🎉 How to Plan a Summer Celebration (Without the Stress!)
Summer in NZ is made for celebrating — long days, warm nights, and any excuse to gather your favourite people 🌞 Whether it’s a backyard birthday, a hens night, a baby shower, or an end-of-year do, a little planning goes a long way toward making it stress-free and stunning.
Here’s how to pull off your summer celebration with ease — the Lively & Co way 💕
☀️ 1. Start with a Simple Theme
Pick one idea or colour palette and build from there — it makes every decision easier.
Think:
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Tropical bright (pinks, orange, and citrus vibes 🍊)
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Boho neutrals (beige, blush, and gold accents ✨)
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Pastel fun (perfect for kids’ birthdays or baby showers 🎈)
Once you’ve got your theme, you can match balloons, tableware, and backdrops for an effortless, cohesive look.
💡 Party Tip: Stick to 2–3 core colours and one accent metallic — it always looks intentional and polished.
🎈 2. Choose Decorations That Do the Work for You
Summer means simple setups that still bring the wow factor.
Balloon garlands and pre-matched party kits are your best friends — everything’s in one box, and setup is easier than you think.
Try:
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A balloon garland kit over your table or entryway
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Matching banner + tableware set for instant colour
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A few confetti balloons or foil letters for photos
Shop balloon Garlands HERE
🧀 3. Grazing Table = Instant Entertaining
A grazing table always feels relaxed and luxe — and bonus, it keeps guests mingling!
Keep it fresh and simple: crackers, cheeses, seasonal fruit, and a few pops of colour (strawberries, edible flowers, or herbs).
💡 Party Tip: Add height with cake stands or boxes under your board for that Pinterest look!
Want to go pro? Grab our Grazing Table Guide — it’s packed with portion tips and layout inspo → Grazing Table Guide
🌸 4. Set the Mood with Lighting & Music
As the sun sets, fairy lights and candles are your best styling tools.
Pair with an easy playlist (you can’t go wrong with Kiwi summer hits), and you’ve set the perfect mood.
✨ Pro Tip: Choose one area for photos — a backdrop, garland, or banner — and keep that corner clutter-free for easy snaps!
🎁 5. Keep the Stress Low and the Fun High
The best summer parties are the relaxed ones — so prep what you can the day before, delegate a few tasks, and let go of perfection.
Your guests remember the laughter, not whether the napkins matched 😉
💕 Ready to Celebrate?
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a baby shower, or your best friend’s hens, Lively & Co has everything you need for easy, beautiful celebrations.
Explore our full range → SHOP NOW
Because party planning should be fun, not stressful 🎉