10 Tips for Easy Outdoor Entertaining
The sun is out, the days are getting longer, and the scent of summer is near. It’s time to take the party outside by hosting a backyard bash! From inviting guests and planning the menu to setting the table and adding decorations, make your next outdoor party a breeze with these entertaining ideas.
1. COMFY SEATING (AND LOTS OF IT!) Cover your chairs, sofas, and benches with cushions and pillows. Throw a few pillows or camp blankets on the grass, set up chairs in clusters, and make sure there’s plenty of seating available for guests to move around and mingle.
2. SET UP MULTIPLE TABLES Encourage conversation and mingling by setting up multiple tables on your patio or lawn. This will add extra real estate for food and drinks and enable your guests to walk around and socialize.
3. STAY AWAY FROM YOUR FINE CHINA There’s no need to impress your guests with your most expensive dishware for a backyard party. Use plastic or recyclable paper dishes and glasses that can be easily disposed of or washed.
4. SERVE BUFFET STYLE Don’t worry about serving up plates or passing food around the table––set up a buffet! This way, guests can serve their own desired portions and easily go back for seconds.
5. MAKE IT A POTLUCK A potluck is the perfect way to have a ton of food without having to do all of the preparation on your own. Assign guests to different menu items to get an assortment of salads, entrees, and desserts!
6. HAVE COOLERS AND ICE FOR DRINKS Keep your drinks cold all day long by storing your beverages in coolers and cocktail mixers on ice. Make your own picnic table coolers for a fun and convenient way to keep hydrated!
7. SET UP LAWN GAMES AHEAD OF TIME Entertain your guests with outdoor lawn games. Try bocce ball, horseshoes, or cornhole for a fun DIY backyard game!
8. CREATE A THEME Choose a theme for your soirée to make decorating easier. Whether nautical, tropical, or classic Americana, setting a theme will help you mix and match the right décor items.
9. STRING LIGHTS Light up your backyard with decorative string lights. Wrap them around railings or hang them along the side of your roof to add a twinkle to the night.
10. MAKE A PLAYLIST LIKE A PRO Maintain the mood of your backyard party by playing a mix of your favorite songs through a speaker. Choose songs with a beat for a lively group of people, or turn it down with background music for a quieter night.
