It’s that time of the year once again, when a party indoors is simply a waste of the glorious sunshine, or the hot-but-breezy summer nights. Go ahead and host a party on your lawn or backyard — we’ve gathered all of our summer party tips below to help make your warm-weather get-together a success.
- Serve light, fresh dishes with healthy, refreshing drinks
Humid weather and heavy, greasy food are just not meant to be paired. Light dishes such as salads, tomato-based pastas and tacos, paired with fruit punches and sangrias are filling enough for a lunch or dinner sides, but still light enough to match the warm weather.
- Make cooking an activity
Summer outdoor parties are perfect for bringing the grill out. For your main course, take turns, or have an open grill for a create-your-own barbeque or burger party.
- Prepare activities for the kids
The grown-ups are probably looking to kick back with the sangría, but kids tend to want more action. Have some diversions ready if you invited kids over: blowing bubbles, a sprinkler or an inflatable pool will keep them occupied. Assign a lifeguard among adults if kids are swimming in the pool!
- Keep mosquitoes at bay
One downside of partying outdoors are the bugs, but you shouldn’t let them ruin the party! Consider a bug gadget for the yard, or light a few citronella sticks and spread them out on the venue. Do offer the guests bug wipes or insect repellent lotion, for good measure.
- Keep guests cool
This is a given for summer outdoor parties, but it doesn’t mean they can’t have a creative touch! Aside from the outdoor electric fans, provide handheld raffia fans or colourful accordion fans. They look pretty when placed in big baskets or opened and lined-up on the table. It will also give your guests extra relief if you can provide cold towels – just buy a pack of inexpensive washcloths from a dollar store, roll each one, and toss into a cooler of ice water for guests to grab.
- Prettify your space with natural elements
Amplify the outdoor or summer theme with natural props. Create a statement with a natural centerpiece on the buffet or dining table (like crudités or potted plants) or accent the venue with garden-picked pieces (such as figs, leaves, or floating flowers).
- Light the space right
Since summer nights are brighter than usual, all you’ll need is a little ambient lighting. Hang strings of garden lights on the fence, the deck or even tree branches or use paper lanterns for a colourful touch. For the bulbs, opt for those that give off a warm glow for a more relaxed mood.
- Keep the dress code casual
Most guests will probably deduce that it’s a casual event, but it’s best to give them a sense of just how casual the vibe will be. Add statements like “Bring your bikinis!” or “You wear the flip-flops, we flip the burgers” onto your invite.
- Set the ambiance with laid back tunes
Choose classics that are easy to recognize (such as Michael Jackson or Rolling Stones) or house tunes that guests can nod to. For a laidback vibe, avoid blaring speakers – set up several small speakers instead and spread them out the venue, playing the music at a lower volume.
- Send the guests off with natural or summer-themed giveaway
Celebrate the beginning of summer by giving out summer or nature-themed keepsakes that’ll last throughout or beyond the season — try potted plants, citronella oils or accordion fans.
(Image Credit: Table)
