It's Not Too Late to Host a Celeb-Style Summer Party

Tip: You will need tequila

By Amanda Randone Aug 14, 2017 11:10 PMTags

Little dancing??????

A post shared by Sofia Vergara (@sofiavergara) on

Summer: the party season.

Taylor Swift's Fourth of July bashes, Sofia Vergara's summer fiestas and the over-the-top joint birthday celebrations for North West and Penelope Disick. What do all these events have in common? All you need is a backyard and some imagination. If you're thinking it's too late in the season, look no further than the social feed of Gabrielle Union for proof that there's still time to host your own summer soirée. 

Who is ready for some margaritas?

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Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Fashion Diary

The cover star for the September issue of Health is living her best life, which she said means "creating comfortable spaces where I have real joy in my work, in my home, in my marriage, with the kids." She's described in the article as the "kind of woman other women want to hang out with," and we can totally see why. 

The actress recently shared photos of what she dubbed the #houseoffriends: specialty margarita lessons, good food and an inevitable dance party turned concert. And when Olivia Munn is involved, you know things are bound to get fun.

It actually doesn't take much to pull off this kind of an event yourself, as long as you've got the essentials, which include a big table, the right equipment and a stellar crew. Of course, you'll want to pick a great tequila as well (Gabrielle recommends Casamigos of George Clooney fame). 

Scroll through our list of margarita night must-haves so you can live it up like Gabrielle Union and her gang. 

Bottoms Up

The party doesn't start until somebody starts doing shots. This group did just that, and in more ways than one. Whether she was pouring out drinks for her friends or bringing the night to the next level with a decorative shot board, Gabrielle kept the crowd entertained. Also worth noting was the bar situation. There was a large table prepared with white mini bowls of fruit and garnish surrounding a central ice bucket. This is how to keep beverages fresh all night long.

CASAMIGOS

Gabrielle chose this tequila brand as her spirit of choice. 

Ultra-Premium Tequila, 375 ml, $25

POWELL & MAHONEY

Just in case doing straight-up shots is out of the question for you, make the best cocktail you can. Gabrielle and friends sipped on a delicious-looking, pink concoction. 

Classic Margarita, Craft Cocktail Mixer, $7.99

Webstaurant

OK, the large shot board may be a little too much for your guests. Try a smaller, effective-but-more-indiscreet version instead. 

The Core, Natural Finish Four-Hole Wood Sampler Paddle, $3.89

OLD DUTCH

A rose-gold colored ice bucket says chic but playful. 

Hammered Decor Ice Bucket with Liner and Tongs, 3-Quart, Copper, $29.99

NORITAKE

The varieties of salsa that can live in these bowls are endless. 

Colorwave Mini Bowls, White, Set of Four, $35.99

Get On Theme

Accomplishing the right party look goes beyond your outfit choice. This party started indoors and spilled out into the yard, where the best complement to each guest's attire were the very on-theme cacti. Set the mood for your on soirée with the right decor: a DIY sign, some funky napkins and colorful margarita glasses will do the trick. 

THE HOME DEPOT

Even in the dark, cacti make all the difference. 

Assorted Grafted Cactus, 3-Pack, $15.96/each 

PARTY ESSENTIALS

A sophisticated fiesta may have glassware, but a fun soiree has color!

Neon Margarita Glasses, Assorted 12-Count Hard Plastic, $9.53

SOUTHERN SASS

Memes, slogans and graphic-anything are all the rage, after all. 

Summer Party Supplies, 20ct Napkins with 4-Pack Cups, $16.95 

ETSY

There's alcohol involved. Let's be obvious. 

Margarita Bar Sign, Instant Printable Digital Download, $5

With these simple items, you're ready to start organizing. Who will be on your guest list?

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