No matter the size or nature of your gathering, creating multiple seating areas to encourage conversation can make all the difference in success. A cot adorned with pillows becomes an outdoor settee while a bar cart holds glasses, ice and cocktail shakers for effortless entertaining.
If your event will take place in an area known for mosquitos, provide citronella candles and natural repellent sprays for guests to use before sitting down at their tables.
Set the Scene
Prep is key for hosting an enjoyable patio party. Make sure that you have a way to invite guests well in advance (either mailing classic invitations or asking those you plan on including to RSVP by email).
Make an impressionful statement at your next gathering by creating an elegant tablescape! Use a thematic theme as the starting point, from flowers and dinnerware choices, through linens. For instance, this poolside event used tropical palm leaf plates from Alex Marshall Studios as well as yellow Honeycomb Flower flour-sack place mats by June & December and brown clay pitchers by Carnevale Clay – each providing inspiration.
For an informal outdoor setting, forgo formal table settings in favor of an easy-to-use utensil caddy that makes grabbing silverware convenient for guests. Don’t forget displaying citronella candles around your party area to help deter mosquitoes while providing a pleasant scent of summer.
Cook on the Grill
No matter the occasion – be it a summer BBQ, pool party, or backyard game marathon – hosting requires certain essential items. From outdoor lighting and dinnerware to coolers, utensil caddies and even canopy covers for sun protection or rain, making your outdoor space versatile and functional for parties is important.
When hosting a large gathering, be sure to send out invitations in advance. Along with basic party details, include information about what type of weather they should expect so guests know if they need fans or shade umbrellas on hot days, blankets for cold evenings or waterproof shoes for walking through puddles.
Serve the Food
Most outdoor summer gatherings don’t call for formal sit-down meals, so the table can focus on appetizers, drinks, and easy party desserts. To ensure there’s enough space for everyone, use a cart or serving trolley topped with an attractive tablecloth as food service – you could even incorporate floral elements as centerpieces for an elegant effect!
Keep guests hydrated by providing a large carafe of water and providing ice for cold drinks. Also keep a stash of napkins and flatware handy, to reduce back-and-forth from the kitchen.
Encourage lingering with thick and comfortable chair cushions and patio heaters (if necessary). To ward off mosquitos and flies from ruining your party, utilize fans, scented candles and citronella torches as means of defense.
Relax in the Hot Tub
Whatever type of event you host – casual family dinner, 4th of July barbecue or poolside barbeque – summertime entertaining should be enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your guests. With some simple strategies and tips in place, outdoor gatherings will run more smoothly.
Encourage socializing by setting up several seating areas with shade. This will prevent people from overheating on hot evenings.
Enhance comfort with cozy outdoor furniture such as stylish bell tent garden ideas, deck chairs or rugs. To help guests settle in comfortably, offer them cozy blankets and pillows to sit on – don’t forget a playlist with appropriate music as this will set the right atmosphere and kickstart your party off on an enjoyable note!
Create a Comfortable Seating Area
When decorating your backyard for a garden party, remember that comfort should always come first. No matter the size of your yard or garden party space, layer buntings, wall-hung decorations and soft lighting with plenty of comfy seating ideas such as cotton canvas or linen fabrics which can withstand rainstorms without becoming damaged by raindrops.
When hosting a nighttime outdoor party, be sure to provide plenty of shade in case the weather turns. If your garden is lush, use its plants as part of the decor by placing small flowers on place settings or wrapping tree trunks with fairy lights. Also keep mosquito spray or repellent wipes handy in case any guests require them and add citronella candles around your area for added pest protection.
