Simple ways to elevate dad's special day.

"One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters."

George Herbert

I wanted our backyard Father's Day celebration to feel a little extra special this year, so I started by making a list of what I thought might help to create a day for all to enjoy.

Number one on the list was the menu.

So often when we think of a Father's Day backyard celebration, we think of having a barbecue with burgers, hot dogs and maybe some chicken on the grill.

Because the weather was forecasted to be rather hot that day, eliminating anyone (especially dad) from standing in front of a hot grill was a top priority.

An easy and very tasty solution was to order fajitas catering trays with all the fixings from our favorite Mexican restaurant.

The rest of the list just seemed to flow from there.

Light and spicy margaritas in easy to mix bottles filled the bar.

Premixed cocktails (which beautifully matched the flower vases) were placed at each place setting to provide an easy option for those not in the margarita mood.

Of course one of the easiest ways to create a special, elevated atmosphere is to provide bottles of champagne to make a heartfelt toast to the dads we love.

Since the theme of the day was to relax and enjoy, the dessert menu was made just as simple and tasty as the main course.

Make ahead double chocolate chip cookies and serve your own ice cream cones (wrapped in paper that matched the charger plates and flower vases) was a very easy way for guests, dads and host to have a stress free day.

Some extra bar and table accessories placed on top of wooden crates, along with this "man cave" candle, added just the right touch of rustic ambience.