how do you host a backyard party

11 Essential Secrets to Hosting a Backyard Party (Without Busting Your Budget)

• Set a Budget. Before you send out the invitations, set a budget for yourself. ...
• Buy the Basics. ...
• Stick to Simple Decor. ...
• Invest in Multi-Functional Pieces. ...
• Know What to Splurge On. ...
• Manage the Guest List. ...
• Keep Your Menus Simple. ...
• Declare a Potluck. ...
• Make it B.Y.O.B. ...
• Keep It Small. ...

More items...

Full Answer

How to host an outdoor party for beginners?

15 Tips for Hosting an Outdoor Party. 1 1. Pick a party theme. Parties are always more fun with a theme but, beyond that, picking a theme also makes planning easier. Your chosen theme will ... 2 2. Send informative invitations. 3 3. Consider party favors. 4 4. Design your décor. 5 5. Plan your menu. More items

How to prepare your backyard for your next outdoor dinner party?

The first step in preparing your backyard for your next outdoor dinner party is cleaning and decluttering the space. You do not want your guests tripping over dog toys or stepping around rakes and shovels to get to your patio.

How do I choose a theme for an outdoor party?

Your chosen theme will streamline your outdoor party ideas and make it easier to select decorations, menu options, activities and, if applicable, dress code. Your theme might be related to a holiday you are celebrating, such as Halloween or the 4th of July, or it might be something fun and festive, like a backyard wine tasting or a pirate party.

How to host an outdoor party on a dry lawn?

Another option if the lawn is dry is to have blankets for those who are willing to sit on the ground. If you’re hosting an outdoor party during the day, have some places with shade so your guests can get out of the direct sun.

What is the best way to throw an outdoor party?

How to Host an Outdoor PartyDecide on a Theme. Begin brainstorming themes for your gathering by generating summer party ideas that can be completely realized in an outdoor space. ... Prepare enough seating. ... Decorate the party space. ... Plan your menu: consider a buffet.

How do I host an outdoor garden party?

15 Garden Party Ideas From A Professional Party PlannerPick a stable place in the garden for your party table. ... Provide shade from the sunshine. ... Match decorations to your garden plants. ... Consider color-coordinated party food and drink. ... Serve summer fruits with edible flowers. ... Extend your party through the garden.More items...

How do you plan a backyard summer party?

How to Host an Easy and Special Summer PartyGive Guests Enough Time to Plan. With ball games, beach trips, and family reunions, summer calendars tend to fill up fast. ... Take Inventory of Party Elements. Make a checklist of what you have and need for entertaining. ... Keep the Menu Simple. ... Don't Overthink the Drinks.

How can I decorate my backyard for a party?

Inexpensive Party DecorationsBalloons.Paper lanterns.Mason jars or assorted glass bottles filled with candles, tea lights, or fairy lights.Paper streamers.Freshly cut flowers and foliage from the garden.Outdoor holiday decor you already have for Halloween or Fourth of July.Pool inflatables.

What do you serve at a garden party?

The Ultimate Outdoor Garden-Party MenuRaspberry BBQ Sausage Bites. Raspberry BBQ Sausage Bites. ... Better Three-Bean Salad. Better Three-Bean Salad. ... Vegetarian Pressed Italian Sandwich. Vegetarian Pressed Italian Sandwich. ... No-Bake Mason Jar Strawberry Cheesecakes. ... Mixed Berry Hand Pies. ... Peach Iced Tea.

How do I keep my guests cool at an outdoor party?

How to Keep Your Guests Cool on Hot Summer DaysParty Into the Night. ... Keep Fire Features at a Distance. ... Keep Guests Out of the Outdoor Kitchen. ... Keep Your Guests Hydrated. ... Use Shade Wisely. ... Create Shade. ... Misters. ... Install Outdoor Fans.More items...•

How do you throw a cheap party?

How to Throw a Birthday Party on a BudgetKeep your guest list small. ... Make your own invitations. ... Use free printables to decorate. ... Pick a theme you already have decorations for. ... Have the party at your house. ... Don't party at meal time. ... Make or decorate your own cake. ... Use the dollar store for party supplies.More items...•

How do you throw a good party at home?

Entertaining Made Easy: 10 Ways to Throw a Successful PartyDon't Be Afraid to Invite a Circus. ... Upend the Party Formula. ... Give Your Guests Something To Do. ... The Music Matters. ... Embrace Wretched Excess. ... Disregard the Last Tip. ... Plan Your Bar. ... Know Your Guests and Seat Them Properly.More items...

