With the best of Summer behind us, it’s time to enjoy one last outdoor party before the cold weather sets in. Planning the ultimate soiree doesn’t have to be stressful or costly. Follow this guide and you can plan a night to remember.
Make the invites
A party wouldn’t be much good without guests, so it’s important to spread the word early. Sending invitations is a great way to get everyone excited and ensure a good turnout. Be sure to include the time of the event which should avoid any latecomers so you can clear the food early. It can also be helpful to give your guests an idea of the dress code to avoid confusion. An alfresco dinner party may require smart casual attire whilst a pool party will certainly call for swim shorts.
Plan the seating
Keeping your guests comfortable is an essential part of a great shindig. Check your furniture and consider whether it will be sufficient for the number of attendees. If you’re struggling, you can search online for affordable chair rental with many companies offering a drop-off and collection service. For a laid-back and unique alternative to chairs, use picnic blankets with soft cushions.
Set the lighting
With it being a nighttime event, you’ll need to arrange some ambient lighting. This can include outdoor bulbs, lanterns, or tealights which are a great decoration feature. Place across fences or hang from tree branches to brighten up the dullest of gardens. If you’re using extension cords, you’ll want to avoid any trip hazards. This can be done with tenting pegs placed over any wires and pushed flush into the ground.
Keep the bugs away
Getting rid of those annoying mosquitos can be easy with some prior planning. Always remove any standing water a few days before the event which attracts insects. This includes any rainwater that may have been collected in plant pots or gutters. Using electric fans can also be a great way to discourage bugs. Set a couple of box fans in the main seating areas. Finally, as a precaution, offer your guest’s odorless bug repellent such as DEET which can prevent any nasty bites.
Prepare the food in advance
During the party, you’ll want to spend time with your guests rather than hidden away in the kitchen. Always serve dishes that can be prepared earlier that day and quickly heated or served cold. If planning to serve waffles, get some idea on how much waffles for a big group. If you’re planning a BBQ be sure to check there’s enough propane and dig out those old BBQ accessories.
Don’t forget the music
A good party is always made better with great music. Prepare a playlist that lasts for at least five hours to avoid repeating the same songs. Always choose iconic artists and bands that your guests will likely have heard of. Don’t be tempted to play the music too loud during the party which can be annoying for anyone standing close to the speakers.
Set aside some time to follow these steps and you can throw a great outdoor party without any hiccups.
Images by Pink Sherbet Photography, Canadian Film Centre, and SeptmberSamurai used under Creative Commons License.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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