Excel Backyard Party Event Series: The 6 Must-Haves of All Summer Parties

• Pretty & Paperless. Last minute invitations are a breeze with Paperless Post. Choose from an array of whimsical designs for almost every occasion. From pig roasts to potlucks and barbeques to brunches you’ll find the ideal invitation to announce your gathering.

• Grill it Up. Great grub is a key ingredient at every epic backyard party. Whether you go with gourmet burgers, a filet of wild salmon or juicy tenderloin steaks – everything tastes better grilled – even dessert. Check out Country Living’s 50 grilling recipes and one of our all-time favourite summer desserts – grilled angel food cake with balsamic strawberries.

• Cool It Down. While we love a good rosé, sparkling or sauvignon blanc in the summer, it’s also fun to get creative with cocktails – and mocktails – using fresh fruit and herbs. Create larger batches ahead of time, pour into pitchers and serve over ice. Real Simple’s six cool summer drink recipes can be served with or without alcohol.

• Chic & Shatterproof. Pour your cool concoctions in elegant acrylic glassware like these hobnail shatter-resistant goblets and tumblers from Pottery Barn. Make it a set with this pretty and indestructible outdoor drink dispenser.

• Classy Meets Cheeky. A touch of vintage kitsch is welcome at every outdoor party. We adore these lakeside melamine salad plates, stoneware camping plates and arrow condiment caddy from Chapters/Indigo. Throw a few bright red LED camping lanterns on the table and your theme is set.

• Keep it Fresh. Pretty pansies wilt pretty quickly in the heat, however Modern Sprouts’ self-watering flower and herb kits will keep your plants fresh year round. The added bonus? Beautiful vintage inspired mason jars that will look lovely on your outdoor dining table.

Now that you know the must haves of a backyard party, you are invited to the first party of the summer The Backyard Party Event. This event features the hot promotion that Excel Homes has going on for the summer time! When you buy new with us, you will receive up to $10,000* worth of landscaping and fencing! Contact your Area Manager in your preferred community to find out more!

- by Mhairri Woodhall

*Availability, inclusions and value of promotion will vary by community, product type and lot. Promotion on pre-sale homes only not spec homes. Terms, conditions, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. Please see your Area Manager for full details. E. & O.E.