In good weather, an outdoor party can be downright thrilling. You’ll get to enjoy fresh air, warm sunshine, and best of all, each other’s company. That said, as host, you’ll have your work cut out to make sure everything goes well.
Many people have tried and failed to have a successful outdoor party, with festivities ruined by bad weather, poor planning, or other unfortunate factors. But there are some strategies that can prevent such catastrophes and set you up for a much better outdoor party.
Invest in Better Outdoor Furniture
First, make sure you invest in quality outdoor furniture. Your guests will want places where they can sit, tables where they can set their drinks, and other materials that allow them to socialize better. If your furniture is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, everyone will have a better time.
If you want to take things to the next level, consider designing an inclusive outdoor kitchen. With this setup, you can prepare food for your guests while still socializing with them – and enjoy all the benefits of the outdoors while you do it.
Invite the Right People
Think carefully about your guest list. Inviting one or two people can turn the party into a more intimate affair – which may or may not be what you want. Inviting too many people can quickly make things chaotic if you’re unprepared.
In addition to the quantity of invites, you should consider the types of people you plan on bringing together. Are these the types of people who would get along with each other? Are there any standing grudges or personal conflicts you should be aware of?
Provide Clear Instructions
If your guests haven’t been to your house before, provide clear instructions. Give directions to your home, including where to park, and if you want people to come to your backyard immediately, instruct them to do so. Don’t leave them to figure out the ambiguities on their own.
Give Everything a Wash
Before your guests arrive, take a few minutes to give everything a wash. Hose down the deck, wipe down the furniture, and make sure any grilling or food-related materials you have appear clean. It makes the area much more inviting and shows how much care you’ve put into this event.
Make the Food Easily Accessible
Let’s face it. Most of your party guests are going to be heavily interested in the food (and drinks). Food is often the center point of socialization and it’s one of the first things people notice when attending. Make sure all your foods and drinks are easily accessible.
Choose a Theme
Not all outdoor parties need to have a theme, but a theme can instantly take your party to the next level. Do you want to celebrate something specific? Do you want a vague theme to unify the foods and drinks you plan to serve? Make sure your guests know the theme so they can participate as well.
Consider Pests
One of the only downsides of hosting an outdoor party is that you might have to deal with bugs. There are several ways to control this aspect, however. For example, you can light citronella candles, host the party at the right time of day, and use sprays, screens, and coverings to prevent unwanted guests.
Create Ambiance With Music and Lighting
Add another layer of comfort and relaxation to your party with the right music and lighting. A single high-quality speaker can project music throughout your space, and a strand of dim lights can make the surroundings visible and pleasant well into the night.
Have a Backup Plan for Bad Weather
This is arguably the most important point: have a backup plan in case of bad weather. If your party entirely depends on sunny skies and it starts to rain, the entire day may be ruined.
Proper planning can help you in this regard; look ahead as far as possible to evaluate the weather forecast and set a rain date if absolutely necessary. However, you should also be aware that the weather forecast isn’t foolproof; you’ll still need a backup plan even if things look clear.
Your backup plan can take many forms. For example, if you only have to deal with a light amount of rain, you can set up umbrellas or other tools to keep your guests dry. If it begins to storm more heavily or if the weather begins to get worse in other ways, you may need to call your guests inside to finish up the party.
If you spend some time planning your party and preparing for contingencies, you’ll have a much better experience overall. Your party will be livelier and more inviting, your guests will be more excited to join you, and you’ll be less stressed because you’re confident in your plans.