Tips for Hosting Memorable Outdoor Gatherings
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Creating a memorable outdoor gathering can be so easy with these simple outdoor entertaining tips.
Whether it’s a backyard BBQ party, a sports event party, or simply gathering family and friends, taking a few extra planning steps will make it memorable and much easier on you, the host.
Here are a few simple ideas that may help you “get things done” for your next outdoor party and also let you enjoy the party too.
Plan Ahead
Making lists is one of the things I obsess over when I’m planning some kind of gathering or party. Discuss all the planning ahead with the family to ensure a smooth and stress-free event. And get everyone to help out with something to take some weight off of your shoulders. Even the little ones can do something small to help out.
Create a checklist covering everything from guest lists and invitations to menu planning and decor. I find the menu and grocery list to be most important. Whether you’re grilling, serving cold dishes on ice, or hosting a sit-down meal, carefully go over your menu in advance. Choose foods and recipes you’re comfortable with and have made successfully before. I’m all for trying new recipes, but doing so for a party just adds stress you don’t need!
Consider Your Space
Check out your outdoor space and see what needs to be done in that area. Cleaning, planting flowers, mowing the grass, etc. Make sure there is enough seating and tables for eating and displaying the food.
Adding an outdoor heater for cooler temperature gatherings or fans if it’s a warmer day to keep the bugs off of everyone, especially the food.
For all those warm-day events, you may also want to fill a container, such as a pot or a basket, with natural insect repellent, as well as a non-greasy sunscreen. Set it out in a convenient location on the porch or by the pool.
Set up a mobile cart or a separate small portable table you’ve covered with a festive cloth for all the drinks you will be serving including cups, items to stir with, and small napkins. for your guests to make their own drinks. Include recipes for signature cocktails, mocktails, and infused water to follow and take home. You could also set around large galvanized tubs full of ice and cold drinks for another quick self-serve option.
Set the Ambiance
All you need is a little ambient lighting using string lights, lanterns, and candles. Battery candles would be a great solution here and much safer too.
If you plan on having music, the portable small speakers are a great source here. Be sure to keep the music low so that everyone can hear each other speak and enjoy the conversation. Use classics for your music that everyone seems to enjoy the most. Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, etc are just a few examples of what is enjoyed the most. Most parties last a few hours, so make sure your party list will last that long.
Create a beautiful & cozy area
Make sure there is comfortable seating for guests to relax and socialize. Add cozy outdoor pillows and cushions to benches and chairs. There may be older guests who may have to sit a lot and would appreciate a comfy seat.
Carefully inspect your existing garden containers, dead-heading where necessary several days before your event or gathering.
For your tablescape, use homegrown potted plants or clippings from your own yard for centerpieces. Beautiful fresh flowers in simple vases or mason jars add such a special touch to any outdoor table.
Have you ever considered using your best china, glasses, and linens for a gathering outdoors? It adds such a beautiful experience for your guests and makes them feel special and important.
Offer Activities and Entertainment
As much as the adults in your party will relish a laid-back evening, any children at your event will be aching for entertainment.
Have plenty of outdoor games ready and waiting for the little ones. Set up lawn games such as horseshoes, cornhole, or croquet for some old-fashioned fun. If you are having a party by the pool, be sure to have pool games and water toys.
The fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Supply the kids with flashlights for a game of nighttime tag, and the adults can continue to sip some wine and savor the evening
as the party winds down
The perfect end to an outdoor dinner party: making s’mores by an open fire. All you need are bamboo sticks and the right ingredients — marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate. If you don’t have a fire pit, a small portable smokeless fire pit is just the answer.
Free Printable
Looking for a printable planner?
This is an 8 x 10 printable to print and frame at home using heavy-weight cardstock. Or send it to your favorite printer for no-worry printing. I prefer this method for a more true color printing.
Click on the button below to download the print to your computer.
I would love to hear your favorite outdoor entertaining tips and experiences in the comments below.
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I’m just a country girl loving my geeky life with my wonderful husband, always taking pictures, getting my hands dirty in the garden, being crafty, exploring with travels and enjoying all this on a budget. But above all, living my faith as a child of God!
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I really needed this. We host back yard parties all the time, but I have a difficult time making them really pop.
These are some great tips. I totally agree about planning ahead, that makes such a difference! I love the night flashlight game idea for the kids!
Thanks so much for the wonderful tips on hosting outdoor gatherings. I love the idea of using string lights and lanterns to set the ambiance, and your checklist suggestions will definitely make planning smoother.
I always try to plan ahead! I like getting the tables set and the menu prepped beforehand. You really do save a lot of time. Great tips!
This blog post offers practical and straightforward tips to elevate your next outdoor party, ensuring it’s both memorable and enjoyable for everyone, including the host. The advice on effective planning is perfect for any occasion, from BBQs to sports events, making it a must-read for anyone looking to host a seamless and fun gathering.
You know how you could have easily thought of something for years, but you just didn’t and then it’s like magic when you hear about it? The outdoor heater when it’s chilly!!! That’s it for me!! LOL Why have I never thought of that before??? You can bet I’ll be thinking of it in the future. 🙂