Throw a Margarita Party!

Need a pick me up this Monday afternoon? I've got an idea. Start planning for the weekend.

There's no better way to celebrate summer (and the 4th!) than to have some friends over for margaritas on the terrace. But forget those kitschy fiestas where everyone's forced to wear a sombrero and throw back tequila shots. (Okay, those are fun too!) I'm in the mood to throw a modern, sleek grown-up fiesta with the frothiest margaritas around -- no pinata included.

Want to plan a party of your own? Here are my ideas for making yours one to remember, plus the best margarita recipe ever. I decided to keep the glasses and pitcher simple. I'm not a fan of the colored-rim glasses you see at Mexican restaurants. So I picked a classic 7-piece Crisa Cancun set (with pitcher) at Target. At $24.99, you can't beat it.

Decorate your outdoor space with these pretty DIY Hanging Paper Flowers.

Don't bother barbecuing. Why not make these yummy Fresh Rosemary and Lemon Cupcakes? Then you can decorate the cake stand with this Seam-Binding Cake-Stand Skirt (fun!) -- and offer guests a bite to eat. To wrap the cupcakes, you may want to purchase a set of Butterflies Cupcake Wrappers.

To hold napkins, flatware and other supplies, try storing them in one of these White Buckets ($11 each).

Last, but not least, check out this DIY Cocktail Umbrella light for your centerpiece (total cost of materials: about $20).

And of course, The Perfect Margarita recipe. Enjoy!