Ideas for Hosting an Outdoor Party
In spring and summer, when the weather is conducive, outdoor parties are a wonderful idea. Apart from thunderstorms, nothing can spoil these relaxed parties, and even if rain does appear, the party can always move indoors. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when planning your outdoor party.
1. Outdoor parties can have themes. Are you going to have a casual barbeque or are you celebrating an event? Will you be hosting a beach party or a picnic on the lawn? Think about the style of the party and aim to decorate for the theme.
2. When sending out invitations inform the guests if :
a. It will be a day or nighttime party so they can be prepared for the hot sun or a balmy evening
b. They need to dress for a theme
c. They are supplying their own steaks and/or drinks
3. Clean up your patio and garden. Check under tables and chairs for spiders and bugs. Guests donít want any nasty surprises crawling up their legs!
4. Decorate with umbrellas, flower pots, cushions, and fabrics for daytime parties. Will you have a color theme or have towels and beach balls for your pool party? Use lights, candles, and paper lanterns at night. Nighttime lighting can set a wonderful mood for an evening outdoor event.
5. Set up citronella candles to keep mosquitoes at bay. To keep pesky flies clear of food, hang some raw bacon away from the cooking and eating area. This will attract the flies away from the guests.
6. To keep drinks cool but accessible to guests, fill a large container with ice and place it in the shade. You can be creative with your cooler. How about a wheelbarrow or an unused barrel or recycling bin?
7. If you haven’t got enough tables and chairs for your guests you could spread rugs on the lawn in the style of a picnic. This will add to a relaxed and lazy atmosphere.
8. Keep your catering simple for outdoor parties. Barbequing is ideal for this type of entertainment. Snack foods such as dips and salsas are simple and easy to put together. Dessert can be a platter of summer fruits served plain or with dipping chocolate.
9. Have background music playing in your chosen theme. If the party is at night, some guests may wish to dance so ensure a space is cleared for a dance floor.
10. Check the forecast on the day of the party and be prepared to move indoors if the weatherman gives an unfavorable reading.
Enjoy the casual atmosphere of outdoor entertaining. If you do, you’ll probably find it becomes a regular event on your party calendar.
