There’s more to hosting the perfect party than just dusting off some lawn chairs in your backyard. You’ll need to consider everything from your menu to your entertainment options, especially if you’ll be hosting a large or diverse group of people. Here are just a few tips for throwing a backyard bash where everyone can come together and enjoy themselves.
Ensure Comfort and Convenience
Don’t get so caught up in decorating the picnic table that you forget to bring out enough chairs. The comfort of your guests should be one of your biggest priorities, especially if people will be spending most of their time outside and at the mercy of the elements. Make sure that you’re providing things like shade, water, sunscreen and bathroom access, and always offer more seats than you think you’ll need.
Provide Plenty of Entertainment
If you’re hosting a pool party, throw some water toys in the deep end. If you’re throwing a backyard barbecue, offer outdoor games to keep people entertained while they wait for the steaks. You can also break out stereo systems for music and projector screens for movies. Not only will this prevent your guests from being bored, but it will also provide socializing and ice-breaking opportunities for people who don’t know each other.
Diversify Your Menu
While there’s nothing wrong with having a party theme with a specific menu, you’ll want to offer plenty of food options for picky eaters. For example, if your theme is “ice cream extravaganza,” you might provide non-dairy frozen desserts for the lactose intolerant. You can also serve ice cream cake or pastries with ice cream cone decorations. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of your theme to offer a menu that has a little something for everyone.
Watch out for Wasps
Insects can really put a damper on a party. No one likes being bitten, scratched or stung, and in the case of bees and wasps, they can cause allergic reactions that are genuinely life-threatening. Think about investing in some form of pest control before you throw your backyard bash. The simplest options are things like nets and bug zappers, and a more lasting measure might be having your lawn sprayed by professionals.
A good backyard party can take a bit of time and planning. However, it’ll be worth the effort when your guests are still raving about it weeks later. Use these tips to ensure that you host a memorable, enjoyable gathering for you and all of your friends.