’s features below.

Books Upscale Tutorial – Create Custom Books from Angie @ Knick of Time

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RV Renovation on a Budget from Christina @ The DIY Mommy

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Meringue Berry Trifle – Summer Desserts from Jenn @ Clean & Scentsible

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Oatmeal Apricot Almond Coconut Cookies from Steve @ The Black Peppercorn

PIN here

Ma’s Picnic Pasta Salad from Tracey @ The Kitchen Is My Playground

PIN here

Thank you to all who linked up at last week’s party. We look forward to seeing what you will be sharing with us this week!

Remember that every feature is shared on all Host’s and Co-Host’s blogs, as well as on the Home Matters Linky Party Pinterest Board! Don’t forget to follow…

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If you were featured this week, Please Grab our Featured Button to display proudly on your blog post, featured page, or sidebar! Share the joy…

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Are you ready to Party?

The linky party starts when Friday begins and closes when Monday ends, EST.

We at Home Matters love meeting new people and discovering new blogs. Help us grow this party by sharing a link on your post or grabbing our party button for your sidebar or party page.

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Home Matters Linky Party Guidelines:

We are thrilled that you came by to link up today! Here are a few rules that hosts and co-hosts of the Home Matters Party follow, and we ask that you follow them, as well.

Please link up no more than THREE posts each week–try to make sure that they are new links that you have not shared here previously. (Exception: Holiday/Seasonal specific posts may be shared once per year.)

Please take some time to poke around and visit some of the other links.

Please take some time to check out your hosts and co-hosts on social media.

We appreciate the variety of blogs on the www; however, the Home Matters Party is for links on matters of the HOME. Please link accordingly.

We ask that you do not add other Linky Parties, Blog Hops, or Giveaways–unless you begin the party with a new project, recipe or post.

On the same note, please do not add links of an extremist, political or strong controversial nature. (The hosts and co-hosts read each and every blog post linked and will contact you directly if you have linked something that does not fit into the realm of the party.)

With your help, we can continue to grow the Home Matters Party! Thank you!

Summertime fruit salads - mix greens and fruit! Find recipes and inspiration plus, linkup @ Home Matters. #fruitsalad #saladwithfruit #homemattersparty Click To Tweet

Link Up!

By joining the Home Matters Linky Party you are giving permission for all hosts and co-hosts to use and share any part of your post, including pictures, for party promotion, as featured posts, in party photo collages, on blogs, and across social media, etc. All credits will be given to the original source. Also, you will receive a weekly email reminder regarding the new week’s Home Matters Linky Party.

Thank you for joining in the fun and excitement at the Home Matters Linky Party. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We look forward to chatting with you in the comments.

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Picnics – A Relaxing Summer Pastime + HM #191

Picnics – a relaxing summer pastime packed with tasty foods, drinks, fun, and games. Plus, link up at Home Matters. #picnics #summer #HomeMattersParty

Picnics – A Relaxing Summer Pastime + HM #191

Ah, a summer picnic… such a relaxing and wonderful experience. Enjoy your loved one on a picnic for two, or make it a family affair. However you picnic, the girls of Home Matters have got s ome fantastic tips, tricks, and ideas for great picnincs justfor you. Enjoy!

How to Host the Perfect Picnic from Seri @ Little Miss Party Planner

Picnic for Two from Ashley @ Intrinsic Beauty

How to Picnic Like An Event Planner from Camille @ Camille Styles

How to Pack a Perfect Picnic from Tiffany @ Parsnips & Pastries

Picnics – A Relaxing Summer Pastime Blog Hop

Click through all the Hosts and Co-hosts blogs to see the complete Themed Roundup!

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A Home Matters Themed Roundup

Last Week’s Theme: July 4th Celebration Blast!

Next Week’s Theme: Blueberries – Celebrate All Things Blueberry

Welcome to the weekly Home Matters Linky Party. A great place to come, share your blog posts, and make new friends.

We would love to have you visit our blogs and follow us on social media!

