Now that you have your yard and patio all set up and looking the way you like let’s talk about having some summer fun!  If you missed them here are the links to my recent Outdoor Oasis posts:  5 Steps to a Backyard Oasis and Backyard Oasis Continued – Create a Water Feature. Â
5 Tips for your outdoor get together:
1. Choose the perfect music playlist.
Fun and relaxing music can make a difference at an outdoor party and should not be too loud and generally enjoyable for everyone to listen to. The recommendation is to have a playlist of five hours of music prepared. Or you could use a music service such as Pandora, you pick a genre and let it do all the work. Or Spotify and select the music you want for a 5-hour playlist.
2. Plan games for everyone.
Make the party fun for everyone! Will there be children at the party? Have age-appropriate things for them to play with such as bubbles, beach balls and sidewalk chalk to give the parents a break. Kids are not the only ones that like games! Pull out the old fashioned classic games such as badminton, croquet, volleyball, bocce, lawn bowling, and horse shoes. In your invitation be sure to inform the attendees to dress casually for outdoor games and fun so everyone is prepared to join in!
3. Create a drinking area separate from the food area.
If you plan to serve alcohol at the party, have the adult drinks and ice separate from the kids drinks and ice. Set up a beverage cart such as this beautiful one from Wayfair. Or you could use a folding card table draped with a lovely tablecloth to match your party theme. Another idea is to set up drink dispensers with water and lemon slices, ice tea, or lemonade and label them. Here are some beautiful online options that you can check out in anticipation of your next party: Pottery Barn, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Target.
4. Keep the bugs away!
There are some things you can do to help keep the bugs away in order to keep your guests comfortable and happy during the summer entertaining season. Here are some tips from Real Simple: Get rid of standing water as this is where mosquitoes breed. A week before the party, empty any place around your yard that has collected water. Plug in fans as mosquitoes won’t be able to fight the wind (also a good way to keep unwanted bugs from food.) Have bug repellent options available, spray and wipes. Keep in mind products that contain DEET, though effective are not safe near children’s hands and mouths, consider Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes from Avon. If you have a real problem consider other repellent ideas by clicking here.
5.Seat your guests properly.
Generally you will find people congregate together who they know best. Mix it up and don’t put couples together, or best friends, you will find that placing different combinations of people together can create a fun and memorable party!
I love the warm weather and all of fun associated with summer parties! If you need any help with your indoor or outdoor redesign projects, email or call Debbie at 610-955-8202 for a consultation!
Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz. Feature photo licensed from iStockphoto.