When you have something to celebrate, it’s time to throw a party! Parties provide social connection, laughter, and memories, all of which improve your overall well-being. In fact, you don’t even need a reason to host a party. Just wanting to have fun with loved ones is a good enough reason for a backyard party. In life, we all have to learn it’s okay to celebrate for the sake of celebrating. No one needs a reason to throw an event, a gathering, or a simple family get-together!
How to throw a memorable backyard party
Once you’ve decided to enjoy a celebration, you need to plan! So, as you plan your party, you must choose the location. While a common choice is indoors, whether in a home, restaurant, or another establishment, why not have yours right in your own backyard? Your yard does not have to be fancy to make the event memorable. All you need is the right preparation for the backyard party.
Pick the Theme
First, decide the focus of the event. Are you honoring someone’s birthday, anniversary, or graduation? Is the party in observance of a certain holiday? Or is the gathering just for fun? Once you have the purpose in mind, it can be easier to pick a theme and tone:
- Picnic or BBQ
- Campfire
- Game night
- Murder mystery
- Dance
- Costumes
- Mix and mingle
- Family friendly or adults only
- Cocktail or casual dress
An easy one that works for most backyard celebrations is a pool party. For example, pool construction is so popular because pools are versatile. Even if you decide not to throw a swim party, your pool can still serve as a focal point for the decor, whether you have your guests eat or lounge at the poolside or you use the sparkling water to float decorations.
Prepare the Yard
With your backyard as the party venue, you need to ensure it looks its best. Mow the lawn, cut low tree branches, and weed the garden. Sweep the patio, get rid of pests, and put away toys and tools.
Once the space is ready, figure out the layout. The top priority for a backyard party is making sure there is enough seating for all the guests. No one wants to stand for hours, especially if trying to eat or wearing heels. Folding or camping chairs are not the only option. You can also go with lounge chairs, ottomans, stools, patio furniture, dining chairs, or even picnic blankets. You may want to consider renting chairs if you do not own enough. In sunny weather, make sure you have large umbrellas and other sources of shade for guests to sit under. For cooler weather, consider placing patio heaters throughout the yard.
Finally, decorate the yard according to your theme. Have fun with lighting, especially if the party will last past sunset. For example, you can stick mini LED lights inside helium balloons for a sophisticated take on a familiar party supply.
Provide Entertainment
As easy as it is to letting people eat and talk, it doesn’t make for a memorable party. Background music can help set the ambiance and even encourage some dancing. Just be careful where you place speakers to avoid it blasting in people’s ears. It may be better to use multiple speakers spread around the yard or to position the speaker toward the house for better amplification without hurting anyone’s hearing. Also, watch the noise level to avoid pesky neighbors calling the police.
No matter what type of party you host, games are always a great choice because they break the ice and get people involved and having a good time. Take into account your guests’ personalities and preferences to decide which games would be hits.
Are your guests kids at heart? Try surprising them with a pinata. Few people grow too old to enjoy hitting it and getting candy! Are your friends more of the conversational type? Put interesting conversation starters in bowls or jars on the table. Do you have singers in your social circle? Get out the karaoke. Another easy way to entertain your friends is by offering a photo booth with silly props or a classy backdrop.
With a vision in mind and the enthusiasm to carry it out, you can make a lasting impression through a backyard party. A bonus is that the venue is so versatile that every party you throw will feel different and original.
About the Writer: Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health and fitness. She also developed a passion for traveling during her college years. Today she spends most of her time writing about the things she loves.
