Backyard Party Planning Tips to Consider Before Spring and Summer

Let's take a look at some things that can help everyone enjoy your next backyard event with these Backyard Party Planning Tips to Consider Before Spring and Summer!

As we move out of winter and head towards the warmer days of Spring and Summer, everyone begins to look forward to outdoor activities. One of the top ways to enjoy the outdoors is to throw a backyard party.

If you are thinking about inviting everyone over for drinks, food, and fun, you want to plan to make it an occasion to remember.

Backyard Layouts for Outdoor Parties

The difference between a great time and a bummer will be how you use your outdoor living space. It is not about the size (although more yard does not hurt), but about what you provide guests in that space.

Partygoers need places to sit and socialize while being protected from the elements. Creating pathways allows everyone to get around without bumping into or interrupting others.

You want to start with seating. There is always room for people to stand around and talk. Providing seats for your guests allows them to relax, make use of table space for drinking and eating, and playing games.

Try to offer chairs and benches that are sturdy enough to hold your family and friends, and remember that older guests will enjoy taller seats that are easy to use.

After seating, plan out tablespace. Serving tables should only have chairs on the end so guests can use the sides to access drinks and food.

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Position tables for folks to sit around all sides if possible, and multi-table layouts should provide enough room to prevent crosstalk between tables from interfering with each other. Keep table covers short to prevent them from interfering with legroom.

Provide cover over at least half the seats and tables if possible. That offers protection from direct sunlight and light rains that sneak up on your event. You can rent fans and misting systems or make DIY versions before the party starts.

These can make all the difference for guests during those "dog days of Summer" when there is lots of heat and no breeze.

Best Foods and Drinks to Serve in Warm Weather

Keeping hydrated is always a good thing, but it is more crucial outdoors. Always start your drink list with water. You can keep bottled water chilled in an ice chest or fill some pitchers and add ice with sliced citrus fruits.

Other refreshing drinks you can make include lemonade, sun tea, and punch. Remember to keep plenty of ice close by so that guests can keep their drinks chilled. People of all ages enjoy sodas, and they are easy to keep in the ice chest.

If your guests want some adult beverages, try frozen treats. They can be surprisingly refreshing when it's warm out. Better yet, vodka pops, frozen margaritas, and similar options are surprisingly easy to make and serve. However, given the temperature-sensitive nature of frozen drinks, keep these in the house until everyone is ready for them.

Foods are hit and miss with party guests. Sure, you can cook the typical burgers and brats, but other items are worth adding to the spread. Fresh salads are light, and many guests will appreciate alternatives to heavy foods in the heat.

Fresh fruits are something most people will snack on, and putting out a tray of "Mediterranean Veggies" like olives, roasted bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes can handle being left out on the table.

People like snacks they can handle, so finger foods are a big hit with outdoor party guests. We suggest a variety of nuts or fruit bars with some small cups on the side of the trays, so everyone can load up and move around. Chips and salsa or popcorn can hit the spot, but these require plates to enjoy properly.

Best Backyard Entertainment Ideas for Outdoor Parties

Most guests will find entertainment through socialization, so grouped seating helps. Chatting will be engaging for older guests and those with physical limitations. Younger crowds will appreciate backgrounds filled with music, aromatic scents, and soft lighting after dark.

Kids need something to do, so make sure to supply activities (focus on entertaining the oldest, and the younger kids will follow).

Insect control through repellants is a must. Finally, prepare space indoors. Changing weather, lighting, and time of night might force the party indoors!