Expert Explanations: How to Throw a Great Outdoor Party

Outdoor entertaining does not have to be stressful. Sure, we cannot control the weather. But we can make plans that include in case of rain scenarios. But it's more than just the weather we should be considering. Here are some tips that will help make an outdoor gathering a success.

Setting up the Party

• Rearrange seating in vignettes of four to six, six to eight, and eight to ten. This will give guests a comfortable place to relax, mingle and meet new people.
  
• At a hardwood store, purchase cut tree trunks and use them as end tables.
• Set out candles or torches. These are great for when it gets dark and have an extra punch if they are the kind to keep mosquitoes at bay.
• Consider the wind. Weigh down paper plates and tablecloths.
• Need extra seating? Throw a cushion on your garden storage bench or other functional pieces.
  

• Always remember to have plenty of sunscreen at your party. 
• Also make sure that there is plenty of water at your party, so none of your guests get dehydrated. You can put water bottles in big ice buckets, so guests can grab them whenever they want.
• Keep an eye on your food to be sure it does not spoil.
• Have a couple throw blankets on hand in case the temperature drops as the night wears on.
• Cover the food to keep insects out - you can try this idea, which is to invert a flower pot on top of the food.
  

• Thank everyone for coming.
  
• Send guests home with gift bags with summer staples - a bottle or sunscreen, flip flops and a beach towel or Popsicle molds and a recipe.
• Ask guests to give you tips for the next party. Ask them what they liked and what they thought would be a nice addition.
• Make sure any trash from the party, especially food or drink trash, goes in a garbage can with a lid.
• Bring in any indoor furniture you may have used (a cot as a settee for example), so that they are not ruined by overnight weather.