Backyard BBQ Inspiration {Part 2} - Build-Your-Own Shortcakes + FREE Printables

Are you ready for part 2 of my backyard bbq inspiration shoot?  Don't miss part 1 featuring the seated table & food buffet.  

This post includes the dessert table and welcome table - a great beginning and ending to your party!

I thought it would be fun to do a build-your-own-shortcake station and include fresh summer berries and those little sponge cakes that make them so easy to put together.  Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are all delicious and your guests can pick whichever they like.  I love finding unique items and re-purposing them for food service.  Just remember to line them with a napkin, parchment paper, or fabric to insure food safety.  This 3-tiered storage container was found at Hobby Lobby and I love that the chalk board labels are built right in.  

A can of whipped cream is wrapped in the same paper that I used for the snack cones (below), which also coordinates with the fabric patterns I used.  In order to tie in all the different areas, I used the same fabric over and over in different ways: a rag swag used on the buffet table (2-tiered server), napkin pockets on the tabletop, a fabric flower attached to the box on the dessert table, and another rag swag at the welcome table.    

I bought the retro-style cracker jack boxes from Cracker Barrel!  I knew I wanted to use them but couldn't find them anywhere!  Luckily I discovered an article by someone (thanks Google) who found them at Cracker Barrel.  Funny thing is they make only a minor appearance here, but I was Obsessed with finding them!  They make great takeaway favors for your guests.

I believe in having a "welcome" table at a party, especially when you're outside and have wide open space.  Bring an indoor table outside and set up a sign and snack cones filled with chips.  Pre-made cones make it much easier to have a snack than looking around for a centrally located bowl.  I used an old soda crate to display the cones and tied a mini fabric swag across the front.

Use some outdoor game paraphernalia as part of the decor.  Here I just placed a couple of crocket balls in a wire basket. 

Speaking of games, our favorite thing to do is play bocce ball or corn hole.  You don't need a lot of space for these, nor will you exert yourself too much while playing.

Well, that's my summertime bbq inspiration!  I hope you'll get some ideas to try at your next cookout, and don't forget to download your FREE printables here, courtesy of Paper & Pigtails.  They will get you started on a stylish bash!

As part of Backyard BBQ week, visit these other experts for more summer entertaining ideas.

Housewife Bliss

Second City Soiree

Reluctant Entertainer

Intoxicologist

The Daily Basics

Party Blueprints