How do I make garden party fun?

You'll find plenty of practical advice from the experts, too.Curate an elegant party table. ... Show off your home-grown blooms. ... Set up a lemonade stand for party guests. ... Elevate a picnic party with a tipi. ... Bring your dining table outdoors. ... Opt for rustic tableware. ... Decorate your garden chairs for a party vibe.More items...•

What time does a garden party start?

The Queen's Garden Parties are held at Buckingham Palace, normally in July, at least three times a year with up to 8,000 guests invited to each. They take place between 3pm and 6pm. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by other members of the Royal family, arrive at 4pm.

What you need for an outdoor dinner party?

A 10-Step Guide to Planning an Outdoor Dinner PartyVenue. This is the easiest part: it's always in a backyard—usually my own. ... Dinnerware. I suggest only using real plates—never paper or disposable plates. ... Tables and seating. ... Flatware. ... Lighting. ... Table linens. ... Glassware. ... Floral.More items...

How do you host a garden party in the rain?

When hosting a garden party in the rain, we would recommend that you purchase a garden furniture set that has the ability for a parasol to be placed into the centre of the table. This will ensure that your guest will stay dry as well as your table arrangements and food.

How do you hold a party?

Entertaining Made Easy: 10 Ways to Throw a Successful PartyDon't Be Afraid to Invite a Circus. ... Upend the Party Formula. ... Give Your Guests Something To Do. ... The Music Matters. ... Embrace Wretched Excess. ... Disregard the Last Tip. ... Plan Your Bar. ... Know Your Guests and Seat Them Properly.More items...

How many drinks per person in a gallon of champagne?

As for quantities, here's our rule of thumb: Plan two drinks per guest for the first hour, then one each per hour after that; one gallon equals 16 eight-ounce drinks.

How to keep bugs away from food?

Run an electric fan and cover food with mesh domes to keep bugs away. This artistic deflector, inspired by a Mexican street vendor trick, shoos flies naturally: Sunlight reflecting off the water-filled glass bulb confuses and repels them.

How to anchor a tablecloth in the breeze?

To anchor your tablecloth in a breeze, clip a fishing sinker onto each corner ( see our how-to ). Echo the natural surroundings with wooden accents, floral prints, and statement-making palm leaves, which won't wilt in the heat.

What to put on a dinner table outside?

To encourage everyone to sit back and stay awhile, set a table with sturdy ceramic plates and flatware, hefty (but unbreakable) glassware, and colorful linens. To anchor your tablecloth in a breeze, clip a fishing sinker onto each corner ( see our how-to ). Echo the natural surroundings with wooden accents, floral prints, and statement-making palm leaves, which won't wilt in the heat.

Can you DJ with Bluetooth speakers?

Connect a few Bluetooth speakers via wifi, and anyone with a smartphone can DJ. This sleek model with surround sound emits a warm, campfire-like glow. Queue up a few songs, or get our playlist.

How to grill ribeye steak?

Prepare the absolute hottest grill you can and let it get hotter. While the grill is preheating, take your fresh steaks out of the fridge and let them sit on the counter until they get to room temperature. With many cuts of beef, pounding them can make them more flavorful and succulent, however, there is no need to do that with a rib-eye. Pat the steaks dry and rub them well with some olive oil. People always say “grease your grill” but I say “grease the meat.” Leave the grill alone. Once your meat is oiled up, season it well on both sides with coarse sea salt. That’s it. No pepper, nothing else at this time. Why? Pepper burns and over a hot flame it can impart some pretty nasty flavors into your beef. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to add it. Just not right now.

How to cook a chicken on a rotisserie?

The trick is PAT IT DRY! This is what ensures the crispy skin. Lay it inside a lipped baking ban just big enough for it . Take the block of butter and begin smearing it all over the chicken, inside and out. With the leftover butter, place it in a bowl and add half a can of Guinness to the bowl. Whip the butter into a smooth paste and rub all of it inside the cavity of the chicken. Take all of your dry seasonings (salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and garlic powder) and rub the entire bird with it , giving it a thin coating on every inch of skin. Shove one whole but peeled onion into the cavity. Follow by stuffing the fresh thyme, sage and rosemary inside the crevices and finally putting in the apple and the last onion. Truss the bird and attach it to the rotisserie for cooking. Preheat your grill to around 400F and insert the rod with the chicken on it onto the grill and rotator. Place a large drip tray with a little water in it just below the chicken and cook for about 1-1.5 hours until the skin is crispy and the juices run clear throughout. Here’s the trick: Every 30 minutes, take a spray can filled with olive oil and the other half can of beer and give the chicken a good spray. Oh yeah, that second beer we mentioned… That’s to drink, so get to it.

