Whether for outdoor weddings or informal backyard barbecues, residential lawn and garden areas are great places to host social events. If you're planning to invite guests to spend time in your yard it's important to get everything ready so your event goes off without a hitch. Here are some tips to help make sure your big yard party is an overwhelming success.
Send Detailed Invitations
One of the best ways to generate excitement about your upcoming backyard bash is by sending your friends and family eye-catching invitations. This can be done by mail or online through e-mail or social media. Make sure to write down your contact information as well as a reminder to RSVP by a certain date. That way you can be sure to plan for the right amount of people. Include specific details about the time, location, and dress expectations for your gathering. You can also let people know what type of food and beverages you'll be serving and what sorts of outdoor games or activities you have planned.
Take Care of Seating Arrangements and Lighting
Once you have a general idea of how many people will be attending your party you can work on making the area comfortable and inviting for your guests. If you don't own enough lawn chairs for everyone to have a comfortable seat, consider borrowing or renting some. It's always a good rule of thumb to have more than enough seating in case someone shows up who forgot to RSVP. If you're planning a party that will be in the evening or night time make sure to provide enough lighting. You can incorporate creative lighting options such as Chinese lanterns, tiki lights, candles, and strands of holiday lights into your decor. Some evening before the event go outside and try out your lighting to make sure it will be adequate.
Prepare Your Yard
Though your yard doesn't need to look perfect, your guests will appreciate spending time in a well-kept yard. Mowing, weed-eating, and edging are highly recommended. If you don't already have flower beds or a garden you may want to add some potted plants and flowers to the patio as an elegant accent. Feel free to decorate simply or elaborately based on the nature of the occasion. Check your walkways and driveways for signs it's time to repair them and address any potential problems. The last thing you want is your guests to trip and hurt themselves.
Designate a Kid's Area
Set aside an area in your yard that can be dedicated to entertaining children. You can use rope or low fence to set a perimeter then provide them with games to play like laser tag or archery tag. If your yard is small, let the kids use trees and shrubbery as obstacles in their games while the adults relax on the deck or open kitchen. Make sure that the yard tools are put away and safety precautions are taken so that everyone can enjoy a good time."
Eliminate Pests
One of the worst disasters at an outdoor party is an invasion of mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other common insects. Several lines of defense can guard against these unwelcome guests. Strategically place citronella candles throughout the yard. Get rid of standing water where pests typically breed. You may even want to schedule pest control services shortly before the event. Professional service providers can figure out the right amount of safe, effective pest control products to use on your lawn.
Arrange Catering and Drinks
What's a party without food? You can either make everything yourself and brush up your Pinterest hors d'ouerve skills, or have someone else take care of it. Generally speaking the DIY route is more practical for small gatherings and catering works well for larger gatherings. Depending on the attendees and the nature of the occasion, you will also need to decide on whether you want to provide drinks or an open bar.
The great outdoors is a wonderful location to gather with friends and family. Your next lawn and garden party can be a smash hit when you take the time to properly plan and prepare.
No party is complete without adorable custom candy wrappers and labels. Get started today!
Sources: