Remember summers when you were a kid? The days were long and sweet and time seemed to stand still as you freely explored your imagination and the beauty of the world around you. Memories were made in the blink of an eye and life was simple and fun.

Summers also meant becoming an instant entrepreneur and opening up a lemonade stand. Remember daydreaming about all the cool stuff you’d buy with the profits while you stirred and stirred the sugar into the lemony water, hoping it would eventually dissolve?

Why not help your kids cash in on this summertime classic by making their lemonade stand really stand out from the crowd? It’s easy to do and just requires you to think outside the glass. For example, why not give customers some goodies to go along with that lemonade?

Bake up some fresh cookies or make some rice crispy treats that will entice kids and adults alike. And for the younger crowd, sell some colorful gumballs, small bottles of bubbles, and vending machine capsules filled with small prizes.

The stand itself could be easily updated by using wooden crates instead of a table.

The crates allow you to display your treats and you can add some simple summer decorations by stringing together small, folded doilies.

Finally, for a sophisticated look, serve the lemonade in 12 oz plastic cups with lids (from Smart and Final) and add green striped straws for the perfect finishing touch!

Post by Sara Westbrook & Brittany Egbert for One Charming Party : onecharmingparty.com

Photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat : www.nicolephoto.com