Set the Mood for a Summer Camp-Themed Party in Your Backyard
Bring back the fun of childhood summers with these 5 tips for getting your ‘glamp’ on at home
Summer often brings a wave of nostalgia for childhood activities, and summer camp — whether we went or not — most likely makes that list. While the shared bunk beds and mess hall dinners may not be worth revisiting, the games, evening campfires and conversations with friends — all in a rustic, picturesque setting — definitely are.
Returning to summer camp now probably isn’t realistic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring a taste of it home — even for a day. We checked in with Kelsey Sheofsky — founder of Shelter, which creates luxe camping experiences — for her tips on hosting a backyard camp-themed party with a touch of glam this summer.
Returning to summer camp now probably isn’t realistic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring a taste of it home — even for a day. We checked in with Kelsey Sheofsky — founder of Shelter, which creates luxe camping experiences — for her tips on hosting a backyard camp-themed party with a touch of glam this summer.
2. Remember the games and DIY crafts. We may not all do crafts or play games in our spare time, but there’s something about a camp theme that makes a DIY friendship bracelet or game of Jenga sound appealing. Guests of all ages will enjoy making something to commemorate the day. Sheofsky says it’s especially useful to have these activities on hand for a party that includes kids (so choose your crafts and games accordingly).
A tent or shade structure keeps the gear corralled and the participants out of the sun, and it reinforces the camp theme. Sheofsky suggests putting down blankets, floor cushions and beanbag chairs — perfect for lounging or when kids need a midafternoon nap.
A tent or shade structure keeps the gear corralled and the participants out of the sun, and it reinforces the camp theme. Sheofsky suggests putting down blankets, floor cushions and beanbag chairs — perfect for lounging or when kids need a midafternoon nap.
3. Transition smoothly from day to night. Some gatherings keep going late, and you want guests to stay comfortable and relaxed the whole time.
Remember to add shade if it’s a daytime event. A canopy or scattering of patio umbrellas can raise the style quotient while keeping everyone cool and comfortable outside. If bugs are a concern where you live, take proper precautions ahead of time and provide insect repellent for guests.
When the sun sets and temperatures start to cool down, lay out blankets. Turn on string lights or lanterns scattered throughout the yard.
Regardless of the time of day, make sure you have plenty of food and drinks, enough seating, trash and recycling bins — and a great playlist.
Learn how to hang backyard string lights | Browse string lights
Remember to add shade if it’s a daytime event. A canopy or scattering of patio umbrellas can raise the style quotient while keeping everyone cool and comfortable outside. If bugs are a concern where you live, take proper precautions ahead of time and provide insect repellent for guests.
When the sun sets and temperatures start to cool down, lay out blankets. Turn on string lights or lanterns scattered throughout the yard.
Regardless of the time of day, make sure you have plenty of food and drinks, enough seating, trash and recycling bins — and a great playlist.
Learn how to hang backyard string lights | Browse string lights
Photo by Nick Klein
4. Keep it festive with outdoor food and seasonal drinks. It’s a summer camp party, so don’t forget about the grill. “Try to keep the cooking mostly outdoors, so you won’t have to leave the party to go inside over and over again,” Sheofsky says. She suggests preparing cold dishes ahead of time that can sit outside on ice during the party. “I personally love a green bean and basil salad, elote corn [Mexican-style corn on the cob sprinkled with cheese and spices] and an epic cheese board to complement the proteins,” she says.
It wouldn’t be a party without the drinks. Set up a make-your-own cocktail bar with ice, favorite spirits and mixers, or set up a few pitchers of premade seasonal cocktails, making sure to include some nonalcoholic options. “Designate a few small stations around the space to give guests something new to discover as they move about,” Sheofsky says.
See how to assemble a delicious cheese platter
4. Keep it festive with outdoor food and seasonal drinks. It’s a summer camp party, so don’t forget about the grill. “Try to keep the cooking mostly outdoors, so you won’t have to leave the party to go inside over and over again,” Sheofsky says. She suggests preparing cold dishes ahead of time that can sit outside on ice during the party. “I personally love a green bean and basil salad, elote corn [Mexican-style corn on the cob sprinkled with cheese and spices] and an epic cheese board to complement the proteins,” she says.
It wouldn’t be a party without the drinks. Set up a make-your-own cocktail bar with ice, favorite spirits and mixers, or set up a few pitchers of premade seasonal cocktails, making sure to include some nonalcoholic options. “Designate a few small stations around the space to give guests something new to discover as they move about,” Sheofsky says.
See how to assemble a delicious cheese platter
5. In small spaces, don’t try to have it all. The idea of a camp probably conjures up images of sprawling woodlands or open fields, but camps also often feature secluded nooks and hidden clearings. Instead of squeezing too many features or activities into one area, they offer smaller and distinct but connected spaces.
This design move is a good one to keep in mind if your outdoor space is limited to a patio, balcony or small backyard. “Decide on one aspect to focus on, and make that the outdoor element,” Sheofsky says. Maybe you choose to set up the bar or food outside or to create an outdoor lounge and then stage everything else indoors. “Don’t try and cram too much into one small space,” she says.
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This design move is a good one to keep in mind if your outdoor space is limited to a patio, balcony or small backyard. “Decide on one aspect to focus on, and make that the outdoor element,” Sheofsky says. Maybe you choose to set up the bar or food outside or to create an outdoor lounge and then stage everything else indoors. “Don’t try and cram too much into one small space,” she says.
More
Modern Party Etiquette for Hosts and Guests
10 Reasons to Cook and Eat Outdoors This Summer
Sheofsky suggests incorporating outdoor furniture with pieces you might use indoors to elevate the design a little. “Mixing rattan couches with leather butterfly lounge chairs, surrounded by big plush floor cushions, is one of our favorites,” she says. Incorporate low tables, floor cushions and an outdoor blanket or rug to make these lounges double as dining areas (if you’re feeling in the mood for a floor party).