As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, summer invites us to gather together, bask in the warmth, and create fond memories with friends and family. There’s something magical about this time of year that begs for outdoor parties, where laughter fills the air and a lighthearted feeling of joy surrounds us.

In this blog, we’ll share expert tips and creative ideas to help you plan a gathering that captures the essence of summer and leaves a lasting impression on your guests. From themed décor to mouthwatering menus and entertaining activities, we’ve got you covered.

1. Choose a theme

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Selecting a theme for your summer backyard party is the first step towards creating an unforgettable experience. Not only does it infuse your gathering with excitement and anticipation, but it also serves as a helpful guide for party planning.

Choose a fun theme, such as tropical luau, retro 80s bash, Wines Around the World, casual campfire, or a classy garden soiree, to set the tone of your party. From selecting decorations and décor to planning the menu and activities, your theme acts as a cohesive thread that ties everything together.

2. Keep your guests comfortable

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Ensuring the comfort of your guests, especially in the summer heat, is essential when planning your summer gathering. Providing plenty of shade elements, such as umbrellas, canopies, or strategically placed tents, helps protect guests from the sun’s intensity, allowing them to enjoy the fun without overheating. If you want a long-term solution, install an outdoor ceiling fan or misters on your patio cover to help get relief from the heat.

As the sun begins to set and temperatures cool, consider incorporating cozy elements like blankets and outdoor heaters to keep your space comfortable. Ward off those pesky bugs that seem to always appear at sunset with citronella candles, torches, or natural insect repellents.

Make sure your guests can not only sit comfortably but can also easily balance their plates and drinks. Decide if you’re going to be eating at a table, gathered around the barbecue, or seated on some lawn chairs. If you’re short on seats, spread blankets or some outdoor area rugs under some shade for a fun picnic vibe.

3. Set the mood with lighting and music

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Music is the backbone of a great party and is essential in creating the right vibe for your gathering. Plan your soundtrack in advance with songs you know your guests will enjoy, or get them involved by asking for recommendations you can include on your playlist.

The sun setting doesn’t have to mean the party is over. Create a relaxed and inviting ambiance by strategically placing string lights, lanterns, or fairy lights to cast a warm and inviting glow. Incorporate functional lighting, such as a statement fixture over your outdoor dining table and lights along your pathways, so your guests can move safely throughout your space.

Candles are another great way to add lighting. Plan for uninvited guests like mosquitos by using citronella candles to keep them away or place some in hurricane lanterns so they stay lit even if it becomes breezy. If it starts to get chilly after the sun goes down, a fire pit is a great way to add light and a space for everyone to gather around. The ambiance and warmth are an inviting focal point for guests.

4. Plan the menu

One of the best parts about summer is the food and it can play a vital role in creating a memorable experience. From tasty appetizers to indulgent desserts, there’s a great variety of summer recipes that are sure to make your guests drool. Just be sure to plan a menu suitable for everyone – ask about any dietary restrictions or food allergies so your guests feel included and comfortable.

Simple and tasty options are always great. Fresh seasonal fruits and veggies are easy, colorful, and provide healthy choices for everyone. Add in some grilled kebabs, salads, plenty of cold drinks, and you’re ready to party.

Once the heat of the day has subsided, an ice cream bar where your guests can make their own sundaes brings another level of fun. Offer different flavors of ice cream and a variety of popular toppings, such as sprinkles, hot fudge, cherries, candy, and more.

Prep as much as you can beforehand – marinade meat, chop veggies, prepare a casserole to pop in the oven – whatever you can do ahead of time to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests. If you’re going to be grilling and don’t have a built-in barbecue with a gas supply line, double–check your propane. Nothing stalls a party like an empty tank.

Have some pre-made drinks so your guests can easily serve themselves and take you off refill duty. Try something fun like a lemonade bar with fruit, fresh herbs, and flavored syrup so guests can customize their drinks. Just be sure to keep the ice in a separate cooler so it doesn’t dilute the beverage. For beer and wine, elevate the standard plastic cooler by using a galvanized metal bucket with an attached bottle opener for convenience.

5. Make it fun

One of the best ways to keep your guests engaged and entertained is to have an activity (or a few) everyone can enjoy. Lawn games like cornhole, giant connect four, ladder ball, and giant Jenga are a great way to spark some friendly competition and camaraderie.

For the little ones, organize a spirited water balloon fight that promises lots of laughter and fun in the sun. Set up a coloring station by pulling out some chalk or covering a table with butcher paper and crayons so they can draw until their hearts are content. The fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down; stock up on flashlights for a game of nighttime tag while the parents relax and savor the evening.

For a cozy experience, transform your backyard into a mini movie theater with an inflatable screen and projector. Choose a movie all of your guests will enjoy, and provide blankets, seating, and a variety of snacks to complete your cinematic experience under the stars.

Encourage guests to capture the magic of the day by creating a unique hashtag or shared photo album where you can upload their favorite photos. You can share moments someone else may have missed and have a fun keepsake you can look back on in the future.

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The key to an unforgettable summer gathering is having fun! Plan ahead and keep it simple so you can enjoy the day as much as your guests. When you’re ready to find the perfect home for hosting the best outdoor party on the block, Brookfield Residential is ready to help. We’ll be expecting you!