Jon sent me an email yesterday with the subject line “FUN!”. I literally could not wait to open it. Was it a list of vacation locations, houses to flip, a coop of chickens looking for a home, an idea for a donut shop? All of the aforementioned would have got my tongue wagging and been totally fitting of the subject line but what was inside was pretty good too. According to Jon, our entertaining game could be stepped up a notch and so he put together a list of *entertaining essentials* we “needed” with a challenge for me to find the coolest ones, at the best price. I got the GIANT copper mule mugs he was after and started down an outdoor design rabbit hole and then I remembered the subject line again, “fun”. That’s the ultimate goal when entertaining, isn’t it? Here’s what we came up with:

1. Butcher Paper. You can use this inside and out for your tablescape and the possibilities are endless. If Jon had his way it would be covered in inappropriate stick figures. Me? I’d write a sweet little note for each guest with our favorite thing about them. But you don’t have to do either. Put your own spin on it, leave crayons and markers out for your guests to doodle, or cover it with food. It’s an inexpensive runner that you can change up every time!
2. Copper Flatware. Hello, pretties. You guys. I have been coveting new flatware for I don’t even know how long. I can’t bite the bullet. It’s not a necessity, what we have is good enough, and I’m a penny pincher. Oooh, speaking of copper pennies…these little hammered ditties cannot be ignored. Because they’re on S A L E.
3. The Magic Number. Did you have one of these as a kid? I didn’t. But my friends did and I loved it so much. For less than $10 you can have so.much.fun. with your guests! Think of the silly questions it will be asked and the crazy conversations it will start.
4. More mules, please. As you can see, we’re having a copper moment. Jon sent me the link to this one and asked me to buy all of it. I refused because we already have mule mugs and how many do you need? “But we don’t have BIG ones, and I am big.” Ugh. I do love a well made Mule. Just please don’t add the simple syrup, it ruins it! NixonPack nugget: the more lime the better.
5. Mood lighting. Lighting always sets the tone and you don’t want to have to call it a night when you’re having a good time just because the sun goes down. These coupled with some fabulous lanterns sprinkled throughout your yard make a great combo.
6. Pictionary. I am absolutely terrible at this game, but people love it. I have been wanting to get Grey an easel for a while and mamas, you may already have this at home. You remember the subject line, right? Just because it’s adults only doesn’t mean you can’t break out the games. Nobody wants to go to a stuffy party anyway.
7. Name of the Game. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone takes a drink, puts it down, can’t remember which one is theirs so they leave it and the glass and contents are wasted. We were at a friend’s house recently and they welcomed us with a glass of wine complete with our name. No more guessing…or sharing germs. I’ll just make sure I’m the one writing the names because Jon can’t be trusted with that task either 😉
8. Sno-Cones. Lastly, an element of whimsy. We have a popcorn machine with a marquee on top and change up the letterboard depending on which guests are over. People get a real kick out of it and love the personal touch. Next up, I have my eye on this snow cone machine to wheel out for dessert. How fun is this?! And that was the name of the game.

Which fun entertaining essentials have you added to your parties? Share with us in the comments below!