Throwing a backyard party is a great way to bring your neighbors together, and to catch up with family and friends. It’s also a great chance to enjoy the sunny weather and get plenty of fresh air after a long week at work.
However, there can be a lot to organize, and you may feel overwhelmed when you begin to organize your event. Fortunately, there are some straightforward pointers you can follow to plan an amazing backyard gathering.
Read on to learn how to host the ideal outdoor party.
Choose a Theme
It can be great fun to have a backyard party theme such as an 80’s throwback party or a sports-themed event. Everyone can get dressed up as their favorite famous personality and even pretend to be them throughout the day!
If you prefer something that doesn’t require your guests to make an effort, you could put up some decorations to create a vibrant atmosphere.
Prepare Your Food Beforehand
If you’re having a backyard BBQ, it is likely to require a lot of food preparation. If you’re stuck in the kitchen while your guests are outside, this means you can’t get involved in the conversation.
Try to peel vegetables and marinate meats well in advance so you can join your visitors outside as soon as they arrive. This approach can help you relax and feel less stressed when catering to a large group.
Plan Your Seating Area
If you have an arranged seating area ready, guests can sit down and chat for hours without needing to stand in the heat.
Consider which direction people will be facing when they take a seat, and position the chairs so everyone can see each other without turning around.
This helps keep the conversation flowing and allows guests to talk to multiple people simultaneously.
Check Your Grill
One of the most important factors when hosting an outdoor party is to ensure your grill has enough fuel and you have all the necessary utensils ready for use.
Stock up on charcoal or gas to ensure you don’t need to nip to the store during the day. In addition, your guests will be delighted if they see your grill is clean and does not contain any leftover debris from your last BBQ. Grilling season never ends at Ultimate Grillmate.
If you plan on cooking pizza outside, you can benefit from using an outdoor pizza oven. You can have a look at fantastic models that allow you to make customized pizzas outdoors.
Welcome Guests With Cocktails
When guests arrive, you can greet them with a refreshing cocktail to help them cool down and get into the party mood.
There is an enormous number of delicious cocktails to choose from, and you can even get creative and add your own ingredients for extra flavor.
If some of your guests are driving, you can make a jug of non-alcoholic cocktails so they can join in the fun.
Have an Outside Drinks Cooler
While you don’t want guests to have an empty glass, you’d also prefer not to be rushing around refilling drinks throughout the day. One of the best backyard BBQ ideas is to have an outdoor drinks cooler so guests can help themselves.
There is no need to purchase a cooler from the store, as it’s easy to create your own. You can use any kind of bucket or container, fill it with ice, and add drinks!
When choosing your drinks cooler location, it’s best to find a shady area where it will take longer for the ice to melt.
Pre-Meal Snacks
When guests are enjoying each other’s company, you can have a selection of light snacks to stop them from getting hungry before you serve the main meal. Nuts, crisps, and dips are handy to leave out on the table.
You could also prepare some easy starters such as a light salad for a healthier option.
Guest Party Games
Rather than everyone sitting around for the entire afternoon, you could have some party games to entertain guests throughout the day.
For example, you could set up a game of skittles, or leave gloves and balls out for games of throw and catch.
If there are less energetic people at your party, you can have board games and a deck of cards that they can use without leaving their chairs.
Eat Together
It can be tempting just to serve guests as the food comes off the grill, but it’s a good idea to try and eat together to encourage conversation.
You can keep cooked food warm in the oven while you prepare any uncooked meats, and then serve all your guests at the same time. This will also prevent anyone getting annoyed if they are the last person to receive their meal.
Light a Firepit
The temperature may begin to drop in the evening, but that’s no reason to break up the party. You can light a firepit in the center of your seating area, and guests can warm their hands while staying outside.
This is a great way to keep the party going long into the night.
Send An After-Party Thank You Message
No doubt everyone will appreciate your efforts and possibly send you a text message to say thank you. But, the party couldn’t have been a success without your guests turning up and creating such an amazing atmosphere.
It’s a lovely end to the party when they receive your compliments and thanks the next day.
Enjoy Your Backyard Party!
You should enjoy your backyard party as much as your guests, and planning ahead ensures you can relax and enjoy the conversation.
By following some simple tips, you could find your backyard events become the stuff of legend in your neighborhood.
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