Hosts

Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Kristen @ The Road to Domestication — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-hosts

Sahana @ Vikalpah — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Nicole @ Mom Always Finds Out — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Emily @ Domestic Deadline — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Donna @ Modern On Monticello — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Nina @ Vintage Mama’s Cottage — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Ashley @ Sweetpea Lifestyle — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Jenny @ Cookies, Coffee and Crafts — Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Check out more posts from the Hosts and Co-Hosts on our
NEW Pinterest Board, All Things Home Matters!
And, please do follow…

Follow All Things Home Matters Board on Pinterest.

Check out this week’s features below.

Essential Oil Air Freshener in a Jar from Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage

PIN here.

Repurposed Toddler Bed DIY Potting Bench from Serena @ Thrift Diving

PIN here.

Homemade Green Tea & Honey Body Wash from Jamie @ Coupons & Freebies Mom

PIN here.

Frozen Coffee Cream Pie from Miranda @ Cookie Dough & Oven Mitt

PIN here.

How to Meal Plan for Vacation from Carrie @ Carrie Elle

PIN here.

Thank you to all who linked up at last week’s party. We look forward to seeing what you will be sharing with us this week!

Remember that every feature is shared on all Host’s and Co-Host’s blogs, as well as on the Home Matters Linky Party Pinterest Board! Don’t forget to follow…

Follow Home Matters Linky Party Board on Pinterest.

If you were featured this week, Please Grab our Featured Button to display proudly on your blog post, featured page, or sidebar! Share the joy…

<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lifewithlorelai.com/" title="Featured at Home Matters Linky Party" target="_blank"><img src="http://lifewithlorelai.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/HMLP-I-Was-Featured-200x214.png" alt="Featured at Home Matters Linky Party" style="border:none;" /></div>
<p>

Are you ready to Party?

The linky party starts when Friday begins and closes when Monday ends, EST.

We at Home Matters love meeting new people and discovering new blogs. Help us grow this party by sharing a link on your post or grabbing our party button for your sidebar or party page.

<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lifewithlorelai.com/" title="Home Matters Linky Party - Grab Button" target="_blank"><img src="http://lifewithlorelai.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/HMLP-Grab-Button-Sidebar-2015-200x200.jpg" alt="Home Matters Linky Party - Grab Button" style="border:none;" /></div>
<p>

Stop by and VISIT as many OTHER BLOGGERS as you can. Leave them a message, and share their talents on social media.

Be sure to Please USE our Registered Hashtag…

Home Matters Linky Party Guidelines:

We are thrilled that you came by to link up today! Here are a few rules that hosts and co-hosts of the Home Matters Party follow, and we ask that you follow them, as well.

Please link up no more than THREE posts each week–try to make sure that they are new links that you have not shared here previously. (Exception: Holiday/Seasonal specific posts may be shared once per year.)

Please take some time to poke around and visit some of the other links.

Please take some time to check out your hosts and co-hosts on social media.

We appreciate the variety of blogs on the www; however, the Home Matters Party is for links on matters of the HOME. Please link accordingly.

We ask that you do not add other Linky Parties, Blog Hops, or Giveaways–unless you begin the party with a new project, recipe or post.

On the same note, please do not add links of an extremist, political or strong controversial nature. (The hosts and co-hosts read each and every blog post linked and will contact you directly if you have linked something that does not fit into the realm of the party.)

With your help, we can continue to grow the Home Matters Party! Thank you!

Picnics - a relaxing summer pastime packed with tasty foods, drinks, fun, and games. Plus, link up at Home Matters. #picnics #summer #HomeMattersParty Click To Tweet

Link Up!

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Thank you for joining in the fun and excitement at the Home Matters Linky Party. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We look forward to chatting with you in the comments.

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Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

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Throwing An End-of-Summer Party

Give summer a last hurrah by throwing an end-of-summer party! Find great tips and ideas from our regular contributor, Megan Wild.

Tips for Throwing an End-of-Summer Party

Say Good-bye to Summer with a Festive Bash!

Summer is starting to wind down. It may seem like it’s only been here for about three days, but you can still squeeze a few small drops of summertime fun out of it! While Labor Day has already passed, we still have a few more weeks of reasonable temperature left, so get your friends together to go out with a bang!

