Love entertaining? The start of summer means you can bring your party planning genius outside! Your backyard is the ideal place to host a summer party. It’s comfortable, relaxed and you don’t have to worry about sticking to a time limit! If you love the idea of hosting backyard parties, but are stuck on exactly what to do, we’ve rounded up 6 backyard party ideas for this summer!
1. Picnic-Style
Picnic-style parties are one of the most charming soirées one can throw. They’re casual yet fancy, and are one of the coziest ways to eat a meal. Lay out a large blanket, create a low table with some crates, and place comfortable pillows at every plate setting so your guests have cozy seats. Place the food in the middle with some floral arrangements for a gorgeous picnic party no one will ever forget!
2. Hot Dog Stand
Hot dogs are a quintessential summer food, but take them up a notch with creative and unexpected toppings that are sure to please. Create 3 different dogs your guests can choose from, or let them get creative by mixing their own toppings. Some ideas for creative topping options: pickled carrots, peanut satay sauce, cilantro and chopped peanuts; caramelized onion, sauerkraut and sweet relish; and Napa cabbage with scallions.
3. Pre-Made Cocktail Bar
What’s a backyard party without some delicious cocktails (and mocktails)? Research or come up with a few delicious summer concoctions and place them in large mason jar drink dispensers out on your back porch. Make sure to have glasses and paper straws laid out so your guests can help themselves. Batch making the cocktails before your party is a huge time saver!
4. Backyard Serve-Yourself Potluck
Hosting a party can be extremely stressful, especially if you’re doing all the cooking! Take off some of the pressure by hosting a potluck and asking guests to bring their favourite summertime dish. Set up a serve-yourself station on your patio where guests can take food whenever they please. Make sure to coordinate with everyone to ensure there are enough appetizers, mains and desserts!
5. Set Up A S’mores Bar
No one ever grows out of loving s’mores, do they? Gather some sticks for marshmallows and put them in a cute display. Set up a s’mores bar with graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate so your guests can make themselves s’mores all through the night. If you really want to get creative, think up different s’mores recipes you can have your guests make. Ideas like candied bacon s’mores, salted caramel s’mores, and chocolate covered pretzel s’mores are sure to give you the title of host with the most! And don’t forget to have hand wipes- s’mores can get sticky!
6. Nighttime Soirée
If you’re going for a party that’s on the fancier side (say for a birthday, bridal shower or engagement party), consider hosting a nighttime soirée with elevated decor. Use overhead string lighting to create a cozy ambiance, set up a long harvest table with wood chairs and a table runner, and consider adding floral arrangements down the center of the table. Use pretty tableware and cutlery and ask everyone to dress to impress!
Whether you want to host a casual party or a fancy soirée, your backyard is the place to do it this summer! Take our ideas and run with them for backyard parties everyone on your guest list will love!