If you’re looking to change things up this summer, try incorporating different themes into your summer entertaining. Since Africa is one of my favorite inspirations in terms of décor, style, music and culture, I’ve decided to put some ideas together for a special African themed summer party.
Decorate your yard, kitchen or dining room with these African Pom Decorations. They’re super easy to make, just grab animal print and neutral colored tissue paper and follow the simple steps here. These decorations really set the stage for the whole evening. I love them!
Add a touch of color to your African themed party with these telephone wire candlesticks made in South Africa. I especially love these for an outdoor soiree - with candles lit, it creates a wonderful ambiance.
For casual outdoor BBQ’s, this Fruit Basket from Rwanda is perfect for holding silverware. Or place this basket in the center of the table piled high with your favorite bread rolls.
I found this recipe for African Black Eyed Pea Salad that not only looks delicious, but makes for a great summer side for your African themed party. Click here for the recipe!
Use these Wood and Bone Salad Servers from Kenya to serve your African Black Eyed Pea Salad – how perfect is that! I particularly love this tableware because it reminds me of dining in the Mara while on safari there, as it is frequently used throughout Kenya.
These napkin rings are made of bone that has been “batiked” by painting wax on the rings and dying them. The results are African patterns resembling mud cloth and animal prints. And, they match perfectly with the salad servers!
Finish your meal with animal themed dessert like these adorable cupcakes! The perfect end to your meal.
Last but not least, throw on an African CD for part of the night to really set the mood. Born in Congo and established as a top singer in Nairobi in the late 1970s, Samba Mapangala teamed up with Orchestra Virunga in the 1980s and released a number of memorable songs. This internationally distributed compilation features many past hits, plus three tracks never before available outside of East Africa.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to get creative and do something different this weekend. Make your guests feel like they’re on safari in your own back yard!
If you enjoyed this journal entry, please consider sharing it!
About Me
As an avid traveler, I’ve met incredible artisans and craftspeople who've inspired me to share their exquisite treasures with you through The Traveler’s Collection - my online boutique specializing in unique goods from around the globe. The collection’s beauty extends to its mission – each purchase helps local artisans support their families and communities.
I invite you to join me in discovering the stories and the artisans behind the products, as well as unique shopping, travel and style guides from me and my fellow travelers. - JG
Travel Journal Feed
Subscribe to our RSS Feed!