Backyard Party Planning Checklist: 13 Must-Have Items for Fun in the Sun
Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by Project Party
It’s summertime, the season for backyard party planning. There’s no better way to revel in the gorgeous weather than to gather friends and family for an al fresco celebration. While planning a backyard bash may seem like a lot of effort, the joy that your guests radiate is worth every bit of it. To elevate your outdoor entertaining and make the most of your surroundings, it’s essential to have the right party essentials that will help you pull off a successful celebration with ease.
Get Ready to Host the Perfect Day with These Essentials for Backyard Party Planning
In this blog post, we will give you all the insights into some key items that will help you with your backyard party planning:
1. Wireless Speaker
Hosting an outdoor party can be a ton of fun, but it’s not complete without some great music to keep your guests entertained. That’s why a good wireless speaker is a must-have item on your party planning checklist. Imagine being able to easily connect your phone or tablet and blast your favourite tunes for everyone to hear. Not only that but with a waterproof speaker, you don’t have to worry about the weather ruining the fun. So why not invest in a quality wireless speaker and take your backyard party planning to the next level? Your guests will thank you for it, and you’ll have memories that last a lifetime.
2. Lawn Games
Backyard party planning can be quite challenging, but keeping your guests engaged throughout the party is even more difficult. Adding fun yard games is a great way to keep your guests entertained and liven up the ambience of your backyard. Whether you choose classic games like bean bag toss or opt for a different game like Kubb, you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy. These games are simple to set up and will keep your guests engaged while also creating some friendly competition. So, don’t stress about keeping your guests entertained during your next outdoor party. Just add some fun lawn games and let the good times roll!
3. Pre-mixed Cocktails
Hosting a party can be stressful, especially when you want to impress your guests with a variety of cocktails. But instead of spending all your time behind the bar, why not let your guests serve themselves? Pre-mixed cocktails in jars or dispensers can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the party. You can find tons of easy cocktail recipes online, from fruity sangrias to classic margaritas, which can be stored in jars and labelled for easy identification. Your guests will love the convenience of serving themselves, while you get to kick back and enjoy the festivities. Cheers to a stress-free party!
4. Fairy Lights
Hosting an outdoor party is already a great idea, but taking it up a notch with fairy lights is even better! There’s just something about the soft glow of twinkling lights soaring through the trees that makes any event feel more magical. The addition of fairy lights adds that much-needed sparkle to your festivities and makes guests feel like they’re in a whimsical world of their own creation. Whether you choose to hang them from the trees or drape them over your seating area, you’re sure to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. With varying types of lighting available, you can even tailor your choice to your party theme! So leave your guests spellbound with the ultimate lighting option for outdoor parties – fairy lights.
5. Fire Pit (Backyard Party Planning Seasonal Tip)
Backyard party planning can be made even more special by gathering around the fire pit and letting the conversations begin! There’s something magical about sitting around a fire, watching the flames dance and feeling the warmth on your face. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends or has a heart-to-heart with a loved one. If you don’t have a fire pit, don’t worry! You can create a bonfire with some logs, or even light some torches. Just remember to have extra wood or fuel on hand and to keep safety in mind, especially with young guests around. So, if you’re planning an outdoor party, consider adding a makeshift fire pit to create a cozy ambience for your guests. Grab a drink, snuggle up in a blanket, and enjoy the warmth of the fire pit!
6. Easy Share Plates
Everyone loves a good party, but one of the key factors that can make or break the experience is the cuisine. Good food is essential for any gathering, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal event. The key is to strike the right balance between deliciousness and convenience, and one way to achieve this is by serving up share plates. These smaller plates, filled with different snacks and appetizers, are perfect for getting people talking and trying new things. From bruschetta to fruit platters, there are so many options to choose from. So, why not shake things up at your next shindig and give your guests an opportunity to indulge in a range of tasty treats?
7. Citronella Candles and Bug Spray (Backyard Party Planning 101)
Hey there! Are you planning a party? Nothing can ruin a joyful get-together more than pesky bugs swarming around the guests. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Just make sure to have some citronella candles and bug spray on hand to keep that creepy crawlies at bay. Citronella candles not only repel mosquitoes and other insects, but they also add a cozy, flickering ambience to your party. And bug spray will provide an extra layer of protection and save your guests from the annoyance of itchy bug bites. With these simple precautions, you can ensure that everyone enjoys the party bug-free!
8. Seating Options
When it comes to hosting a get-together, having comfortable and varied seating options is crucial. Of course, a table and chairs are always a good place to start, but it’s also great to have a rug with cushions or benches for people to sit on. This way, everyone has the option of sitting or standing, and it encourages conversation and mingling. Plus, it’s always nice to be able to switch things up and offer your guests a different perspective. So, next time you’re hosting, be sure to consider incorporating varied seating options into your space. Your guests will thank you!
9. Eskies
To keep your drinks and food cold, you’ll need some eskies. Choose from large or small coolers depending on how much space you have and the number of guests you’re having. An esky is also great for storing ice blocks and bags of frozen treats, so stock up on those too! Having cold drinks on hand throughout the party will be a real lifesaver – literally! With a few eskies around, your guests can hydrate without ever worrying about their drinks getting warm. It’s a win-win situation!
10. Shade
Summer is the perfect time for backyard party planning, but with the sunshine comes the heat! To make sure your guests stay comfortable and happy, it’s important to provide plenty of shade. Set up a tent or gazebo with seating where your pals can relax and chat while taking a break from the sun’s rays. Trust us, they’ll appreciate it! And here’s a hot tip: you could even add some refreshing drinks, snacks and games in the shaded area to create the perfect chill-out spot. Your party will be the talk of the town – or at least, the talk of your friend group!
11. Rubbish Bin (Backyard Party Planning Gone Wild)
Hey there, party people! Planning an outdoor bash? Remember, it’s not just the food and drinks that matter, but also keeping your space clean and tidy. Avoid any mess and mishaps by having plenty of trash cans set up around the area. A variety of covered bins will keep pesky critters away and also make clean-up a breeze. So, before the guests arrive and the festivities begin, take a quick inventory of your trash can situation. Trust us, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
12. Tablecloths and Plates
When it comes to undertaking backyard party planning, you want everything to look perfect. From the decorations to the food, every detail matters. One simple and effective way to pull everything together is by making sure your tablecloths and plates match the theme. Whether you’re going for a beach vibe or a rustic feel, using coordinating tableware makes a big difference. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and colours, as long as they complement each other. Your guests will appreciate the effort you put into creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere for your party.
13. Decorations
Let’s talk about the perfect way to finish off your party and create a fun atmosphere. The decoration is key! Hanging colourful pom-poms, paper lanterns and streamers from trees or tent poles is a great way to add a pop of colour to your space. If you have the extra space, you can also lay out some rugs and cushions for people to lounge and relax. Trust me, the right decorations can completely transform the mood of your party and leave your guests feeling totally relaxed and happy. So, let’s get creative and make your party one to remember!
Host the Best Outdoor Party: Your Ultimate Guide to Backyard Party Planning
Throwing an outdoor party is an excellent way to enjoy the summer weather and spend quality time with family and friends. With the right essentials, you can make the event a memorable one. A wireless speaker, yard games, pre-mixed cocktails in a jar, fairy lights, a fire pit, and easy share plates are some of the key items to check off in your backyard party planning. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself and have fun!
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