Throw a Summer Backyard Party
Summer is a great time for parties, especially if you have a nice backyard. Summer parties are different from any other type of celebration because they encourage guests to enjoy the outdoors as well as the food and the company of others. Well planned, a summer backyard party can be one of the easiest but most entertaining types of celebration. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Decide whether the party is strictly an outdoor affair or if people are allowed to wander through the house. If the latest is true, you can still establish privacy by marking some rooms as “private” with a small door sign.
2. Set up some basic rules. This includes whether smoking is allowed (and if so, where); if children are invited; bathroom use rules and where the garbage goes. To keep it light, write down the rules on the invitation itself or play them down with a fun tone or a rhyme.
3. Choose a menu. Most backyard summer parties are usually a BBQ followed by cake or ice cream, but you can certainly break the rules and make your party completely different. Corn, potato salads, sandwiches and chips are all standard summer fare, both combined or on their own.
4. Plan entertainment. Background music is nice but, unless all the guests know each other very well, it’s unlikely anybody will start dancing around the backyard. Instead of counting on music as the only means of entertainment, put out some games, from Twister to a plastic bowling set.
5. Ask people to bring over a dish. This will not only help you save some money but it will also provide variety, especially if you have guests following special diets or with food allergies. If you prefer to take care of the food, ask them to bring over a drink or dessert.
6. Plan for surprises. Rain, guests not showing up, boredom and even mosquitoes can all ruin your party and make guests leave early. Having a plan, such as a large patio umbrella or an open room ready to host guests in case of rain, can save a summer party. Simple things such as buying mosquito repellents (either candles or electric equipment) and putting out some games can also help.
Tags: Backyard Party, bring over, especially have, some games, Summer Backyard