In our May/June 2011 issue, Event Designer Mindy Weiss led an all-star team of industry professionals in creating what might be one of our prettiest entertaining features ever. (Seriously. Ever!) As the weather continues to warm up and we long for al fresco dining in the backyard, we’ve been dreaming of this exact event and wanted to share it with you!

While this isn’t an ordinary backyard (in fact, it’s the Wetherly Gardens at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills), it conjures up ideas of summertime soirees and is filled with entertaining tips you can use at your next party. Mindy used items from the .99 cent store – like hula hoops, bubbles, silly straws, and rock candy – all dripping in sherbet-y hues. Yes, you can pull off a fabulous fete without breaking the bank if you know where to look! The menu featured delightful warm-weather favorites like crab cakes and watermelon salad. For drinks? A bubble bar with champagne, beer, and actual bubbles… in the form of wands! Finally, the sweets take the cake – quite literally – with treats from Sweet Lucie’s and Cupcake Couture. This is one party to remember!

Click through the slideshow to get inspired! We have a feeling you’ll be pinning one (or all!) of the images as you plan your next backyard bash.

To see the original feature in full, click here.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:
Florals and Decor: Dolce Design Studio
Food Styling: Jenny Park
Cakes: Cupcake Couture of Manhattan Beach
Ice Cream: Sweet Lucie’s
Stationery: Lehr and Black
Location: Wetherly Gardens at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills
Producer: Be Inspired PR