When were barbecues first introduced?

Back in the day, barbecues were a family affair. When they were first introduced to America in the early 1960s, they were a weekend treat on a hot summer day. American dads would stand by the kettle grill and barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers for the family as the kids ran through the sprinkler or frolicked in the pool.

Why do people have barbecues?

Adult only barbecues allow adults to feel more at ease consuming alcohol and engaging in adult conversation.

What do you need to host a barbecue?

What You’ll Need. To host a barbecue, all you really need is a grill, a lighting source — like propane or charcoal — and food and beverages to offer your guests. It can be as simple as hamburgers and hotdogs or as lovely as fresh lobster.

What is a BBQ?

A BBQ is traditionally the domain of disposable plates, cups and silverware. This approach certainly reduces the clean-up after the party and you are much less likely to run out. However, the easiest way to give even a casual BBQ a classic touch is to use real cutlery, glasses, and plates.

What to play over outdoor speakers?

Consider playing some good old-fashioned tunes over outdoor speakers. Anything from classic country to southern blues and jazz works well for a barbecue. Get creative and even give up some control to your guests.

What are some fun games to play at a backyard party?

Play Jenga with blocks or play yard games like bocce ball, croquet, or bag toss. There are so many options when it comes to kid’s outdoor games—tag, hide and seek, scavenger hunts, and more. Don’t forget to have a football or playground ball on hand in case your guests want to toss it around (especially if you have a large yard).

What is a backyard party?

Backyard parties are casual, social and fun. Nothing formal, stuffy, expensive or stressful (you’re stressed enough!)—just easy, lazy, awesome summer socials! And outdoor parties are so much easier than indoors! Instead of fitting people in a small living room or a hot kitchen, you can spread out in the yard.

Why do you need a theme for a backyard party?

First of all, establishing a party theme helps you create your vision for the event, so you’re sure to see a boost in creativity as you work out all the fun little details! Plus, choosing a party theme will actually help you stay on budget because you’ll know exactly what you need to create the right atmosphere.

How to keep mosquitoes away from my house?

Remove any areas with standing water (a breeding ground for mosquitoes) such as birdbaths or toys in the yard. Burn citronella candles in your yard, starting a few hours before guests arrive, and offer bug spray to protect your guests. Similarly, also have some sunscreen on hand to keep your friends from getting burned.

What to eat for dessert at a party?

Dessert can be a simple ice cream with fresh berries, or frozen fruit pops. Everyone can snack on raw crudités and salsa or hummus instead of heavy chips and creamy sauces that don’t hold up in warm weather. Sugar snap peas, blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, and pepper strips all make great items to round out the menu with ease. Choose food that’s kid-friendly and low-maintenance.

How to make drinks more festive?

Put your drinks in fun pitchers, coolers, or a pretty beverage dispenser. Adding fresh herbs like mint or lemon balm or fresh fruit can make even water seem festive and fun. Use plastic drinkware outside. Who wants to spend a party fussing over broken glasses? Outdoors, accidents can happen!

What to serve cold on a buffet?

Plan dishes that can be served cold or as part of buffet— pasta salads, bread and cheese platters, green salads, pickles, chips, fruit, and Mediterranean or Mexican dishes often work well. Try to keep side dishes simple and of the make-ahead variety.

What does a theme do for a party?

A theme will set the tone for the whole party! Not only does it get you excited for planning, it also gets the guests excited for a special celebration. Once you determine a theme, you can search for decorations or even work on some Pinterest-inspired DIY projects.

Why do you put names on party cups?

Party cups with the option to write names on them avoids unintentional sharing or mixing up who’s-is-whose for drinks. If you can find cups with a top, that’s even better—less spillage and keeps out pesky bugs.

How to keep track of RSVP?

You can easily keep track of your RSVP list in an excel sheet or an old fashioned hand-written list to ensure that you keep the list small.

What to serve at luau?

Individually served options like hotdogs and hamburgers or already plated items like pizza and salad are outdoor party foods prepared for safe handling among guests.

