I love entertaining (and I love being entertained) during the summer months. Not only are the best foods in season, but you can get outside in the fresh air. Perfection! Of course, entertaining is always kind of a pain, amirite? I mean, who has the time, money or skills to pull together a Martha Stewart-esque festivity? Not me! Plus, when going to a BBQ or party, there are hostess gifts, presents and potlucks to think of. 

So, to make your parties run a little smoother, here are 6 DIY projects that are easy to create and will help to kick your events up a notch. 
 
#1 Use Paintchips for Invites and Cards 
 

(via nestcandy.com, dumpaday.com)
 
For some reason, I always seem to find paint chips around the house in random drawers. Here's a way to put those paint chips to good use! Not only can paint chips be used for simple homemade artwork, but they're great for DIY invites or thank you cards. Fun shaped hole punchers like the ones above can be found at craft stores or a regular hole puncher can be used for polka dots! Try an ombre palette or mix it up with colours of the rainbow. 
 
#2 Paper Cup Fairy Lights
 

(via dumpaday.com) 
 
Every backyard BBQ needs some great fairy lights after the sun sets and you're not yet ready to call it a night. For a lighter more summery atmosphere, try attaching paper cups to your lights. It gives it a softer glow and you avoid the Christmasy look. You can cover your cups in construction paper for extra colour, too.  
 
#3 Onesie Cupcakes 
 

(via dizzymaiden.tumblr.com) 
 
An adorable gift for a baby shower, they look good enough to eat! Roll up a few onesies, blankets or other baby supplies and place in cupcake paper. Tie with a bow and place in a cake box. 


(via etsy.com, dallasnews.com) 
 
#4 Alternative Floral Centerpieces: I love flowers, but making your own floral arrangement is a challenge and store bought arrangements can be pricey. Also, any plant that enters my house pretty much dies immediately. Instead of flowers, why not try a more practical and useful arrangement of fresh fruits or veggies? They have beautiful colours and are unique and different. Look for lemons, beets or oranges. 

#5 Ice Cubes for Wine Chilling: Freeze flowers into ice cubes and use in large bucket to chill wine. Gorgeous, elegant and super simple! 

#6 Pinecone Place Settings: This is fabulous for a fall or winter occasion. Picture these at a rustic wedding for instance. You can also paint the pinecones in bold colours! 

Which of these DIYs are you looking forward to trying out?