Whether it’s a birthday party, pool party or other backyard event, planning an outdoor party requires both planning and flexibility. While every backyard party is different, there are some key things you can focus on to make the experience fun and memorable.
From music to food to comfortable seating, here are some of the most important elements of planning an outdoor party:
Building a party playlist can seem daunting, especially when you want to provide music spanning multiple generations and musical styles. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choices, opt for an online radio or playlist service to set the perfect mood for your party. You can browse hundreds of genres and themes to find the best fit.
Don’t forget to have proper sound equipment as well. For outdoor parties, portable Bluetooth speakers are extremely convenient. You can connect your smartphone and play DJ from anywhere at the party.
Planning a dinner menu outdoors does not require more time or effort than for an indoor party. To make sure everybody’s included, offer an array of buffet items including vegetarian, vegan and other dietary options.
A simple solution would be having a potluck, as it gives your guests the chance to share their favorite dishes.
Make sure to provide plenty of beverage choices. If you’re serving alcoholic beverages, have fun non-alcoholic alternatives as well. A “BYOB” setup can be perfect for an outdoor party, as it allows everyone to bring their favorite beverage.
Setting up a DIY mocktail station adds fun and flair to your party. Include a variety of juices, mixers and fresh ingredients like fresh fruit. Serving beverages - even water - in festive glasses will also keep the party feeling cohesive.
Consider your guests and their preferences when choosing activities for your party. Some may enjoy quiet conversations with friends, while others might prefer playing lawn games. To keep everybody happy, set up a designated space for relaxing in comfortable outdoor furniture separate from the center of the action.
While it’s tempting to orchestrate every aspect of your party, sometimes it works best to allow your guests the freedom to choose their own activities. While some planning is always recommended, keep an open mind - a great host will help adapt the party to the needs of the group.
One of the first things you will notice about Cindy Cassuto of Corcoran Legends Realty, a 24-year seasoned REALTOR®, is that she is soft-spoken, but don’t let that fool you. When Cindy is representing her clients, regardless of whether they are buying or selling a home, she is anything but a pushover. Her slogan is CINDY SELLS HOMES and she works extremely hard to be the best in the business. Her message to her clients is that if you’re successful, I’m successful…which is evidenced by the fact that she is truly at the top of her game.