Can you hire a costumed character for an outdoor party?

Pro Tip: If this is a kids outdoor party, you can hire a costumed character to make a contactless appearance.

Can you set up a tent for a party?

Pro Tip: If weather seems to be a potential issue and you don’t want to reschedule, a large party tent will be clutch. You can also set up tents to help guests with sun or heat.

Can you hire a bartender to make pina coladas?

If you’re looking to serve fun and festive cocktails like margaritas, mojitos, or pina coladas, you can hire a bartender to make them individually as guests need them (and then you can enjoy the party!). Pro Tip: For the cups, everyone loves a good solo cup.

What to use for an outdoor party?

You can use a variety of seats from your patio set, lawn chairs, and folding chairs as long as they are in a secure position and on a level surface. Another option if the lawn is dry is to have blankets for those who are willing to sit on the ground.

Why do you clean outdoor furniture?

You’ll also want to clean your outdoor furniture to make sure it is free from dirt, bugs, and mildew. Sometimes all it takes is a good hosing to knock off the dust that formed since you used it last.

How to keep food cold and hot?

Have a way to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Position the serving table near an electrical outlet for food warming trays. Place a shallow pan of ice beneath platters of items that need to be kept cold.

How to decorate an outdoor party?

If you like colorful decorations, you can go all out at an outdoor party. Hang colorful lanterns, put up a piñata, and pull out your brightest tablecloths. Even your place settings can be as colorful as you want. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and textures as you decorate.

What to use for a nighttime party?

Use string lights, lanterns, candles, and other lighting you may already have in your outdoor area.

How to prevent bottlenecks in a restaurant?

Put your beverage station in a different location from the food area. This can prevent a bottleneck when everyone is trying to get something to drink and eat. Have a cooler or ice chest filled with enough ice nearby.

Why is it important to have an outdoor party?

The most important element of your outdoor party is to have fun. If your guests see you laughing, chatting, and having a good time, they're more likely to enjoy the party as well.

How to make sangria with alcohol?

Just make sure you clearly mark which beverage dispenser has the sangria with alcohol and which dispenser has the mocktail that is safe for the kids and folks in attendance who do not drink alcohol. Here is a basic sangria recipe: 1 bottle of red wine. 1 cup of orange juice. 4 shots of brandy or rum.

Why do you email invitations to a party?

Emailing your party invitations helps to ensure your prospective guests receive them in a timely manner and makes it easy for them to RSVP quickly. Invitations may be low on your priority list of outdoor party ideas, but they are more important than some people think.

How to keep guests cool during a summer party?

On the other hand, if you are hosting a summer outdoor party, you will need to find ways to keep your guests cool. One of the most important parts of this is making sure your guests stay hydrated. This is particularly true if they will be partaking in adult beverages, since alcohol and heat do not always mix well. Make sure you have plenty of shade where your guests can get out of the sun and consider installing lightweight patio curtains that will provide some sun protection without blocking the breeze. If you entertain often, you may also want to invest in outdoor fans, patio misters or coolers that can be used outdoors.

How to prepare your backyard for a dinner party?

The first step in preparing your backyard for your next outdoor dinner party is cleaning and decluttering the space . You do not want your guests tripping over dog toys or stepping around rakes and shovels to get to your patio. You will also want to clear pathways of debris and overgrown shrubs, trim low-hanging tree branches and see if you have any fences or walls that might need a new coat of paint. If you have time and your budget allows, you might want to consider some bigger backyard improvements, such as installing a pergola or building a fire pit.

Why do you ask for RSVPs?

Asking your guests to RSVP allows you to better plan for the party by knowing how much seating and food you need.

What is landscape lighting?

Landscape lighting illuminates outdoor living areas, guides traffic and accentuates special features in your yard. Before your next outdoor dinner party, make sure your lighting guides guests easily to your patio and provides adequate illumination for your gathering. For a festive touch, enhance your existing lighting design with string lights to create an inviting, celebratory atmosphere.

How to prepare your yard for guests?

Make sure your barbecue grill and outdoor kitchen are clean and ready for meal prep, clean your patio cushions and rugs, clear cobwebs from your eaves and fascia, and make sure your trash cans are hidden from view. There are lots of small, inexpensive things you can do to prepare your yard for guests, such as installing a simple hose holder to wrangle your garden hose or purchasing a deck box to quickly hide dog beds and toys.