Backyard parties are supposed to be fun, but sometimes it can feel like you just ran a marathon by the time your guests leave.
From planning and inviting to hosting and cleanup, here are some simple ways to create an enjoyable backyard gathering that won’t leave you exhausted.
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1. Make Easy Meals
If you’re going to feed people, make the food easy. For instance, if you barbecue, assign a designated cook and make dishes that don’t require marinating or any real prep work.
If you have an outdoor kitchen with an island, grill up some chicken and make a self-serve taco bar. Delegating tasks and having people serve themselves in a buffet setup will go a long way to preserve your energy.
Some easy menu item ideas include:
- Beef or chicken kebabs
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Barbecue chicken
- Salmon skewers
- Stuffed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Salad
- Chips and dips
If you’re really pressed for time, consider buying veggie trays that come with dips and frozen appetizers.
2. Ask For Preferences Ahead Of Time
Sometimes parties require spending a lot of time and energy helping guests figure out what’s on the menu and what there is to drink.
It gets even more complicated when guests have allergies and food preferences. If you’ve thrown a lot of parties, you’ve probably had to take a last-minute trip to the store during your party to accommodate someone.
The best way to prevent this is to ask people to choose their meal ahead of time just like you would for a wedding.
This way, you’ll know exactly how much of each food to buy to take care of everyone and they won’t have to ask what there is to eat.
When the day of your party arrives, you won’t have to worry about accommodating preferences or running out of the most popular meal.
3. Choose Easy Decorations
Unless you live for decorating, you don’t need to spend hours decorating for your parties. A few thoughtful touches can go a long way.
The simplest decorations can look amazing, like string lights draped across trees and fences, and solar lights to line walkways. A few simple vases of flowers will make beautiful centerpieces for your table.
4. Create Comfortable Seating
People are more likely to sit down and stay put for a while when the seating is comfortable. When people find a cozy place to sit and chill, they’re less needy.
Put out your most comfortable chairs, even if they don’t match. Add some big blankets, a bean bag chair, and oversized pillows for added comfort.
5. Use Natural Bug Rrepellent
It’s going to be stressful if you and your guests have to fend off wasps, bees, mosquitoes, or other insects.
Plan to keep the bugs away with citronella candles and herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes, like lavender, mint, and rosemary. Although that should do the trick, keep some bug spray on hand just in case.
6. Provide Fun Entertainment
Great entertainment makes parties less stressful. You don’t need a full day’s lineup of activities, but you should have a few options available.
For example, simple yard games like cornhole, bocce ball, giant Jenga, and ring toss are low-effort favorites.
If you’re inviting people who lean toward the intellectual side, put out some board games, a deck of cards, and some books for people who just want to relax.
7. Play Good Music
Music can set the mood for your party, but only if everyone likes what you play. Choose something upbeat, but relaxed, while mixing classics with newer hits to keep the vibe alive.
Depending on the source of music, you might need Bluetooth speakers or a portable surround sound system.
8. Plan For the Weather
Nothing feels more stressful than being hit by rain in the middle of a barbecue. Make sure you look at the weather forecast to see if there’s a chance of rain, and even if there isn’t, have a backup plan anyway.
If the weather turns bad, having a plan to provide cover from the rain will save the day. A simple pop-up canopy is an ideal solution to keep on hand.
9. Get Big Garbage Cans
Cleaning up after a party often takes more time and energy than preparing the food. The best way to handle cleanup duty is to manage the trash throughout the party.
Setting up large trash cans for guests will prevent your household cans from overflowing and creating bigger messes.
Make Your Next Backyard Party Easy And Fun
Throwing an effortless party in your backyard isn’t hard. Your guests are coming for fun and connection, so focus on simple food, fun entertainment, and easy décor, and you won’t have any trouble creating a memorable experience.
