3 Outdoor Party Ideas
Enjoy the warmer days of spring by getting outside! Check out these outdoor entertaining tips and ideas from a trio of bloggers.
Photo: Cherish Everyday
1
Patio Dinner Party
Celebrate the start of warmer days and nights by hosting a dinner party for friends, family, and neighbors.Set the scene with hanging Edison-bulb lights, lanterns filled with flickering candles, and seasonal decorations. Keep reading to learn more about this stylish outdoor party!
It's All in the Details
Use a blank brick fence as a decorating opportunity. This rustic shelf—which only gets more rustic with exposure to the elements—is the perfect spot to display a cute chalkboard quote. Your guests will notice (and appreciate) that you went the extra mile to create a beautiful setting for them.
If a potting bench or folding table is serving as the bar, cover it with a runner or tablecloth that matches your theme.
Photo: Cherish Everyday
Tip! Just because you're dining outdoors doesn't mean you have to leave indoor luxuries behind. Cloth napkins and a well-set table create the right ambiance.
Photo: Cherish Everyday
Consider the Menu
1) Serve crowd-pleasing dishes, like steak, green beans, and potatoes, to ensure the meal goes smoothly.
2) Use seasonal ingredients for a thoughtful touch.
3. Jazz up easy-to-make sides and appetizers with yummy additions, like figs, bacon, and goat cheese.
MaryAnn Perry writes at Cherish Everyday, a blog about celebrating and finding meaning in life's ordinary moments. She blogs about the joys and challenges of balancing her responsibilities as mother,wife, and friend.
2
Backyard Food Truck Stop
If you have space (in your budget and in your driveway!), catering the party with a food truck is a laid-back way to ensure you have fun, too. This waffle truck kept guests happy all night.
If you prefer cooking for your friends and family, set up a buffet where they can help themselves. That way they can taste your delicious cooking, but you don't have to make dishes to order.
Photo: Armelle Blog
Black and White with Pops of Color
This color theme was successful because it was carried throughout the party on the furniture, treats, and even on the guests (who were asked to wear black or white).
A budget-friendly way to stay on-theme is to dress up your existing patio furniture with pillows, blankets, and tablecloths.
Tip! Even if the gathering is in your backyard, start the party at the front door with themed decorations
Remember Party Games
While lively conversation and dinner are usually enough, if you're hosting a large party, go above and beyond to provide your guests with entertainment.
Croquet, bocce ball, and bean bag toss are all easy-to-play outdoor games that party guests of all ages can enjoy.
Photo: Armelle Blog
Caroline is the author of Armelle Blog, where she has been blogging for the past 7 1/2 years. Her favorite things to blog about are recipes, DIY tutorials, home decor, parties, fashion, and travel.
3
Mexican-Themed Fiesta
Warm weather and Mexico are synonymous, so why not import a little south-of-the-border flair into your next party?
Touches of citrus hues (orange and lime) help establish the theme, while the fare and refreshments complete this party concept.
Photo: Marionberry Style
Use Flowers Unexpectedly
Fresh flowers always add a special touch to parties, but you don't have to break the bank on oversized (and expensive) arrangements for every table.
Include flowers in centerpieces in out-of-the-box ways! For example, use votives as mini vases or fill out a fruit display with petite blooms.
Tip! Set the mood after sunset with lots of votive candles. It will give your party a romantic glow.
Make your own
Let guests make their own version of your party's signature drink. Provide guests with everything they need to make the beverage, including mixers, fresh fruit, and simple syrups.
Go a step further and make dinner a self-serve affair with a buffet setup. A taco bar with all the fixings is a fun way to bring the fiesta theme full circle.
Photo: Marionberry Style
Marionberry Style was founded by Marion Green in 2011. She is a former tomboy, event planner, and mom! Marionberry Style is a blog about fashion and finding your true, authentic voice as a modern woman.
