We had a blast this past weekend hosting a big Housewarming BBQ at our new home. We wanted to add some fun and whimsical DIY elements to the party and thought we’d share how we did them with all of you! To spice up the bar we made a DIY Watermelon Keg, we brightly painted a Giant Jenga and kept the party going late-night with some outdoor string lights. We had a boho outdoor pillow seating concept planned, but unfortunately a last-minute rainstorm hindered that one a bit. So we’ll save that for next time! Now on to our tips and tricks for adding these elements to your party.

How to Make a Watermelon Keg

Step 1: Cut the Top Off

Step 2: Scoop it out

Step 3: Get your Watermelon Keg Tapping Kit ($23) ready!

Step 4: Use included cutter to punch hole in lower part of watermelon and insert tap

Step 5: Fill with drink of choice and enjoy! We chose Margaritas to make it extra fun.

How to Set Up DIY Party Lights

Supplies:

– Quickrete concrete

– Wood poles 8 ft or taller

– Big planters or buckets

– Hooks Eyes

– 3-4 Sets of Outdoor String lights 

Step 1: Put concrete in buckets with wood poles

Step 2: Add water, make sure poles stay straight and let dry over night

Step 3: Attach hooks to poles and wherever else you are hooking string lights (we did poles on one side, attached to our garage on the other and zig zaged them.)

Step 4: Hook lights aroung hooks, attach to eachother and plug into electrical

Step 5: Wait for the sun to set and enjoy! (We highly recommend a hammock as well!)

How to add some DIY flare to a Giant Jenga

Step 1: Paint around 1/3 of the pieces of your Giant Jenga ($99) bright and happy colors! We chose to match the colors of our party: teal, purple and green

Step 2: Let dry overnight

Step 3: Let the games begin!

We’d love to hear ways you guys have added fun flare to your summer parties in the comments below!

It’s almost the end of the school year, and we all want to show our children’s teachers (or our own) how much we appreciate them! While giving the typical gift card is perfectly appropriate, sometimes we want to do a little bit more to show our love for the teachers. The Gift Insider is bringing you the perfect gifts to show teacher appreciation!

1. For the “young-at-heart” teacher
Adult coloring books are ALL the rage this year and this one is a personal TGI favorite. Stunning patterns made by ColorIt, free your creativity and relax the mind. Perfect for the youthful teacher that wants to de-stress from the year in a unique way.

Colorit Adult Coloring Books

TGI // 10% Off Code

2. For the “organized” teacher
Let’s face it; it is easy to buy gifts for teachers that help organize their busy lives. We’ve listed our three favorite gifts for the organizational fiends.

The Day Designer Planner

The Kate Spade Stapler

 The Mint Poppin Desk Set

3. For the “active” teacher
S’well water bottles are everywhere right now and trust us; where there’s smoke, there’s fire. These water bottles keep hot liquids hot for up to twelve hours and cold liquids ice cold for up to twenty-four. Bonus- we’ve heard that the 24oz. ones can hold a full bottle of wine (let the teachers thank you later).

S’well Croc Water Bottle

4. For the English teacher

These personalized Mark and Graham journals are the perfect gift for the teachers that love to write. Set with a cherry wood veneer and stuffed with thick Italian paper, these are not your typical drugstore notebooks. Say thank you by (stylishly) giving them the tools to express their thoughts.

Mark and Graham Cherry Wood Journals

5. For the “luxury-loving” teacher
Every teacher could use a luxurious tool to help them relax and unwind from their crazy days. Bath bombs are perfect at the end of the day, and nice shaving kits are the best way to start your day off on a good note. These are two options for the male and female teachers that we love.

For Her: Organic Bath Bomb Gift Set

For Him: The Man Can

Teachers, we want to hear from you! Comment below the best gifts you’ve ever been given at school!