Go With a Summery Theme

You don’t have to choose a theme, of course, but it does make the whole party feel a bit more cohesive. Tropical is a pretty clear choice, too, but you can always branch out some. Beach themes, rainbows, flowers or even something different, like fairies, can make for a really fun summer party.

Even if you don’t want to do an actual theme, try to pick a color scheme to stick to. It’ll wow guests without making too much extra work for the hostess (or host)!

Make Use of the Summer Produce

The end of summer is prime time for a few choice food options. Melons are always a big hit now, and tomatoes are ripe for the plucking. This is also the best time of year for things like zucchini and peaches. Try making dishes with these options, like Watermelon, Blueberry & Feta Salad, or perhaps some of these End-of-Summer Recipes. A seasonal produce guide can help you plan your menu for the summer party, especially since produce that’s in season will be cheaper!

Make Serving Simple

The key to simple self-serve is to space things out. Try and place things around so that people can pick and choose where they’d like to go. A table by the grill, one near the fire pit, drinks by a flower bed and a few appetizers close to the door or gate should do it. It keeps everyone from having to crowd around one area and gets the conversation flowing as everyone has a chance to talk.

You can even set up a kids’ area near some toys to keep the little ones entertained! If you plan to have lots of kids for a birthday party or some other family-friendly event, make eating fun, too! A big box of crayons and a tablecloth made of paper means little ones can spend their time playing instead of asking for the next activity.

Create the Right Atmosphere

There are really two aspects to creating a fun-going atmosphere: music and lighting. No matter what, you can’t go wrong with lanterns and string lights, or even this DIY Solar Lamp. When evening starts to set in, break out a few candles, and don’t be afraid to use the citronella ones! If you already have outdoor lighting, such as solar-powered garden lights, those should help add a dreamy atmosphere to your fun.

Of course, lighting isn’t everything. Music sets the mood before sunset, and even before you can see the festivities! Birthday parties should be fun, with dance music for adults or kids’ music to get little toes tapping. A swanky garden party will sound elegant from the driveway with classical instrumentals, and a laid-back barbecue will always be fun with a classic rock playlist.

Keep Bugs at Bay

No one likes to spend a party swatting away mosquitoes or fishing bugs out of their drinks. The end-of-summer always seems to be when the bugs get the most aggressive, as well, so do what you can to keep people bug-free. The most common idea is citronella candles, and they do work wonderfully. However, you can also offer other options.

Put out Bug Umbrellas, paper cupcake wraps to cover drinks, and try to incorporate some insect repelling herbs, like mint and rosemary, into the food. Insects don’t care for those smells, and it’ll help drive them away. Besides, there’s nothing as good as a honey-mint drizzle over fresh fruit salad! You can also check out these 35 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes.

Show off the Last of the Flowers

While autumn does bring some beautiful colors, nothing really beats the flowers from summer. Use this last shindig as an excuse to show off the last of the blooms around you.

If you’re lucky enough to have plenty of flowers still in the garden, plan to have some of the gathering spots around them. Place food and drinks near your late bloomers to draw people close to them. If your flowers aren’t nearby, then snip off some blooms and place them around. A few small, scattered arrangements add an air of whimsy without making the florals seem over-the-top–a perfect touch for your summer party.

Label It!

Many people don’t automatically announce a food allergy, especially if it’s not life-threatening. Others might be trying to stick to a specific diet. For those reasons, try to label things. It doesn’t have to be laborious, but some kind of simple system can be very helpful. A few different groups of things like “Vegetarian,” “Vegan” or “Allergen-Free” can save everyone an enormous headache, and keep them all safe. If that doesn’t fit with your setup, try a simple menu instead.

An end-of-summer bash is the perfect way to say goodbye to the warm weather. Remember to consider it from the guests’ point of view. The biggest factors are food, music and entertainment. Everything else is just gravy. So get outside and soak up the sun!

~Megan

Throw a bash and celebrate with an end-of-summer party! Get great #tips and ideas. #Summer #Party

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Visit Megan at her blog, Your Wild Home!

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