Organizing the perfect backyard dinner party isn’t difficult at all. You just need to know what you need to set in place. Luckily, we’re going to help you out with that. So, keep on reading.
1. Pick a theme
If you’re planning on throwing a backyard dinner party for at least 10 people, we suggest choosing a theme. Think about composing a moodboard on Pinterest or real-life, because this will help you visualize your party theme. Wish you were in Mexico during your backyard dinner party? Throw a Mexican party with a piñata and bright colors. You can also go for soft colors such as white, beige and sand. But, you can also pick a theme that’s very crazy. What about ‘Christmas in the summer’, wear a Christmas dress (Dutch: kerstjurk) and put down a Christmas tree. Do you know about the dutch carnival season, where everyone dresses up as a character of their choice with carnival costumes (Dutch: carnavalskleding). Whatever you pick, it’s up to you.
2. Send your invites
Even if it’s just an informal backyard dinner party, sending invites is always a nice idea. These can be sent through actual cards, email or just a simple text message. You can use Canva to create a beautiful invitation to send to your guests. In that invitation you should be specific about the date, location, time of arrival. Also request an RSVP (répondez, s’il vous plaît) so you know exactly who’s coming.
3. Beautify your area
Did you pick a place in the backyard where the party can be held? Then you can think about what kinds of decorations you can use. Bring out the balloons, pom poms and paper lanterns to amplify your theme. Our tip is: don’t hold back on ambiance lighting. Because when the sun goes down, there is a whole other vibe to your party. Your backyard will look like a twinkly paradise once you have installed lanterns, loads of candles and string lights.
4. Make sure your guests are comfortable
Your guests being comfortable should be your top priority. Whether there is a heatwave going on or it’s pouring down with rain. You should provide your party with the right shelter. Of course you want to have sunscreen laying around in case of hot weather. Also think about shaded areas of umbrellas, party tents or big trees with fans for daytime and heating lamps for night time. And if it’s really hot, make sure you have some citronella candles and bug spray on the tables for all the insects. Also make sure you have plenty of different seating arrangements. A bench over here, a table with chairs over there. Even create some chill spots on the grass for people to lie on.
5. Serve a seasonal meal
Serving a seasonal menu will be a big hit for your backyard dinner party. Whether a chef is coming to make it for you, a catering company delivers it or you make it yourself. There are different types of ways you can implement seasonal food. For example, you can start with a cocktail with seasonal fruit ingredients. But you have to know that food doesn’t have to be that expensive. It’s all about the things you want. Do you want to serve a five-course menu or just want small bites during the night? And do you want to throw a barbecue, buffet or even a tea party? These are all points you need to take into consideration.
6. Think of fun backyard games
A backyard dinner party isn’t complete without a lot of fun backyard games. Think about some lawn games such as criquet or jeu de boule. And when the night starts to evolve and everyone gets a little bit tipsy, get a limbo stick and show how low you can go. You can also consider renting games in the xxl version such as giant Jenga or Twister.
7. Play some music
Disclaimer: If you have close neighbors, don’t put the music too loud. You don’t want to have a feud going on because of a party. And if you don’t have close neighbors, turn it up and have fun.
Playing music is a great way to get the atmosphere in the right direction. Maybe you can hire a DJ or make a Spotify playlist in which every single attendee can add numbers to it. That way, everyone can have fun with their own songs.
Are you ready for your summer party? Follow these backyard design ideas and easy steps to hosting a backyard dinner party and we’re sure you will have an amazing time.
