As winter passes and summer approaches, one thing that many people begin to plan for is the parties they plan on hosting. Summer parties allow you to invite your friends and relatives to gather together in an outdoor setting and enjoy each other’s company. If it is your first time planning one, or you simply need a refresher, here are some points to keep in mind for your next summer get-together.
Drinks
One of the staples of a good backyard summer party is the drinks available. You want to accommodate all your guests, so you have to be sure to stock drinks of a wide variety. This includes alcoholic drinks, beer, hard liquor, ciders, and wine, to nonalcoholic beverages like sodas, waters, and juice. You want to encourage your guests to enjoy themselves and have a good time, but you also want to ensure that everyone is safe and drinking moderately. Be considerate of designated drivers or guests that simply don’t want to drink. Additionally, if this is a family gathering, there will undoubtedly be kids around so soda pop and juices are essential. Prior to the event date, know how many people are planning on attending and you should have enough drinks for everyone.
Food
Similar to drink considerations, you also need to factor in the food you will have at your summer party. This will depend on the sort of gathering you have. A barbeque has certain staple foods, but guests will also come knowing there will be a decent amount of food to eat. If it is more of a relaxed, small, and chill gathering, snacks should be provided at the very least. When deciding what food to get for your gathering, it is also wise to know if your guests have any allergies or food restrictions, and also provide different options as you may have friends bring other people with different food restrictions as well. You should have enough food to keep people eating, especially if there is alcohol at your party.
Games
Parties are great ways to socialize, but not everyone can carry a conversation. One way that will help engage your guests and create a more inviting or enjoyable environment would be the inclusion of different games. There are many to consider and choose from, setting up things like video games, board games, or drinking games for your party. Some games that aren’t traditionally outdoor summer games are still great options as well, from 6 foot pool tables to a dartboard. These types of setups are great ways to entertain guests, creating a sort of hub for people to gather around and feel comfortable and friendly. Not everyone at a party shares the same sociability, so games provide an excellent icebreaker.
Music
An essential part of every party is the music. Music helps set the mood and vibe of your party, whether it is creating a more relaxed and mellow vibe to something that is more upbeat. This will vary depending on the crowd or set of friends you have, so try to be inclusive when selecting songs. Additionally, you should make sure to have strong outdoor speakers that are loud enough for most people to hear. There is no use in having music at your party if only a handful of your guests can listen.
Lights
Summer parties will usually run from early or late afternoon, into the evening. Because summer nights tend to be longer, you won’t feel the time fly by as you are enjoying the company of friends and family. However, as the sun goes down, there is no reason to stop partying. This is why it is also essential to provide enough lighting in your yard to ensure the party continues. You can hang string lights, or set up some torches to help illuminate the surrounding areas. A fire pit is another great source of light that also acts as a place to gather around and stay warm as the night gets colder as well. As people begin to mellow out towards the end of the night, the fire will be a calming and soothing spot.
Seating And Space
One thing you absolutely need to consider is the amount of space you have. This will reflect how many people you can invite to your party. It’s not just space either, but also seating is important if you’re having a barbeque and serving food, as people need a place to sit, relax and eat. For family get-togethers, seating is important to accommodate older and younger relatives who may get tired easily.
Summer parties are unique in allowing for many people to get together with the main purpose of enjoying each other’s company. It is casual but meaningful. For some people, summer is not official without these large gatherings, so be sure to ensure it is successful and plan for everything in advance.