Today Sarah Landrum is sharing some of her tip + tricks on how to throw a fabulous spring party. Sarah is a freelance writer and blogger who shares lifestyle and career advice. She’s a self-proclaimed party expert and DIY junkie. Check out some of her great ideas below:

Spring has finally arrived, bringing with it the perfect excuse to plan a party. Throwing a great party means bringing together several key elements: theme, decorations, and food. Choosing between an indoor and outdoor party means some differences, but once you find your location, the inspiration might come to you naturally. If not, use these tips to help you along.

OUTDOOR PARTIES
What better way to celebrate spring than with an outdoor party? The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, birds are singing and spring is in full swing. Might as well take advantage of it! Consider these ideas for décor and activities:

1. INCORPORATE NATURAL DECOR
Bring in the vibrant colors of spring by decorating with fresh flowers and plenty of greenery. Create a gorgeous centerpiece that mirrors colors found in nature. Mix and match earthy tones with bright ones to find the perfect combination.

2. CREATE EASY DIY-ING FOR AN EXTRA TOUCH OF STYLE
Try your hand at some of those Pinterest projects you’ve been saving all winter. Brighten up your table with floral centerpieces, a DIY table-runner made with burlap and ribbon, or some floral napkin rings using faux roses sewn onto hair ties.

3. PREPARE LIGHT + FRESH DRINKS
This delicious apple sangria will bring flavor and fun to any party, but I recommend offering a non-alcoholic option for guests as well. If you’re like me and grow your own herbs, take advantage of the lavender blooming abundantly and make this perfect pastel lavender lemonade. Its beautiful color and bright fresh flavors will bring the perfect touch to any spring party.

4. SERVE FRESH FOOD
Choose simple and refreshing foods like cucumber sandwiches, fresh fruit or veggies and, of course, some kind of sweets. For party favors, send guests home with some of the sweet treats from the event, along with a recipe for the drinks served.

5. PLAN FUN ACTIVITIES OR CRAFTS
Try some fun outdoor activities like a relaxing game of croquet, lawn bowling, or horseshoes. If you don’t mind a possibility of getting a little dirty, garden! Give your guests small pots, soil, gardening gloves, and offer a variety of flower seeds. You can even offer paint and paint brushes so your guests can customize their planter. While the pots dry, your guests can enjoy refreshments.

INDOOR PARTIES
Want to keep the party inside? No problem, there are many ways to celebrate spring indoors. Bring spring into your home with a beautiful centerpiece like a living vase that incorporates pussy willow and fresh flowers for a unique look. Carefully choose a few recipes that are good for warm weather and feeding groups of people. Here are a few tips for an indoor spring party:

1. PREPARE FINGER FOODS
Give your guests some fun handheld bites using fresh ingredients on a skewer. To make something reminiscent of pizza combine basil, mozzarella, a grape or cherry tomato and pepperoni. For a portable snack inspired by a Greek salad, stack cucumber, tomato, feta and olives on your bamboo sticks. Don’t be afraid to have some variety. One of my favorite warm weather recipes is veggie pizza. Chop some fresh raw veggies, put your sauce on the crust and throw the veggies on top.

2. ADD SOME COLOR
Bring some color to your dining areas by tying ribbons or tulle to the back of your chairs. It’s a cheap and easy decoration that adds a pop of color to the space.

3. GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO PLAN
I know if I don’t have a set plan established, I tend to get frazzled and increasingly overwhelmed as the event approaches. Avoid this! Clearly define everything you need for the party. Determine what needs to be set up and what you can prepare before the party. If your list doesn’t seem manageable, enlist a few friends to help out.

4. HAVE A FUN NIGHTTIME ACTIVITY
If you have a projector, a wall and a white sheet, you have a movie theater in your home or backyard. Put out lots of comfortable pillows and blankets for guests to lounge on as evening creeps in. When the sun is down, fire up your projector and play a movie for everyone. If not, you can’t go wrong with a bonfire and s’mores.

5. CONCOCT A FROZEN DRINK
Make something frozen and alcoholic. I know this tip is vague, but there are many options. From frozen mojitos to strawberry lemonade slushies, it’s hard to go wrong. This is the perfect way for your guests to cool down. Use seasonal fruits for an extra spring touch.

No matter what theme you go with, what really makes your party special is being surrounded by your friends and family. Remember the goal of the party: to have a good time with the people you care about. It’s okay if things don’t work out perfectly. It’s hard to be disappointed when the weather is so beautiful!