Entertaining outside in your backyard can be an exciting time but you want to know that you’re doing it right. Why leave everything to chance when you can plan ahead to ensure that all of your guests are having a good time? If you want to create the most memorable outdoor party of the year, here are nine great tips to use so that everything goes without a hitch.
1. Create Ambience With Decor
One of the first things your guests are going to notice is how your party is decorated, so why not make it easy on yourself and get yourself one of the best pergola kits to help you out? Having a pergola provides you with a great opportunity to add some shade while still creating a relaxing atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. Pergolas are a great way to add some greenery with climbing vines, hang some fairy lights, or drape some fabric for some added privacy.
2. Ensure You Have Enough Seating
Depending on how big your guest list is, you want to ensure that there’s a seat for everyone. Even if people are going to be walking around and mingling, it can get pretty annoying if they have nowhere to sit by the end of the day. You might be able to pull some of your indoor chairs outside, it pays to have backup options. There are cheap choices you can look at, like outdoor ottomans and large beanbags that can be used as seating. Of course, you’ll be able to account for how many seats you’ll need if your guests RSVP whether they’re coming or not.
3. Send Informative Invitations
You don’t have to go the expensive route when it comes to your invitations, but you should at least let your guests know what to expect. They might dress for an indoor party while you’re holding it outside in the elements. If you want to skip mailing paper invitations, you can send them via e-mail instead. This ensures that your potential guests receive the invites long before your party is scheduled to take place.
Informing your guests that it is an outdoor party will help them prepare the proper attire. You can also use the invitation to let them know if they should bring anything or if they should eat beforehand. You could even let them know if you plan on playing outdoor games so that they can get in the right mood and know what to expect when they arrive.
4. Simplify Your Menu
Don’t expect to serve a fancy four-course meal outside. An outdoor party can convey an informal atmosphere but that doesn’t mean your food has to be cheap either. Choose refreshing appetizers, such as fruits, cheese, and crackers. Finger food makes it easy for your guests to mingle while they snack, allowing for a more casual gathering. Be sure to plan your meals and prep work in advance so that you’re not doing everything at the last minute. The simpler you keep the dishes, the easier it will be to socialize while still feeding everyone.
5. Consider Some Cocktails/Mocktails
Step outside the box and don’t only serve punch at your outdoor party. Consider creating a signature drink that matches the theme or style of the party you’re trying to create. You don’t have to be an expert mixologist to get it right; just be willing to experiment with a few flavors beforehand to find something that you like. And if alcohol is not everyone’s thing, then you should consider making virgin versions of your signature drink for everyone to enjoy. Go with cool and cute glassware with garnishes that will really make these drinks take center stage.
6. Pick A Theme For Your Party
The easiest way to create a cohesive image for your party is to pick a theme. Having a theme makes it easier for you to pick out the decor, the utensils, the dress code, and your menu options. It could be the celebration of a specific holiday, or it could be something festive and fun, like a pirate party or the circus. And if your friends feel like dressing up costume-wise, then that can add more excitement to the get-together.
If you know there are going to be children there, consider picking a theme that is appropriate for both adults and kids alike.
7. Plan For Some Kid-Friendly Activities
If you know some of your friends are going to bring their children along, then you should have some activities for them to do so that they’re not bored. You could have an arts and crafts table, some games set up, and even some specific foods they can put together to create their own snack plates. If you can afford it, you could even consider hiring a babysitter to keep an eye on the children so that everyone can relax.
8. Having A Playlist
Music can really set the mood of the party, so get the speakers out and put together a fun playlist. Choose calm soothing music that isn’t too loud or go with songs that you want everyone to dance to. Just be sure to keep it down so that you’re not disturbing the neighbors, and that the songs aren’t filled with too much profanity (especially if there are children around).
9. Keep The Pests At Bay
If you’re going to be outdoors, then you have to prepare for bugs and other critters. Nothing is more miserable than having to swat mosquitoes out of the air while you’re trying to have fun. Consider using natural pest repellents to keep them away that aren’t going to be hazardous to everyone’s health. Always keep food covered to prevent flies from landing on them. You can even plant certain flowers like marigolds to keep mosquitoes away.
Even with all these tips in mind, it’s important to have a backup plan for every contingent in case something fails. Unexpected weather can definitely turn the tides on your party and ruin everything for everyone.
If you’re looking for more outdoor party ideas, consult a professional as soon as possible to help you out.