Entertaining outdoors in the summertime is fun but challenging. There are several things you need to consider, especially since your venue is wide and open.
Aside from decorations, activities, food, and drinks, you also have to think about how you can keep your guests comfortable. You’ll be surrounded by hot air and summer dust. So, the first thing you should probably do is find some good mist and fog system ideas, or you can hire a reliable contractor right away. These providers know how to turn your backyard into a conducive place for entertaining.
Once you know your guests’ comfort and safety are covered, you can start preparing the other essential details of your outdoor get-together. You have to come up with fun and crowd-pleasing ideas – from the venue decorations to the food and drinks, all the way to the games and other entertainment activities.
Here are some tips and suggestions you might want to check out.
Clean your backyard.
Regardless of the size of your backyard, it is crucial to clean it before the event thoroughly. If you have a patio, use a hose to clean it. Cut or trim the grass. Sweep off dry leaves. Make sure all your furniture is clean, too.
If there are areas that need repair, work on them right away. Enlist the help of your children and your spouse. Make it a family activity, so you’ll have fun while working.
Decorate your backyard with swings and lights.
Creating a carefree and comfortable environment for your guests is vital. Find a spot in your backyard where you can put a swing – you don’t have to buy one, a DIY hammock or swing will do. Adding this simple element to your backyard will make it homey and relaxing, exactly how you want your guests to feel.
It is also important to light up the venue. You don’t have to install new lighting; all you need are string lights, or fairy lights, or Christmas lights. Stick only to one, two, or three colors.
Use comfortable chairs and furniture.
If you’re using outdoor wicker chairs, make sure each one comes with a soft cushion. You can also put pillows on a wooden bench.
Add other seating options, such as lounge chairs. You can even bring out your mat, spread it on the grass, and cover it with fluffy pillows and cushions. Add some accent by throwing in decorative blankets or covers.
Place an essentials basket or table near the venue entrance.
Nowadays, an essentials basket or table is mandatory for events, even if you’re inviting only a few friends. Place one near the entrance of your venue. Neatly arrange essentials such as alcohol, hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and face masks (some people will feel safer if you have these).
Protect yourself and your guests with citronella candles.
Citronella candles are sold in beautiful containers so that they can serve two purposes: as décor and as protection for you and your guests. If you do not have citronella candles, you can use incense sticks or a bug spray. Scatter the citronella candles and incense sticks around the venue. Have at least two bug sprays within reach.
Prepare a cooler and fill it with different kinds of drinks.
The summer heat will have you and your guests reaching out for drinks several times throughout the event. So, be sure to prepare a cooler that’s filled with as many drinks as possible. Aside from bottled water, go for fruit juices, soda, and wine. If you do not have a cooler, use a plant stand or a clean jar. Be creative in looking for alternatives.
Add a unique touch by putting a beverage bar where you can also serve ice cold beer and cocktails. Use covers for glass drinks to protect them from bugs and other insects.
Prepare a variety of easy-to-prepare outdoor party food.
Entertaining outdoors always come hand-in-hand with serving grilled steaks or barbecues. You can serve these favorites, but you should also add other food varieties. Choose easy-to-prepare ones such as hotdogs on sticks or corn dogs, fried chicken drumsticks, pork sliders, tacos, cheese slices, pizza (you can order or buy some!), and salad.
Setting up a dessert bar is a good idea. Prepare some cookies, brownies, fresh fruits, and bowls of mini chocolates. Don’t forget to serve chips!
Use disposables for your plates and utensils.
Outdoor parties and events somehow look more authentic when you’re using disposables for your plates, utensils, and serving dishes. There are different sizes and designs available in supermarkets. You can also choose to make your own using craft paper and other materials.
Offer various entertainment options.
When it comes to outdoor entertainment, people always think of games for fun and entertainment. Make your event unique and exciting by setting up a small screen in your backyard and giving your guests the freedom to choose which movie (or movies) to watch.
Also, don’t forget to prepare a mix of your favorite tunes. Put in some jazz, pop songs, and dance music to balance the selection. Play the slow tunes while eating and prepare the backyard “floor” for some dancing later on.
Finally, don’t forget to take a lot of photos. If you don’t have a DSLR camera, your smartphone will do. The memories you create with your guests are what will make your event special and memorable.
– This is a guest post not written by the website’s owner.