The days are long, the temperature is right, and the drinks are cold. Whether you have a pool, a deck, a patio, or even just a small garden path, backyard parties are quintessential summer fun.
Celebrating the season with neighbors, friends, and family in the sunshine and having fun before the cooler temperatures arrive is a must-do. But what if it’s the first time you’ve ever hosted a backyard party?
Don’t worry. We have plenty of ideas to help you plan your summer backyard parties. Here are five guidelines to get you started.
1. Consider Your Backyard
What does your backyard currently look like? What sort of outdoor furniture do you have?
When hosting guests, make sure you have enough room and seating for the number of people you want to arrive. You don’t need seating for everyone all at once, but seating for those having conversations or taking a rest will make the entire environment more welcoming and cozy.
Assess your patio and backyard furniture. Is it time for patio furniture upgrades? Maybe an outdoor rug can pull it together and make everything a bit cozier and welcoming to guests.
2. Choose a Theme
Your theme can be as broad as “summer” and as specific as a location you wish you were instead. Choose a theme that makes sense for your own backyard, and for the people you are inviting.
Is there a perfect summer movie, or song, for your group of friends? If you have a group of Jimmy Buffet fans, for example, having a couple of blenders making margaritas and grass skirts on the tables might do the trick.
Have you been on vacation somewhere you loved? Or is there a unique place on your wish list? Including elements of the location can help set the scene.
3. Feed Your Guests
A backyard party should include some of your favorite summer food and drinks for your friends and family.
Grilling is the most classic example of patio party food. Grilling burgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, vegetables, and even fruit can be a great way to use a central, outdoor tool to make food for everyone.
If upscale and beachy is your style, finding some tropical fruit and fresh recipes for fish might be something to consider.
Having easy snacks like fruit, vegetables, and chips on hand makes for a casual, grazing atmosphere.
If you do not find joy in outdoor cooking and want something with an American flair in the Los Angeles area, check out boosphilly.com to order ahead. Philly and hoagie sandwiches are a way to feature delicious American food without having to do all the work yourself.
4. Choose the Music
Consider your theme, your food, your guests, and your target ambiance.
Is it a throwback to the 2000s? Or further back to surf rock? Putting together a playlist can be a lot of fun!
If putting together a playlist seems overwhelming, recruit a friend or two to contribute. Instead of them asking them to bring a dish or drinks, have them show up at the beginning with music ready to hook up to a speaker or two outdoors.
5. Set Out a Game or Two
There is no need to overwhelm backyard parties with too many options. Simple, classic outdoor games or toys work well for every age group.
Whether you set out frisbees (if you have room) or a Bocce ball set, someone is bound to break it out at some point during the party.
Avoid anything with too many rules or skillsets involved. Keeping it simple will invite guests who want to add a little friendly competition to the mix. That way, everyone can enjoy it!
Enjoy Every One of Your Backyard Parties
Whether you opt to grill out, roll sushi, or order some Philly cheesesteaks, make sure you have fun with the company you are with. Eat, drink, play games, and be merry at every one of your backyard parties.
Check out our Recipe Box and Travel and Entertainment articles for more inspiration for your next party!
You have given us a lot of information. I think it is so important not to overdo the backyard party because you won’t enjoy it and perhaps neither will your guests.
This is a lot of good information and ideals. My niece just got a place in the country going to share this with her.