Your Spring and Summer Party Checklist
12 ways to get your patio ready for warm-season fun
Warmer evenings are quickly approaching — it’s time to take the party outside! Having a plan before the season goes into high gear will help ease stress and allow you to enjoy your time spent with friends or family. There’s nothing worse before a party than running around with a long list of last-minute to-dos when your guests begin to arrive. If you’re ready to go once the rays begin to shine a little warmer, it will be easier to pull off even a last-minute shindig. Some ideas to get you started:
Comfy pillows. Pillows provide a colorful backdrop and go a long way when it comes to improving comfort. Many outdoor furniture pieces are made of wood or metal, which tend to be less than cozy without the help of something soft. A few pillows scattered around allow each guest can get cozy while they chat and sip their vodka lemonades.
Outdoor utensils. A large set of reusable plastic cups and plates will make a host's life much easier. Not only will they save you from the "please don't break, please don't break!" stress, but it also allows you to serve cocktails and grilled entrees on colorful, durable pieces rather than on disposable styrofoam that will quickly fill the trash.
A collection of lanterns. Lanterns are just as useful as they are magical, and they are easier than installing outdoor lighting. From tabletops to pathways, these functional pieces can move around with the party.
A nice grill. Food on the grill basically defines a summer party, so having a decent place to barbecue is a must. Pick one up before stores run out of the cool ones.
Yard games. While you may want to leave the lawn darts in the garage, everything else is fair game. Bean Bag and Washer Toss have seemed to be quite popular lately, but it may be nice to mix it up with some badminton or bocce ball. It's easy to keep guests entertained when there are multiple games set up throughout the yard.
Attract backyard birds. For the people who aren't deep in a tie-breaking badminton match, it's fun to watch the various birds come and go.
Tip: A pair of binoculars and a simple bird watching book would make for a fun activity for those who are interested. Keep a set out on a table for quick observation.
Tip: A pair of binoculars and a simple bird watching book would make for a fun activity for those who are interested. Keep a set out on a table for quick observation.
A soft rug. Say goodbye to blistering hot decks and slivers — large outdoor rugs offer a bit of color and also provide comfort for your feet.
Outdoor movies. If there's one thing that will make one party cooler than the rest, it's an outdoor movie. Your setup can be as grand as this, or as simple as a projector, a white sheet and a good flick. In either case, popcorn is a must.
A cozy fire pit. There are always great stories to be had around a campfire and it's fun to sit under the stars into the wee hours of the night. People are especially willing to migrate toward a fire when the temperature starts to dip!
A deep stack of firewood. Being able to pull from a seemingly endless pile of firewood makes it easy to build a fire on a whim, and your guests will be more likely to participate in fire keeping tasks when they aren't afraid of using the last piece.
A patio heater . If you don’t have a fire pit, then a patio heater is the next best thing. Keep friends warm while they mingle and you won’t have to raid your closet for community sweaters!
How to you want to entertain outdoors this year?
Next: Browse photos of outdoor dining spaces
How to you want to entertain outdoors this year?
Next: Browse photos of outdoor dining spaces
Tip: Ugly metal folding chairs will look great with a fresh coat of spray paint and they can remain folded until needed!