Outdoor parties are a wonderful way to bring together your friends and family all year long. Yet it can be difficult to come up with themes outside of major holidays. Here are just 4 fun outdoor party ideas to keep your patio hopping on even the most mundane weekend.
Prohibition
Who doesn’t love gangsters, gun molls, and speakeasies? A prohibition party could be just the thing to liven up a long summer night. Choose muted red lighting and a wooden (or faux wood) bar. Serve a full menu of classic cocktails, and don’t forget to play the hit songs of the 1920s. Clear out some space for dancing, in case your guests want to try their hand at the Charleston or the tango. Ask your guests to show up in costume, give everyone a mob-sounding nickname, and create a secret password.
Saturday Night at the Diner
An easy way to throw a casual but super hip party, Saturday night at the diner can warm up even the coldest winter night. Bring in colorful diner booths and bright neon lights, and serve up a menu of upscale burgers with homemade fries and a hearty salad. Ask your guests to wear poodle skirts or jeans, and play the danceable hits of the 1950s.
Dessert Party
Dessert parties are incredibly popular, but many people serve an onslaught of heavy, rich desserts that leave their guests feeling nauseous rather than decadent. Take your dessert party to the next level by balancing the choices. Cut a rich chocolate dessert with floral notes, or pair a dense cake with a light fruit pastry. Divide everything into bite-sized samples rather than serving big slices.
Dessert parties can be formal or casual, subdued or high energy. Decide what ambience you want, and design your lighting and music choices to match.
Hoedown
If you have the blessing of space, it’s tough to beat a good old-fashioned hoedown. Decorations can run the gamut from tractors and long tables with benches to hay bales and lanterns. BBQ is the most natural food option for a hoedown, so this is an excellent time to show off your skills on the grill. Ask your guests to dress casually, and to wear cowboy boots if they happen to own them. Play country hits, and encourage line dancing and square dancing.
If you have even more room, try adding in a few Old West elements. Set up a photo booth with old-fashioned costumes. Create a jail set where guests can take turns “locking” each other in, or set up a ring toss on a cactus.
Outdoor parties are a lot of fun all year long, but it can be tough to figure out creative ideas. Use the suggestions above as a jumping-off point, and let your imagination shine.
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