5 Tips for a Stress-Free Outdoor Party

Whether your idea of an outdoor party is mimosas at brunch or beer by the pool, planning an outdoor get-together can be stressful. In addition to all of the tasks required when planning any party, you also have to contend with Mother Nature. Fortunately, following these 5 simple tips can help to ensure that your outdoor party is stress-free.

1. Clear Invitations

Outdoor parties run the gamut from casual to formal. Some include a full meal, others only appetizers. Some revolve around the swimming pool or water games, while others are held around a bonfire. Let your guests know what to expect by clearly stating the dress code, dining plans, and theme, along with the standard date, time, and location. Since it’s an outdoor party, also tell them what to expect if it rains.

2. Seating Plans

Unless it’s a super-formal event, you don’t need seating charts. But you do need to make sure everyone has a place to sit down. Some people drag out their dining room furniture. Some lay out blankets on the ground. Some even rent extra chairs. There is no right or wrong, as long as you make sure there are at least a few actual chairs for those who are elderly or disabled and can’t easily sit on the ground.

3. Mosquito Control

Nothing kills an outdoor party faster than a swarm of mosquitos. Citronella candles, bug repellent wipes, and a small fan can help to keep the bugs at bay. A few days before the party, make sure your backyard isn’t a breeding ground by getting rid of any standing water in flowerpots, kiddie pools, rain gutters, and the like.

4. Cooling and Heating Ideas

In most parts of the country, ideal outdoor party weather lasts for only a few months. But you can extend the season by thinking creatively about how to keep your guests cool or warm. In hot weather, try to avoid holding your party between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is the strongest. Plug in a few strategically placed fans or provide individual handheld fans. Wrap cheap washcloths in rubber bands and throw them in a bucket of ice water for guests to grab as desired. Provide plenty of ice-cold beverages, along with fruits and salads that have been kept cold.

In cold weather, consider hosting daytime outdoor parties to take advantage of the sun’s warmth. Serve warming beverages such as cider, coffee, and cocoa. Consider renting or buying a few patio heaters and placing them strategically around the site. Pull out inexpensive blankets for guests to wrap around themselves as needed.

5. Lighting and Music Design

Lighting and music are key elements for any party, but there are special considerations at an outdoor party. To maintain the ambience while making sure guests can see, string Christmas lights or larger globe lights overhead. Consider adding extra task lighting, such as lamps or flameless LED candles, in areas where it is especially important to see clearly, such as stairs and food prep areas.

For the music, try to use at least four speakers spread out around the area. This will let you cover the space with sound without blasting out those who are right next to a speaker. Unless you have a particular theme for the party, choose a playlist of classics that most guests will recognize with a few newer hits sprinkled in. Focusing on the most popular names from the 1960s through the 1990s, along with some of today’s best-known artists, ensures that everyone from grandparents to teens will hear something they like.

Planning an outdoor party can feel overwhelming, but following the tips above can help reduce the stress and let you concentrate on your guests. On the day of the party, take a deep breath, relax, and simply go with the flow.

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