It’s been a great summer so far, especially those summer nights. As fall approaches, now is the time to gather friends and food and make magic happen in your back yard. Following are tips on how to create a memorable outdoor summer gathering:
#1. PROVIDE COMFORTABLE SEATING
You want your guests to stick around, right? Provide them with plenty of comfortable seating – outdoor sofas, chairs, and cushions to help them relax and mingle. Provide blankets if you live in a climate with cool nights.
#2. LIGHTING IS KEY
Set the stage with ambient lighting using string lights, lanterns, and battery-operated candles to create a warm and inviting gathering spot as the sun sets, and long after.
#3. OFFER PLENTY OF DRINKS
It’s been a hot day. Be sure to keep chilled beverages like lemonade, iced tea, cold sodas, seltzers, and fruity cocktails to keep your guests cool and refreshed throughout your gathering.
#4. OFFER A VARIETY OF FOODS
The great outdoors increases everyone’s appetite, and your back yard is no exception. Provide a variety of nibbles such as grilled dishes, chips, dips, salads, and desserts to cater to different tastes and varied dietary preferences.
#5. KEEP BUGS AT BAY
Nothing spoils a good time like unwanted guests – especially the six-legged variety. Keep bugs away from your outdoor gathering as much as possible with citronella candles, torches, or bug zappers.
#6. ADD SOME MUSIC
Nothing keeps a party rocking like great music. Create a playlist of upbeat tunes to add to the atmosphere and keep the party lively. Keep the volume low enough to encourage conversation.
#7. PROVIDE PLENTY OF SHADE
If your back yard is full of trees, then lucky you. If not, get creative when it comes to providing shade for your guests. Open patio umbrellas, use canopies, or a pergola to provide shade and shelter from the sun. Your guests will appreciate it.
#8. PLAN FUN ACTIVITIES
Most of us don’t have a pool in our back yard, but you want to be able to entertain your guests. Get creative. If your back yard has the space, set up lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, badminton, or bocce ball to keep guests entertained. Horseshoes are great for a smaller yard.
#9. CREATE A SPACE TO DINE
We all know that feeling of trying to balance a paper plate with one hand and a cup with the other, when someone asks you to pass the salt. Make sure your guests have plenty of tabletop space to take a seat and eat. The idea is to keep your guests happily fed and entertained while they enjoy one of your favorite spots.
Need ideas on how to fine-tune your backyard into the perfect entertaining oasis? Click here.