backyard EParty- creative suggestions needed

We're having a backyard pool-bbq-horseshoes-music type engagement party in August at FH's parents' house. The whole idea is to keep it cheap as possible- FFIL is a retired chef so I am going to ask him to make a watermelon carving and antipasta platter, and recruit his big family to cook up some dishes, etc.

I wanted to incorporate some other cute touches, like CP's or favors, or some sort of theme- any ideas? But again, keeping cost down- not ordering CP's from the florist or something.

I was thinking maybe do a 'fiesta' type theme- serving mexican foods and margaritas and decorating accordingly?

Want some other ideas though! Thanks! And pictures are always appreciated!

I'm doing a similar thing - but I think the fiesta idea is really cute!

Haha I totally think you should do a pinata.

you can do a really cute luau theme,

if you go to oriental trading they have a ton of cute stuff and eally cheap







ETA:

sorry i must over skipped over the party about fiesta , but anyway that website has a ton of fiesta stuff too

thanks! FH just suggested the luau too- I guess we will see what kind of stuff is available!

Which does everyone like better- Fiesta or Luau?

I like luau betters because I feel like there is so much more you can do with that theme. You could get those little mini paper umbrellas for drinks. And you can give out those leis to everyone. You could maybe collect seashells and put them in a nice clear bowl with sand and make that a centerpiece.

Def check out Oriental Trading for cheap decorations.