Is there anything more nostalgic than lemonade? I think every kid in America has set up shop on the end of their driveway at some time or another, myself included! Since lemonade is such a happy drink, it fits right in at a huge range of happy events, from birthdays, to weddings, to baby showers. There are also so many ways to serve it and customize it that are far chicer than the lemon flavored Kool Aid you used to serve for a quarter a cup. Take a look!
Step one to a beautiful lemonade stand? A fabulous display! Find a fun drink dispenser, or just a normal glass one–you can fill it with lemon slices for a little more flair. If it’s not at the edge of the table for easy glass filling, try placing it on a higher surface, like the box they used in the picture on the left, or maybe even a sturdy cake stand. Then display something to drink out of (personalized plastic cups, mason jars, champagne coupes?) and your favorite fun straws. Garnish the table with real lemons or a perky floral arrangement to finish it off! Pictures via Souder Photography and True Love Photo.
Flavored lemonade is an instant upgrade, especially if you choose a flavor or color that complements your event. Peach would be lovely in an elegant rustic wedding (don’t you love that hand-lettered sign?), and raspberry is so fun for a retro birthday party. Choose a signature flavor, or offer options, and display them all in a row. If you pick more than one, be sure to use pretty labels or signs, or add some pieces of whatever the flavor is to the glass dispenser (for example, a handful of fresh mint in mint lemonade). Pictures via Anne Marie Photography and My Baking Addiction.
Signature cocktails are all the rage, and it’s easy to bring lemonade into the mix. The easy option? Spike lemonade with a little of your favorite citrus vodka. The more fun option? Work with your bartender to come up with something special, or throw a taste testing party! Wouldn’t that make for a fun bachelorette party? Pictures via Courtney Lindberg Photography.
For a sweet (and slightly sour) sendoff, pass out adorably packaged bottles of lemonade for your guests to take home. This is such an easy DIY–all it takes is a big batch of homemade lemonade, some glass bottles (these are just $3 apiece at Ikea!), and some cute custom labels. Line them up on a table during the party to double as decor, and display a sign inviting guests to grab a bottle for the road. Kind of reminiscent of lemonade at the end of the driveway, don’t you think? DIY and pictures via Jordan Ferney.
Lisa | February 16th, 2012 | See all posts by Lisa
